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Fun things to do in Quepos: 24 fun attractions and activities
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedMar 20, 2025
Updated • updatedMar 20, 2025
Many of us love traveling on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to find the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like Manuel Antonio National Park, Manuel Antonio Beach, and Playa La Macha and more, get ready to experience the best places in Quepos.
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National park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a vast coastal rainforest reserve teeming with diverse wildlife and marine species. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes, kayaking in the Isla Damas Mangroves, and nocturnal wildlife sightings on a Jungle Night Walk. The park offers various activities such as sea kayaking and catamaran cruises. It is well-connected to Central Highlands, Arenal, Monteverde, South Pacific, and Osa Peninsula.
Manuel Antonio National Park was one of the highlights of our trip. We saw sloths, monkeys, tiny frogs, colorful crabs, and so much more. The park is stunning, with lush trails, mangroves, and breathtaking coastal views.
We visited in August and were blessed with cool weather and no rain, despite a forecast for showers all day. The morning is the best time to go—get there as early as possible (we recommend by 8 AM) to enjoy the park before it gets crowded. Be sure to book your reservation in advance.
We changed into swimsuits before reaching the first beach and spent a couple of hours playing in the calm waves—perfect for kids. Afterward, we showered to rinse off the sand. I stayed in my swim dress for the rest of the hike, while others changed into dry clothes. I wore Teva sandals, but other family members wore walking shoes.
Tips:
• No spray sunscreen or bug spray is allowed inside—rangers check bags at the entrance.
• No outside food is permitted, but there’s a small restaurant inside for snacks and drinks.
• The mangrove areas are beautiful and fun to explore, especially for kids.
• Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing.
• Don’t wear your swimsuit under your clothes on the hike in—it’s humid, and you’ll be glad to change before swimming.
Manuel Antonio is a must-do when in Costa Rica. The combination of wildlife, natural beauty, and beach time made it an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend getting a tour guide like we did—you’ll see and learn so much more.
Hannah B — Google review
Trails are great, overall experience is satisfying. We saw almost all birds and animals there. It’s better to come in the very morning(7am) not to encounter too many people and to see more animals.
Didn’t like guides there at all, they are very mean, rude and annoying. If you are enough attentive, you could spot all animals on your own, just check any crowd of people watching smth))
also be aware of monkeys on a beach, they can steal your stuff if you leave it on the ground.
One of the best parks to visit in Costa Rica and a recommended spot for anyone visiting the country. Entrance fees can be paid ahead of time online(recommended). When you’re driving up be weary of unofficial people offering you tickets and guides. Additionally, the park does offer guides but I always opt for the self service tour. The park has an amazing nature trail that leads to a beautiful beach. Keep walking down the beach for another hike with some great overlooks and monkeys!
Beautiful mix of rainforest, beaches, and wildlife. You can spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds along easy trails that end at stunning beaches. Go early to avoid crowds and heat. Small but unforgettable, one of Costa Rica’s must-see gems.
Beautiful place. Fantastic guides able to spot an iguana or a snake from a hundred paces. Great knowledge and superb telescopic lenses to see howler monkeys, bats, etc up close.
The park has stunning beaches.
Beautiful nature but tickets can only be bought online which took us half an hour and still didn't work. We gave up and bought them at the touroperator with a guide which was quite expensive, but the only way to book cash. Hence minus 2 stars. The guide was nice and it was a cool tour.
Super rad experience, we saw almost every animal and bug you could on one tour through this magical hike to the beach! Then we hiked more! There is a spot where the puma lives, of course we took that trail too!!! No puma but so worth it! My legs look so good after that mean hike! FYI take the beach route back! Do not just go the same way back! It is worth it!
This is a must do! Leave all of your drinks and snacks at home. Most of the walking is in shaded jungle, on somewhat slippery walkways. We saw sloths, monkeys, bat's, iguanas, sneaks, deer and more. Bring a refillable water bottle (with water) watch for pushy parking scamers before the park entrance. Higher a guide once inside the park if you can - our negotiated price went from $70 us per person to $10 in the park. Our guide was honestly phenomenal. Be ready to go to the beach it's paradise.
Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica•
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Manuel Antonio Beach, located within Manuel Antonio National Park, offers a picturesque sandy stretch where visitors can enjoy swimming while being surrounded by lush trees filled with monkeys and various bird species. The park spans seven square miles and boasts an incredible biodiversity, including capuchin monkeys, iguanas, crabs, sloths, pelicans, frogs, butterflies, and a variety of birds. Local guides enhance the experience by providing insights into the diverse wildlife.
