Welcome to Quepos
When choosing a vacation destination, Quepos isn’t the first place most tourists think of. It’s more a working port and administrative center than a tourist hotspot. So instead, the tourists stay in Manuel Antonio, just down the road from Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks and gorgeous beaches.
But not so fast. Before discounting Quepos, it’s worth knowing that this is a rustic port city with its vibe and identity. In its ramshackle way, Quepos is a fantastic, exciting place to hang out in, and frequently the hotels and restaurants are less expensive than those of Manuel Antonio.
Quepos is also home to the Marina Pez Vela, one of Costa Rica’s prime sport fishing centers and home to dozens of charters. The marina has transformed Quepos into a vibrant little town worth more than a passing visit.
Best Time To Travel to Quepos
The main draws of Quepos are the Marina Pez Vela for the fishing, and the Manuel Antonio Park, outside of town, for the beaches and nature. Both are great to visit and easily accessible all year, although some times are better than others, depending on what you're looking for.
The fishing is excellent year-round in the Central Pacific, although if you're looking for marlin and sailfish, you might want to avoid June, July, and August when they're biting a little less.
Beach lovers should come during the December-April dry season, and avoid September and October, while nature lovers should come during the May-November green season with fewer tourists and more wildlife.
The absolute busiest times of the year are around the Christmas/New Year holidays and the Easter break.
Weather in Quepos
Quepos has a hot, tropical, humid climate typical of the Central Pacific coast in Costa Rica. Temperatures stick around the early-to-mid 80s F (late 20s/early 30s C) year-round, and rain is expected.
Most of the rain falls in September and October. However, from May to August and during November and December, you can expect sunny mornings and rain in the afternoons. Then dry weather from January to April, for the most part.
Is Quepos Safe?
The city of Quepos has a reputation for being a little rough and ready, with a slight edge around the corners. This can add to its charm in many ways, but it also means you should be careful on the streets at night. Especially late at night.
Women shouldn't walk around alone at night in Quepos (or anywhere, really), and no one should flash their valuables around. But these are just standard sense measures, and the vast majority of visitors experience no problems whatsoever.
Top Restaurants in Quepos
Gabriella's
This Italian restaurant and steakhouse offer a fantastic view of the fishing boats coming in and out from its terrace right in the marina.
Runaway Grill
Another Marina Pez Vela establishment is where the fishermen hang out, comparing their stories of the day.
Cuba Libre
An excellent Latin/seafood restaurant at the marina. Bring your fresh fish you caught in the day here, and they'll turn it into ceviche for you.
Roberto's Bar and Restaurant
It is a beachfront restaurant and bar that produces excellent burritos and fish dinners for its clients. And the cocktails here go down well, too.
How To Get to Quepos
Juan Santamaria Airport (Airport Code SJO), outside the capital city of San José, is the closest international airport to Quepos.
Distance and Driving Time to Quepos
From SJO Airport: 95 miles (153 kilometers), about 2.5 hours.
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers. This means you're all set when you arrive in-country - just sit back, relax, and our driver will get you to your destination.
If you're driving to Quepos from the airport, give yourself about 2.5 hours driving time, plus an hour or so to arrange your car rental. Also, make sure you arrive in Costa Rica early enough in the day to not drive at night - something we don't recommend.
Once you have your car, get onto the InterAmerican Highway and head to El Coyol. Turn off there to get onto Ruta 27, the toll road to the coast. Keep on until the big junction takes you to Jaco and head south over the Rio Tarcoles bridge (you can stop here to check out the crocodiles).
You're now on Ruta 34, the Pacific Coast road. Keep heading south, past Punta Leona, Jacó, and Esterillos. After Esterillos, you’ll find yourself driving through what seems like endless palm oil plantations, and then you’ve arrived! Welcome to Quepos.
