Quepos

Quepos is a small town in Costa Rica near the Manuel Antonio National Park. It is the closest town offering full tourist services, but has lost much of its charm and innocence due to overdevelopment as it became the poster child destination of the eco-tourism crowd.

By bus
From San José, buses are taken from Tracopa Bus station downtown San Jose. Ride prices are US$8, and the trip takes between 3.5-4.5 hr, depending on the bus you take.

By private shuttle
You can hire a tourist-oriented private van or bus, which usually carries between 7-30 people, depending on the size and presence of air conditioning. Expect to pay up to US$40 per person.

By plane


You can take a plane from San Jose, which is a 40-min flight. Fares start from US$52 with Aerobell Airlines, Sansa and Skyway Airlines.

Get around
Local bus leaves every 30 mins during the day between Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Costs ₡345 and the bus driver and can provide change but may not accept dollars.

Also, renting scooters is an option or renting a taxi.

Instead of staying somewhere along to road to Manuel Antonio National Park, where there is not much infrastructure, it is best to stay in Quepos, which has all the necessary amenities.

Eat
If you find the bus station, wander in the market attached and find a place that says "Cevichera." This place sells "ceviche," a typical local dish consisting of raw, diced fish in a lime juice broth. It's cheap and tastes delicious.



Drink
Some bars have ladies nights and drink specials.


 * Karolas.
 * Barba Roja has ladies night on Saturdays.
 * Wacky Wanda's has cold drinks and air conditioning.
 * Pescadores bar has cold drinks and an open atmosphere. Five TVs and nearly every NFL game.
 * Dos Locos is very popular downtown and may have live music, but not always great music.
 * Sargento Garcia's is usually jumpin' and is a tourist favorite.

Go next

 * "Rafting" Trips down the Naranjo and Savegre rivers.
 * Buses to San José: Some bus drivers will ask if you are going to San José airport, if they see you have big luggage with you. Say no because they are asking this so they can call their taxi driver friend to pick you up at a stop before San José and drive you to the airport. Firstly, you cannot trust this friend of theirs is an official taxi driver and secondly, they will charge an amount a few times more than normal to cover the bus driver's share. If you are going to the airport, plan your trip ahead so you know exactly how to get from San José to the airport; don't leave it to chance.