So fun to be on this beach with all the locals! Get off the resorts and mingle — you’ll have an amazing experience! We stayed at the Millennium Hotel this time. You can walk right to the beach from there. You can get cabanas and surfing lessons — there’s parasailing and lots of restaurants.
Gayla G — Google review
My favorite beach in Costa Rica.
Parking should cost you around $6-$8 per day
Chair and umbrella rental about $8-$10 for a pair.
Follow the safety guidelines and listen to the lifeguards. Pay attention to the flags as this is one of the beaches with the strongest rip ties.
Had the perfect beach day here. Perfect weather, lots of shade, clear blue water, and the wildlife and scenery is unmatched.
For me one of the best beaches in whole Costa Rica for relaxing and especially swimming. It is part ot the national park of Manuel Antonio so you really need to book your tickets in advance. If there are sold out there is another possibily to enter. You can go directly to the main entrance of the national park and book a guided tour. I would generally recommend a official tour guide to see the animals in the park. Without it is really hard to see. After the tour you can stay all day long at the beach. So dont forget your swim things. Attention!!! On the way (street) to the parking slot you will be stopped by many people. They act (show an fact id) like they are tour guides from the national park but they are not offically. They try to sell you tours 2 to 3 times more than the offically prices. Be aware of this and dont buy tickets there. You can easily do this at the main entrance (also when online is sold out) or online.
The walk to the beach was hot and humid (great anticipation) only to get to the beach and see how amazing the waves looked with a gorgeous view south
This beach is probably one of the best in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be here right when the sun is out then it’s your lucky day. The water is warm and there are jungle leaves floating in it which makes it feel magical. The white sand paired with the stunning jungle create the perfect scene. AND there are capuchin monkeys loitering around.
The park itself is beautiful, but the staff behaved terribly.
First, we had to wait in line under the sun while the staff at the bag check and ticket entrance moved like sleepy — or even dying — flies. They were all about “Pura Vida” — fine, but this was just careless.
Then, our 3-year-old wanted to buy a coconut right outside the entrance. We weren’t allowed to enter the park with it — okay, fair enough — but we also weren’t allowed to throw it away in their eco trash bin. I had to leave and walk half a block just to throw away a damn coconut.
And then came the most absurd part: at the beach, our toddler caught a tiny crab and released it. A security guard saw this and tried to kick us out of the park. It was ridiculous and humiliating. We tried to calmly explain ourselves, but the guard called in three more people over the radio — none of whom spoke English — and all four of them started escorting me, my husband, and our small child out of the park. They followed us all the way to the exit.
Honestly, there’s no need to visit this place for the animals — you’ll see sloths, toucans, monkeys, crabs, and iguanas on any Manuel Antonio beach. And as for spotting anything else — I doubt there’s much more to see inside anyway.
Playa Blanca, located not far from Jacó, is far more beautiful — the water is calmer, the sand is whiter, and the scenery is much more impressive. So no, I absolutely don’t recommend paying to be treated this way.
This beach has next level beauty. The Pacific has an emerald hue here. It gets very busy however, as it is attached to the most popular National Park in Costa Rica. My advice would be to go early and before your tour of the National Park to avoid the crowds. I visited here after the tour, and as the park rangers police this beach, they very forcefully make sure you are on your way home by 4pm. They blow their whistles loudly and continuously, which is kind of annoying. It does not take away from the stunning unspoiled natural beauty of this place. There is no plastic allowed on entry which is great, so you will be relieved of your plastic water bottle should you have one. They allowed me to bring my snorkelling gear in thankfully. The water is lovely and clear, so there is fish to see, but I ran out of time to really make the most out of that, due to that 4pm cut off. The sand is lovely and soft with a tint of black in there. There are also rinsing facilities and toilets behind the beach. The black iguanas co-exist side by side with people on this beach, that it becomes the norm after a while. Be careful of the many capuchin monkeys who will appear out of the rainforest, and are determined to steal your small items if given the chance.
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Beach
Playa La Macha is a secluded and beautiful beach located near Quepos, accessible by a short walk and hike. It's known for its seclusion and pristine natural surroundings, making it a popular spot for those looking to escape the crowds. Accessible by 4x4 or a challenging jungle hike, the beach offers stunning views and opportunities to observe wildlife in the Manuel Antonio Jungle. Visitors should be prepared for a steep and rough trail with significant elevation gain on the return trip.
