Is Quepos worth visiting?
Yes, Quepos is absolutely a town that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun. During our first trip to Quepos in 2007, we fell in love with its local atmosphere. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this town has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the fantastic food and spectacular nightlife.
Located on the central Pacific side of Costa Rica, many visitors stay in the town of Quepos when visiting nearby Manuel Antonio National Park. The park has beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife, but Quepos is about 4.5 miles from the entrance to the park and you'll need to take a bus to get there.
Capuchin Monkeys
6 Reasons to Visit Quepos
1. Food
You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.
2. Nightlife
You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.
3. Beaches
If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.
4. Shopping
You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.
5. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Quepos might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Quepos here or see if Quepos is expensive here.
6. Authenticity
Quepos has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Quepos worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the low season for travel in Quepos. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach and grab some drinks at a bar.
Summer Weather in Quepos
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 28°C (82°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 289 mm (11.4 in) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 328 mm (12.9 in) |
Is Quepos worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Quepos. Even though Quepos is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
During this season it's fun to experience the beaches.
Autumn Weather in Quepos
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| November | 27°C (81°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
Is Quepos worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 27°C (81°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
The peak season for travel is winter in Quepos, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat popular with travelers, and in the high season it's busier than usual.
This is a great time of year to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, enjoy the evening activities, and relax at the beach.
Winter Weather in Quepos
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| February | 28°C (83°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) |
Is Quepos worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Quepos. Even though Quepos is fairly busy with tourists, in the shoulder season there will be smaller crowds and better prices.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 29°C (85°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, take advantage of the local nightlife, and lounge on the beach.
Spring Weather in Quepos
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 29°C (85°F) | 28 mm (1.1 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Quepos
Museums and Attractions
Quepos isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
Related
What is Quepos most famous for?
Quepos is most famous for its big game sport fishing. People visit this impressive town for its great food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. It is often described as local, laid-back, and relaxed.
What is the most famous sight in Quepos?
The most popular sight in Quepos is Manuel Antonio National Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Quepos on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Manuel Antonio National Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Quepos? Is it a popular town to visit?
Quepos is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour: $85
- Eco-Chontales Waterfall Tour: $140
- Paddle Boarding & Waterfall Full Day Tour: $185
- River Tubing Adventure Whitewater Class II+: $85
- All-Inclusive Full day Waterfall Adventure: $117
- Night Tour Manuel Antonio: $55
- Combo 2: Chocolate Tour & Jungle Night Tour: $120
- Quepos Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour: $26
How long should I spend in Quepos?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Quepos is two to four days. Since Quepos has activities such as nightlife, beaches, and shopping, most people visit for up to four days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Quepos? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Quepos?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Costa Rica and The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers
We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Quepos.
Why would you recommend Quepos to budget travelers? Or, why not?
So the national park was great and cheap, but so was all of the other stuff. The main stretch of bars has good food and plenty of drinks at good prices. We also found a pretty cheap hotel not far from the main road that was comfortable and clean. We had looked at a few others that were even cheaper but maybe not as clean.