Quepos, Costa Rica

The superb climate of Coast Rica makes it a brilliant place for cruisers to visit, and Quepos is the vibrant tourist hub at the heart of this stunning country’s coastline. This gorgeous port is one of Central America’s finest, boasting a quaint charm which can be difficult to find in a vibrant port such as this.

The atmosphere of traditional Latin America is alive and well within this township, which has a pulsating energy to go along with its authenticity. The rustic streets of Quepos are so spacious that strolling through the centre of the town is rarely a hassle, even while street vendors plying fruit and friendly locals give the town a fervent energy. The centre of Quepos is a network of local shops, markets, up and coming restaurants and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Sightseeing in Quepos

Manuel Antonio National Park

The spectacular lush environs of this amazing park are just a short drive away from the centre of Quepos, with regular buses heading to the entrance of the park during the whole day. The park contains some of the finest hiking trails in Central America, as well as gorgeous beaches which are home to coral reefs populated by colourful marine life. There’s not just fish for you to discover however- Manuel Antonio is one of the most bio diverse wildlife parks in the world, with sloths, basilisks, bats, parakeets and squirrel monkeys all making their homes within the lush surroundings. It’s a great place to take your binoculars and get up close with the wild local residents. 

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

This beautiful marine park has been protected for years by the local wildlife authorities- much to the delight of cruisers. Despite its small size, this marine park is home to migrating humpback whales, pods of dolphins and nesting sea turtles, making for an underwater cornucopia for avid scuba divers. It’s off the beaten track, so there’s a lack of tourist crowds, making it an absolutely perfect spot for wildlife watching. Head to the beach, and with a little luck, you may be able to catch the unforgettable sight of Humpback whales breaching the waves. A must for anybody who has even slightest curiosity about the wonders of the underwater world.

Shopping in Quepos

For an authentic look at the way the locals live, make sure to head to the Farmers Fair, which features a splendid sprawl of street vendors selling everything from fresh fruit to embroidery. The locals add a vibrant atmosphere to the whole event, and there’s a high chance you’ll manage to snag some brilliant curios. Meli Melo Boutique is also a brilliant place to shop, selling superb souvenirs nothing like your usual tourist fare.

Eating Out in Quepos

The local cuisine tends to be spicy, yet beautifully flavourful, with a range of poultry and vegetable dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Head to Mar Luna restaurant for some of the best delicacies in town, such as home cooked seafood and steaks grilled with a Costa Rican twist.