Quepos is a great town to visit on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast in the Puntarenas Province.
It’s most known for being home to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the country’s most visited and beautiful parks.
The park brings in over 500,000 visitors each year and is on most people’s itineraries when visiting this area of Costa Rica.
Depending on how you travel into the town of Quepos, the views are amazing.
You’ll have many opportunities to see the ocean from high up on the cliffside roads.
Quepos is a great place if you’re looking to stay somewhere in Costa Rica that offers many things to do, but it isn’t a huge city that you’ll get lost in.
This little town feels very authentic and true in nature, making it a great choice to add to your Costa Rica bucket list.
This town has numerous restaurants, bars, accommodations, beaches, a national park and offers many additional activities to visitors.
Besides that, it still feels like a small town, making it a quaint, relaxing place to stay.
You will have everything you need for a good time while enjoying much-needed tranquility, peace, and quiet.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Quepos, Costa Rica
The summer months in Quepos are from June to August, fall is from September to November, winter is from December to February, and spring is from March to May.
You can expect the temperature to be in the mid to high 80s in the summer months and low 70s in the winter months.
It can even get as cool as the high 60s during the winter at night, which is wicked cold for Costa Rica.
Some things to note about various months of the year include:
January has the longest days of the year
February is the driest month
October is the wettest month
The best time of year to visit Quepos, Costa Rica, depends on your interests.
If avoiding the rain is the most important thing to you, winter is the best time to visit, but this is when it will be the most crowded.
On the other hand, if warm weather is the most important factor, you should visit during the summer months and take advantage of fewer tourists.
Now for the most important part…
Best things to do in Quepos, Costa Rica
1. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country and for good reason.
It is home to a coastal rainforest that is thriving with wildlife.
Once inside the park, you can walk various well-groomed trails leading to the beach and numerous waterfalls.
After you reach the water, there is a lagoon with a large crescent-shaped beach just waiting for you.
This beach is private and only accessible by visitors to the park. So it is a nice escape if you are looking for a secluded beach.
Since it’s only available to park visitors, you don’t have to worry about it being overcrowded.
With cliffs on either side of the lagoon, it does feel like a beach made just for you.
Enjoy the strikingly turquoise blue water and this beach’s private, calm, serenity.
It’s a must-visit whether you plan to do some swimming or not.
The beach is an easy 30-minute walk from the entrance of the park.
If you’d like to spend the full day at the national park, you absolutely can.
Hike by morning and swim by afternoon, there is so much to see in the park.
If you don’t plan to visit the park but still want to enjoy the beach, there is a beach just outside of the national park that is a wonderful place to swim, but is not as private as the beach in the park.
As for wildlife, you can’t go to the park without spotting monkeys.
They’ll be all over the place, especially around the cafes where you can grab a bite to eat.
Be warned: monkeys may try to take your food out of your hands.
If you turn your head or walk away from your table for a second, your food will most likely be snatched up by watchful monkeys.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot a sloth.
Just keep looking up in the tree line and hope for the best.
2. Go on a Catamaran
In Quepos, Marina Pez Vela is home to several catamaran companies ready to take you for a fun day on the water.
For instance, the Planet Dolphin Catamaran Tour is a great option. The boat cruise lasts about 3.5 hours, and the day ends with watching the sunset from the boat.
The activity costs around $80 a person and includes snorkeling, dinner, and all-you-can-drink.
It’s a reasonable price for all the memories you’ll make.
There are other catamaran companies within the same port so you can pick the best for you.
Getting out on the water allows you to view Costa Rica from a different perspective.
From the ocean, you can enjoy the mountainous backdrop of Costa Rica and spot its many coves, cliffs, small islands, and beautiful coastline.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins, whales, and other wildlife from the comfort of the catamaran.
Going on a catamaran is a great way to meet new people, or there are smaller catamarans if you’re looking for a more private experience.
Either way, going on a catamaran for the day is a great activity to enjoy while in Quepos.
The marina is beautiful and has shops and restaurants.
It’s a great place to walk around before or after your catamaran cruise.
You can also enjoy watching to boats come in and out of the marina.
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3. Take Surf Lessons
Surfing is huge in Costa Rica, and Quepos is no outlier.
While in one of the surf hubs of the world, you must give the sport a try if you’re up for it.
There are plenty of places to rent a board or take lessons.
For instance, the main beach in Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park, offers surf lessons right from the beach.
It’s as simple as going up to the instructors and asking when their next lesson is.
Pro tip: they’re usually available immediately. They will provide the board, some form of a wet suit, and all the instructions you’ll need, and all for a reasonable price.
So whether you’re a seasoned rider or a brand-new beginner, you should give surfing a try.