Beautiful secluded beach. We were told it was nude-friendly although there weren’t any completely naked people here when we went. A bit of a hike to get there, so make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes, especially for the last part of the hike to the beach. From the sign in the picture, you can drive down a little farther (an SUV or vehicle with 4-wheel drive is recommended). There is a point on the trail where you can’t drive any farther. We did see a couple on a motorbike with wheels with good tread on them make it all the way to the point where the steep hike to the beach starts, but most people hike on foot the whole way. The hiking trail splits, so make sure you make a right to go to La Macha beach. Before going down the steep trail, there is a pathway on the left that has a nice overlook of the ocean. We accidentally went that way before going down the trail to the beach. You know you’re on the right trail when we see the ropes that help you get down to the beach. This part of the trail is VERY steep (flip flops not recommended). I was wearing Chacos the whole hike. Once you get down to the beach, enjoy the peace and calm. No vendors here. Every group we saw kept to themselves. If you want a quiet and secluded beach and don’t mind the hike to get there, this beach is definitely worth the trip. Make sure you have enough energy to climb back up the trail as it is pretty much all uphill. I would recommend packing at least water and a few snacks on your trip to and from this beach.
Harley C — Google review
The end of the hike is extremely steep with only 1 rope which is about 15 feet to go down maybe 100 ft drop off which is smooth dirt. I am sure the beach is amazing but our kids were not prepared for a serious climb. I would suggest if you have any mobility issues or kids under 10 to not attempt.
This beach is incredibly stunning and secluded. As many have mentioned, reaching it involves quite a challenging hike. If you're accustomed to moderate hikes in North America, you should manage just fine. However, be warned if you plan to hike in extreme heat. It was 36 degree the day of the hike, and my partner almost passed out on the way back up. Bring plenty of water and limit the time spent under the sun.
It's worth mentioning, though, despite some reviews suggesting otherwise, I doubt this beach is clothing optional. There were no signs indicating such, and all visitors during my time there were fully clothed. It's a shame, as it would have been wonderful to skinny dip and immerse oneself in nature at this magnificent beach.
Nonetheless, you should have a wonderful time here at Playa La Macha.
After travelling for over a week on the pacific coast, I can say that this is the best beach we went. The place is quiet and beautiful, there’s a short hike that makes it feel like a reward, and if you bring food you can stay there all day and watch the sunset. Also perfect for swimming nude, it even had some “clothing optional” signs
Great little secluded beach at the edge of the city. Be ready for a short hike with a lot of elevation gain on your way back. Also the trail is decent except for the final decent down to the beach.
This was a beautiful place. Tons of wildlife & quiet. Always waking up to a beautiful view. -4 them is I think there was some false advertising as far as location and walk to the beach. The beach itself with which they claim you can get to by 5 minutes of walking and only walking. Was actually a hike that takes you about 15 to 20 minutes of jagged slippery rocks and mud. The food was great every morning having breakfast of fresh fruit. The home was always cared for and clean. They do need to possibly pave the driveway or I should say the road up to the home as it is Rocky bumpy hard to drive through if you have a rental car or do not have a 4 by 4.
Perfect hidden secluded beach. You have to go early in the morning before noon-ish when the high tides roll in. There is quite a trail about 15 minutes before you get to the beach. I suggest you have good shoes because the trail is a little rough. Worth the walk though! Glad we did it!
Didn't make it all the way to the beach due to not wearing the correct footwear to traverse the last 100ft down (steep incline with ropes halfway, and slippery dirt path) but the beach was secluded, minimal rocks in sand.
Advice, plan for at least half a day stay to make it worth the hike. Wear footwear with good traction that will stay on the feet (no sandals). As others have said, elevation gain coming back up is steep.
Unnamed Rd, Quepos,, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica, USA•
Nature & Parks
Nature & Wildlife Areas
Rainmaker Conservation Park, located a short drive from Quepos, covers 1500 acres of virgin rainforest and is home to 60% of Costa Rica's flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour through the lush rainforest, encountering hanging bridges and diverse wildlife such as millipedes, poison dart frogs, hummingbirds, and butterflies. The park offers a peaceful environment for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the beauty of the jungle setting.
Such a great hike takes around 3 hours, there’s at least 5 different swimming spots. Also it’s $23 per person to get in so be aware and bring water! If it has just rained I would prepare for some slippery areas as well
Leila V — Google review
It was a lovely hike with dart frogs, centipedes, bats, and lizards. You can easily do it all in less than an hour if you are just after a little workout. Take your time or have kids, or want to swim a bit, plan on 1.5-2 hours. You do NOT need a guide, which is a huge rip off. The park has a 1-mile loop that you take. You cannot get lost. There is a little alternate trail you can take to avoid the bridges if you are afraid of heights. The entrance fee is approximately $20 USD, but it was the first place we've felt like our entrance fee was well worth it and put back into the area where we paid. The trail is well maintained with concrete steps and metal guardrails in most places. The welcome center is brand new as of Dec. 2024. and has clean bathrooms and a little restaurant area. The drive up is a little exciting on the bridges, but very doable. It's a nice drive after the pothole farming area and winds through some beautiful little villages. A 2x4 with a little clearance can make the drive easily.
