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Let’s be real—most people land in Quepos because it’s right next to Manuel Antonio. But if you treat Quepos like just a stopover, you’re seriously missing out. This is a town with grit, flavor, jungle energy, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting. I’ve been, I wandered, and I ate too much fruit. I regretted nothing.
What to Do in Quepos, Costa Rica (Besides Just Passing Through)
If you’re headed to Manuel Antonio, chances are you’ll pass through Quepos. And honestly? You should stop. Stay a while. Let the heat sink in, grab a coconut from that guy with the cooler, and realize this town has its own rhythm—and it’s not trying to impress you.
It’s not polished. It’s not La Fortuna with yoga and smoothies. And it’s louder, sweatier, and somehow more real. And that’s exactly why I liked it.
So… is Quepos worth visiting?
Yes. But not because it’s trendy or pretty. Quepos is full of energy—locals heading to the market, fishermen cleaning their catch at sunrise, buses honking for no reason. It’s the kind of place where you hear reggaetón at 7am and see monkeys swinging over a soccer field.
It’s a base, sure, but it’s also a vibe. Especially if you slow down and look past the dusty sidewalks.
What’s actually fun to do in Quepos?
Start with the farmers market—Friday and Saturday mornings. Not a fancy one. Just stalls full of mangos, cheese, hot empanadas, and locals chatting in the shade. You’ll probably buy something you don’t need and eat it immediately.
Then head down to Marina Pez Vela. You don’t need a yacht to enjoy it. There are places to eat, places to drink, and a lot of “whoa, is that the sunset or a postcard?” kind of moments. If you’re into sport fishing, this is your launchpad. If not, just grab a beer and people-watch.
What if I want nature but fewer crowds?
You’re in luck. Everyone runs straight to Manuel Antonio (and don’t get me wrong, it’s great), but there’s more. Quepos is surrounded by jungle, rivers, and trails no influencer has geo-tagged yet.
You can kayak through Damas Island mangroves—super chill, full of birds, and occasionally, raccoons that swim. Not kidding. Or go hiking in Rainmaker Reserve, which feels like Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs. Slippery, green, quiet.
Want a little thrill? Book an ATV tour into the mountains. You’ll get muddy, wet, and probably a little bruised. 10/10 would do it again.
Is Quepos really a big deal for sport fishing?
Oh yes. And even if you’ve never held a fishing rod in your life, you’ll be tempted. This is one of the top places in the world to catch sailfish, marlin, and tuna the size of small humans.
You don’t need to be a pro. Most charters are beginner-friendly, and the crews are legends. Some even offer “cook your catch” options. Imagine ending your day with a plate of grilled mahi-mahi that you pulled out of the ocean. Doesn’t get more satisfying than that.
Can I enjoy Quepos without booking tours?
Totally. One of my favorite afternoons was just walking the malecón—the sea wall promenade—watching kids dive into the water and old guys argue about fútbol. I bought a plastic cup of fresh ceviche from a cooler and ate it standing up. Zero regrets.
You can wander into a soda (local diner), order a casado, and end up talking to someone about how many times the volcano in La Fortuna has erupted. (Answer: depends who you ask.)
When’s the best time to go?
If you want dry skies and lots of options: December to April. It’s the high season, but everything’s open and buzzing. If you’re okay with a little rain and smaller crowds: May to November. That’s when the jungle shows off, the sunsets get dramatic, and the locals have more time to chat.
Just know that in Quepos, weather is a suggestion. Bring a poncho and roll with it.
Any hidden gems you shouldn’t miss?
A few.
- Ceviche stands near the marina – look for a crowd and go for it.
- La Loma trail – a local jungle hike, no tickets or gates, just trees and toucans.
- Local bakery near the bus station – I don’t even know the name, but the pan de coco is ridiculous.
And hey—if hidden gems are your thing, grab our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.” It’s full of unpolished magic like this. No fluff.
Want help figuring out Quepos (and the rest of your trip)?
If you’re like me, you love a good adventure—but hate the part where you spend six hours Googling and still end up booking a tour that turns out to be… meh.
That’s why we built GoExploreWith.me. We test the tours. We know the guides, the side roads, and which places serve real coffee vs. sad hotel drip.
So if you’re heading to Quepos and want it to actually feel like Costa Rica—and not like a pre-packaged cruise stop—hit us up. Or sign up for the newsletter. We promise no spam. Just local tips, good stories, and the occasional monkey video.
