Travel guide · Quepos & Manuel Antonio
Quepos area guide: fish, explore and stay
Quepos is a working port town on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, a few minutes from the beaches and rainforest of Manuel Antonio. Here is how to get here, where to stay and how to build a fishing day into your trip.
In short
Quepos travel, quickly answered
Where is Quepos?
On the Central Pacific coast in the province of Puntarenas, next to Manuel Antonio National Park.
How do I get there?
About 3.5 hours by road from San José airport (SJO), or a short domestic flight to Quepos (XQP).
Stay in Quepos or Manuel Antonio?
Quepos is closest to the marina and better value; Manuel Antonio has ocean-view hotels near the park and beaches.
How many days do I need?
Three days is a good minimum: one to fish, one for the national park and one for a tour or the beach.
When should I go?
Any time. December to April is dry and sunny; May to November is greener, quieter and great for tuna and mahi-mahi.
Getting here
How to get to Quepos
- Rental car from San José
- About three and a half hours from Juan Santamaría airport (SJO) on the Pacific coast road, passing Jacó on the way. Easy driving and the most freedom once you are here.
- Private or shared shuttle
- Door-to-door shuttles run daily from San José and other tourist towns. A good option if you do not want to drive.
- Domestic flight to Quepos (XQP)
- Short flights land at Quepos La Managua airport, a few minutes from town and from Marina Pez Vela.
- Public bus
- Direct buses connect San José and Quepos several times a day. The cheapest way to arrive, though slower than a shuttle.
Where to stay
Quepos town or the Manuel Antonio hillside
Quepos town
Walking distance or a short ride to Marina Pez Vela, with local restaurants, sodas and shops. The practical choice for early departures and better value.
Best for: early charters, budget, local feel
Manuel Antonio hillside
Hotels with ocean views along the road between Quepos and the national park, close to the beaches and about 15 minutes from the marina.
Best for: views, beaches, the national park
Our partner stay: Hotel Tabulia Tree, a tree-top hotel a short drive from the marina.
Things to do
Things to do around Quepos besides fishing
01
Manuel Antonio National Park
Rainforest trails that end on white-sand beaches, with sloths, monkeys and toucans along the way. Go early and book entry tickets in advance.
02
Manuel Antonio beaches
Playa Espadilla, just outside the park, is the easy beach for swimming, surf lessons and sunsets.
03
Canyoning and waterfalls
Rappel down rainforest waterfalls with Quepo Canyoning, a short drive inland from Quepos.
04
ATV tours
Ride jungle trails and river crossings with ATV Fourtrax.
05
Catamaran cruise
Snorkel, dolphins and a Pacific sunset off Manuel Antonio with Sea Quest Catamaran.
06
A day on the water
Private offshore and inshore charters from Marina Pez Vela, from half a day to a full day.
View chartersSample plan
Three days in Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Day 1 · Arrive and settle in
Drive or fly in, check in, walk the marina and watch the sunset from Playa Espadilla.
Day 2 · Fishing charter
An early departure from Marina Pez Vela, offshore or inshore, then lunch at the marina.
Day 3 · Park and sunset cruise
Morning in Manuel Antonio National Park, afternoon catamaran cruise or a canyoning or ATV tour.
Good to know before you travel
- US dollars are widely accepted alongside Costa Rican colones, and cards work in most hotels and restaurants.
- Manuel Antonio National Park tickets are sold online in advance; check the opening days before you plan your visit.
- Pack light clothing, rain gear for the green season, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Taxis and local buses link Quepos, Manuel Antonio and the marina; a rental car gives you the most flexibility.
Good to know
Quepos travel questions
Marina Pez Vela · Quepos
Ready to head out?
Pick your dates and your charter. Offshore, inshore, or a little of both.