Have you always wanted to learn to surf, but been afraid of how long it will take to learn? This is how long it should it take to learn to surf.
The waves in Quepos are seemingly endless and perfect.
You really can’t ask for a better learning environment.
Prices for lessons can vary but usually cost around $50 to $65 per person for a two-hour lesson.
You’ll usually go out with a small group of other beginners.
This allows you to take a break between waves and learn from others by watching where they do things right or make mistakes. Trust me you will want this break.
A group of 3 to 5 people is ideal for beginners.
Look for the surf tents dotting the beaches with surf lessons signs, and it’s as simple as that. Or book ahead of time.
There are also surf schools in Quepos if you want to truly immerse yourself in the sport and spend a bit more time learning.
4. Go Swimming at the Beach
This might seem like an obvious thing to do in Quepos, Costa Rica, but you must go swimming.
The water feels like a hot tub, and it’s a relaxing experience.
The beach in Quepos is one of the most beautiful in the area, and with the surrounding cliffs and small islands, it feels very safe and private.
No matter what age you are, take the time to jump the waves and float on the water.
You’ll feel weightless and giddy, surrounded by the turquoise blue waters and warm central American sun.
The beach outside of the Manual Antonio National Park or the beach in the national park are not your only options.
Other beaches you can visit include Espadilla Beach and Biesanz Beach, which are both wonderful options.
5. Grab a Drink and a Bite to Eat
Along the water in Quepos, just outside Manuel Antonio National Park, there are many places to grab a bite to eat and a drink.
Almost all of the restaurants and bars overlook the water so that you can enjoy a meal with a view.
They’re located just across the street from the beach, so they’re very convenient.
You can expect fresh seafood, meat, and lots of great cuisines.
There are other great places to eat around Quepos, but if you plan to stick by the water, you’ll have some great options in this area.
Also, be sure to try Gallo Pinto when you are in Costa Rica, it is their typical breakfast dish. You won’t want to go home without trying it.
6. Go Horseback Riding
Along the beach in Quepos, you may see people horseback riding.
This is a fun beach activity where you can slowly ride along and enjoy the views. There are other places to horseback ride in Quepos, but horseback riding along the beach is a precious experience.
If you love horseback riding or horse riding depending on where you are from.
There is nothing like trotting along the beautiful Costa Rican beach.
Also, if you’ve never been horseback riding, here is your chance! You’ll never want to go to the beach on foot again!
7. Chocolate Tour
If you love sweets, going on a chocolate tour is a must.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the cacao plants and see where and how they grow.
You’ll learn how the plant is roasted and turned into chocolate while getting to sample the sweet.
There are lots of tours to choose from in the Quepos area.
8. Go Hiking and Get Outdoors
There are more opportunities to hike than you could imagine in Costa Rica.
You can hike to waterfalls, beaches, the rainforest, and more. Quepos has no shortage of hiking opportunities.
If you love being one with nature, getting outdoors, and seeing all the natural beauty for yourself, you will love hiking throughout Quepos, Costa Rica.
It’s a great way to get in some exercise while enjoying some beautiful views.
There are many things worth doing in Quepos, Costa Rica.
9. Night Jungle Tour
Have you ever wondered what happens in the jungle after sunset? Well, now you don’t have to wonder anymore. Why not take a night tour through the jungle?
Experience all the jungle has to offer after the sunsets. See the wildlife come to life. Hear all the noises of the jungle and truly experience it.
This is a great tour for any nature lovers, adventures or anyone just plain curious.
10. White Water Rafting
Costa Rica has some of the best white water rafting around. It is a bucket list item for anyone truly wanting an adrenaline rush and one of the best things to do in Quepos.
Even if you have never been before you can still experience the rush of white water rafting, no experience is needed.
A great experience for the whole family or go as a solo traveler and make new friends. It is a great activity and one you won’t want to leave Costa Rica without trying.
11. Deep Sea Fishing
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to catch your own fish and eat it? Deep sea fishing is a great thing to do in Quepos.
Not only do you get to spend the day out on the open waters, but you can also bring home dinner for the night.
The best part is, there are many restaurants that cater to this specifically.
You catch it and they will cook it.
What more could you ask for?
Conclusions on things to do in Quepos, Costa Rica
Hopefully, this list helped you come up with a few options for your future trip to this coastal town.
The most important thing is you go to Quepos ready to make your own adventure.
Leave part of your day open to spontaneity, and be ready for a good time no matter what you choose to do.
You have many great options for things to do, so don’t worry about keeping busy.
We hope you have a great time in Costa Rica and, more specifically, in the wonderful town of Quepos.
