Ponce de León, in his search for the fountain of youth, discovered Quepos in 1519. Named for the indigenous Quepoa population he encountered, this coastal jewel has evolved through the banana industry, palm oil, and tourism; which is already the leading product in the area. In the late 19th century, vast banana plantations were developed throughout the region. Bananas were shipped to world markets from docks that now service renowned sport fishing and diving operations. In the 1980s the focus turned to the abundant African palm trees with their high quality palm oil. Throughout this entire transition, the area has maintained a wonderful allure and Quepos has established itself as a premier vacation destination, boasting the distinctions of world-class ecotourism and sport fishing, to name just a few highlights.

Quepos is the gateway to perhaps the most popular National Park in all of Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio. Trails within the park lead to some of the most stunning and secluded white-sand beaches in all of Central America. Emerald coves and a jungle-fringed shoulder that reaches to an island of serenity will literally take your breath away. You may glimpse whimsical spider monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, noisy and colorful parrots, giant toucans, three-toed sloths, as well as many exotic flowering plants and vibrantly colored insects, including luminescent butterflies that inspire and overwhelm the senses. You may even see some of the last remaining squirrel or ‘titi’ monkeys in all of Costa Rica.

Manuel Antonio Park is one of the two restricted habitats of the marmoset or squirrel monkey, which is in danger of extinction. Bird watching opportunities are astounding, with more than 350 species sighted within the small confines of the park. Manuel Antonio is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, but without a doubt one of the most appreciated by locals and tourists alike and is second in number of visitors after Poás National Park. Easy walking trails feature sweeping views of Costa Rica’s spectacular coastline and wind through primary rainforest with more than 300 species of trees. Awesome! The park is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day except Monday. Admission is US$10 for non-residents, and children under 12 are free. Guided tours are available and highly recommended.

Downtown Quepos is a charming mix of seaside restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art galleries, and gift shops. Peak season runs from December to April, and it’s mostly dry but still lush and beautiful. The Festival del Mar dominates the month of February and features concerts, sporting events, parades, and a street carnival with dancers from all over the country. Quepos is packed with Christmas, which is a lot of fun. The friendly locals are joined year-round by families, surfers, eco-tourists, backpackers, fishermen and they take it all in stride, maintaining their own special brand of Pura Vida. For people-watching, don’t miss Playa Espadilla just before the entrance to Parque Manuel Antonio, with its colorful street vendors and restaurants.

The panoramic views offered by the natural landscape are truly beautiful and can be enjoyed in a wide variety of accommodations, from boutique hotels to luxury villas. Buena Vista Villas, La Mansion and Hotel El Parador are wonderful, each with a unique charm and unparalleled views. Buena Vista Villas is ideal for romantic honeymoon getaways, with privacy and maximum elegance. The Parador is ideal for families, with charming service, a pool for children and adults with a swim-up bar, and a family restaurant. The view from the Parador pool is my favorite in the whole area. La Mansion is a cozy boutique experience that provides luxury service and cuisine, but with the personal touch of the friendly staff that truly takes the experience above and beyond.

The activities to choose from are impressive: zip lining, estuaries/mangroves, sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, nature tours, sunset catamaran cruises, kayaking, rafting, surfing, spa experiences, horseback riding, jet skiing, waterfall etc etc. etc. Iguana Tours is a great reliable source that is fantastic for service. Less well known is the ‘Spice Tour’ which is very unique and intriguing. Farm Villa Vanilla is a tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture, 10 miles east of Quepos and includes 27 acres of agricultural production and 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. , biodynamic crops include vanilla orchid vanilla, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and a variety of exotic fruits, essential oils, and medicinal plants sustainable practices such as: composting, animal husbandry, and permaculture Some treats and spice packets are included With the After the tour, you can pick up the spices at the spice shop and you will return with an unforgettable experience of what makes the rainforest unique.

Another unique experience, especially if you are a nature lover or traveling with your children, is the Kids Saving The Rainforest in Quepos. Ahh, what a young man with vision, passion and community support can do. For more information, visit kidssavingtherainforest.org.

Reforestation, animal rehabilitation and other projects are worthy causes. At their Saturday camp, local and visiting children learn about the rainforest and all that’s in it: trees, plants, insects, and animals like sloths, kinkajous, and titi monkeys. Learn ways to help and try to save the rainforest and specifically to prevent the extinction of the marmoset monkey. Create works of art, some of which will be sold to help save the rainforest at the KSTR store. It’s a fun-filled learning experience to empower kids to save the planet.

These are just a few highlights of the many magical things that await you in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area. We can design a Quepos Costa Rica vacation just for you, created by our passionate local travel designers who live to provide everything else! Ponce de Leon was right!