A small city on Costa Rica’s central pacific coast about two and a half hours from San Jose, Quepos is known for being the gate to Manuel Antonio National Park. With rich forest only about 4 and a half miles south of the city, the amount of outdoor activities awaiting you is limitless! Spend a day at Manuel Antonio, take a kayaking voyage down the river, explore the caves to the north, or even try your hand at horseback riding. Quepos is even a top destination for sport fishing! Catch marlin, sailfish, snapper, and much more in the mighty ocean off the shores of Quepos.
What are the Top Attractions to Visit in Quepos?
Manuel Antonio National Park
Recommended by locals and tourists, a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the best things to do in Quepos, Costa Rica. As Quepos is known as the gateway to Manuel Antonio, we couldn’t agree more and we can confidently say that it is the top attraction in Quepos. Perfect for all ages and abilities, you can choose from a selection of flat hiking trails, ziplines, and for the more experienced hikers, climbing Mount Chirripó- the highest peak in Costa Rica! Grab a local guide to show you all of the native flora and fauna, and see for yourself why this is the top attraction in Quepos, Costa Rica.
Marina Pez Vela
For a city specializing in sport fishing, there must be an impressive marina to match! Marina Pez Vela is one of the top attractions in Quepos. This enormous marina can dock up to 200 different vessels and is the meeting point for fishing trips, catamaran tours, paddle boat tours, and any tour associated with the ocean in Quepos. Even if you are not a fisherman at heart, this impressive circular marina is a site in itself and one of the best things to see and do in Quepos, Costa Rica. While you’re at the marina you must have a meal at Gabriella’s, where locals and tourists alike come to dine with a stunning view of the ocean.
Quepos Farmers Market
Maybe you’re taking a break from nature adventures and one of the things you would like to do in Quepos is explore the city. One of the best things to do in Quepos is to head down to the local farmers market, where you can meet a few locals and try some fresh Costa Rican fruit at a great price! Open every Friday and Saturdays until noon, you can see what this quaint market has to offer, we recommend trying every native fruit to Costa Rica, as those will be the most fresh and most unique. Take the rambutans, for example, a small red fruit with what looks like spiky hair growing on the outside. It may be strange at first, but it is one of the best things to try and do in Quepos, Costa Rica.
What are the Best Outdoor Activities in Quepos?
Manuel Antonio National Park
The best thing to do in Quepos Costa Rica is explore the neighboring Manuel Antonio National Park. The national park facilitates everything you would want to do while exploring the rainforest, while providing a safe haven for all of the native wildlife. Join a local guide and take the park’s guided tour where you will be trekking through the forest on easy access trails, spotting the native wildlife as you make your way through the forest. Once the tour is complete, you will be able to swim and relax on one of the beautiful beaches lined with lush jungle. Or, head over to the wildlife sanctuary, where you will be animals enclosed in cages. Taking an unconventional but more practical and humane approach, this wildlife sanctuary will have you walking through tunneled cages as the different monkeys (squirrel, whiteface, howler to name a few) and animals (including sloths, frogs, and birds) climb all around you, while staying in their natural habitat. And, if you’re more into thrill seeking activities, the park also provides adventure tours! You can zipline, skydive, and go white water rafting in this vast and expansive park. There are many things to do and much to see during your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the best things to do in Quepos Costa Rica!
Beaches of Quepos
Two of the best beaches in Quepos Costa Rica are Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla. These two beaches create the largest stretch of beach in Quepos. Playa Manuel Antonio is a crescent beach within the national park and Playa Espadilla is the largest stretch of beach that backs up to the national park. You can relax on the warm white sand and enjoy the waves lapping on the shore from the Pacific Ocean. Or, you arrange a day activity, such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and even jet skiing. The beaches in Quepos are as relaxing as they are fun, making them some of the best things to do in Quepos during your stay!
Things to do Near Quepos Costa Rica
Damas Caves
While there are plenty of activities to do in Quepos, there is also adventure waiting just outside the city and national parks. Damas Caves is one of the best things to do near Quepos Costa Rica, as it provides a unique cave experience the whole family will enjoy. About 20 km north of Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica these caves have not been set up to accommodate tourists as much as the other caves have. So, grab your flashlight and explore the stalactites and stalagmites while thousands of bats flutter in the high ceilings of the caves, as this is one of the best things to do near Quepos.
Nauyaca Waterfall
About 45 minutes south of Quepos you can visit a tranquil waterfall within one of the many tropical forests of Costa Rica. Nauyaca Waterfalls is the perfect place to seek out adventure in a more secluded area of the forest. Marvel at the 20 meter high, staggered falls that drop into a beautiful pool, where you can swim and thoroughly enjoy the surrounding nature. If you’re wanting to give your feet a rest, you can explore the forest a couple different ways. The most popular ways to reach the falls are the 4×4 tours and horseback riding tours, these unique ways to reach the waterfall are one of the best things to do near Quepos.