Quepos

A former banana port turned gateway town to Manuel Antonio, with a marina and sportfishing scene. It offers affordable lodging, seafood restaurants and easy access to tours and the national park.

Things to do

• Manuel Antonio National Park — Hike the trails to spot sloths, monkeys and iguanas before relaxing on the park's pristine beaches.
• Sportfishing charter — Head out from Marina Pez Vela to fish for sailfish, marlin, dorado and tuna in rich offshore waters.
• Marina Pez Vela — Stroll this modern marina lined with restaurants, bars and tour operators while watching the boats come in.
• Playa Espadilla — Swim, surf and watch the sunset on the long public beach just outside the national park entrance.
• Damas Island mangrove tour — Take a boat or kayak tour through the mangrove estuaries to see crocodiles, herons and white-faced monkeys.
• Naranjo River rafting — Ride white-water rapids through rainforest scenery on a guided rafting trip near Quepos.
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — Hike or ride horseback to these dramatic two-tier falls with pools for swimming inland from Quepos.
• Catamaran sunset cruise — Sail along the coast with snorkeling stops, dolphins and drinks as the sun sets over the Pacific.

Food to try

• Fresh ceviche — Enjoy citrus-cured mahi-mahi or shrimp ceviche made from the day's catch at the marina eateries.
• Whole fried red snapper — A local seafood staple, the pargo rojo is served fried whole with patacones and salad.
• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and your choice of fish, chicken or beef.
• Arroz con mariscos — A hearty seafood rice loaded with shrimp, fish and mussels, popular in Quepos sodas.
• Gallo pinto — Try this rice-and-beans breakfast dish served with eggs, tortilla and Salsa Lizano.
• Fresh fruit and batidos — Sip tropical fruit smoothies made with mango, papaya, pineapple or guanabana from local stands.

Local customs & good to know

• Book park visits ahead — Manuel Antonio caps daily visitors and closes on certain days, so buy tickets online in advance and arrive early.
• Don't feed the monkeys — White-faced capuchins snatch food and bags, so keep belongings sealed and never hand-feed wildlife.
• Pura vida attitude — Locals use the phrase pura vida as a greeting and expression of the laid-back, easygoing Tico lifestyle.
• Use colones and tip fairly — A 10 percent service charge is usually included, but small extra tips are appreciated and colones get better value than dollars.

Nearby

• Manuel Antonio National Park — 5 km
• Dominical — 39 km
• Nauyaca Waterfalls — 44 km
• Playa Hermosa — 51 km