We’ve visited this one during the low season. Everything was green and wet. Trail was pretty well maintained, mostly with guardrails. Swimming areas were mostly unusable due to a high water streams, so we had to skip that part. We saw a lot of green frogs and iguanas along the trail. Good entertainment and adventure for a family with kids. Recommend. Price: 23$ + tax (~27$)
The greatest most magical experience , the trails are moderate with lots of climbs and slopes and hanging bridges but mostly stairs and steps. There are venomous snakes and frogs so be careful where you step . The full loop is around 2km or 1.2 miles
Was all right during our free time. I had high expectations based on my readings from other reviews.
We have beautiful forests and waterfalls in Canada so this park did not feel special to me compared with other parks in Costa Rica.
Suspended bridges was fun.
Nice park with fun hanging bridges, but honestly we expected more after reading the reviews. It felt more like entertainment for kids. We’ve visited other parks in Costa Rica that were more interesting. Apart from a few frogs and caterpillars, we didn’t see any animals.
The pools were not swimmable because of the high river water after the rain, and the water in pools looked dirty. Probably we were just unlucky with the weather.
For three people we paid $81. I would prefer to pay less for such experience :)
The tour guide used a bright white spotlight directly towards the nocturnal animals, which is discouraged by anyone who observes nocturnal animals or has some common sense. The trail is great, and the experience can be awesome, just be sure to take a red light with you to avoid blinding any animal you encounter. Google it before you go to learn about best practices when it comes to observing night animals.
From a lot of things related to the nature and rainforest - Rainmaker was the top for myself, my 12yo son and wife. In our opinion it was even better than Manuel Antonio National Park (if you exclude beaches). It’s worth visiting, price is fair, trails are very well maintained. You can spot some scary and less scary animals. Hike is not difficult, but it’s hot and humid. You can rest along the creek in multiple pools and waterfalls.
Don’t think too much. Take your family and go. Don’t be scared of heights.
Strongly recommended place!
Red Vial Cantonal 100, Puntarenas Province, Parrita, Costa Rica•
Sunset Viewpoint Manuel Antonio offers a breathtaking experience as you explore the hiking trails in the area. One of the standout features is its location next to an undeveloped property, providing unobstructed views of Playa Espadilla from a higher vantage point. It's highly recommended to visit during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Awesome side of the road look out! The property beside is not yet developed, so you get clear views above Playa Espadilla. The higher vantage is something special! Go for sunset , hang for a bit. No regrets!
Saleem N — Google review
Nice view but it is just pn the sideway and there is nowhere to sit
Km 7 carretera Quepos a Manuel Antonio a mano derecha contiguo Restaurante Rafael, El Cerro, 00010, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica•
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Exploring the wonders of Manuel Antonio National Park is an unforgettable experience, especially when you opt for a morning tour. The early hours bring the park to life, with wildlife actively roaming about. A standout feature of my visit was our guide, Vivian, whose warm demeanor and thorough explanations enriched our adventure. Her passion for nature made every moment more engaging. If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, don't miss out on this gem—it's highly recommended!
We toured the Manuel Antonio national park. We booked a morning tour and the animals were out and about.
Our tour guide Vivian was so sweet and took her time to explain everything. I highly recommend visiting the park.
Sherese — Google review
Quepos, Manuel Antonio 60601, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica•
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Biesanz Beach is a hidden gem located just south of Quepos, offering visitors a tranquil escape with its crescent-shaped bay and soft sandy shores. This picturesque beach is shaded by trees and features shallow waters perfect for swimming, making it an ideal spot for families. The calm conditions here mean that large waves are rare, creating excellent opportunities for snorkeling and kayaking adventures.
We loved this beach. It is a little remote and requires a hike to get to. The views are great! The beach is nice and the water is in a bit of a cove so there's waves but they're not huge. There are vendors renting chairs and coverings as well as fresh made drinks that are great. There's even a lady giving massages under a tent up on the rocks directly overlooking the beach which we didn't try. No one is too pushy but are all friendly. The only downside is there's a decent amount of rocks out in the water if you wear water shoes or sandals it's fine. Barefoot was a bit tough on my tender feet .
John H — Google review
Maybe we were unlucky, but we got this beach recommended and did not really like it that much. There were sooo many people and almost no room to lie down. Water was quite muddy. The hike to get there is long and we regretted not wearing hiking boots as it was very slippery and in a very bad condition. Maybe due to previous rain.
The beach is alright the waves are calm there are however many rocks and the path down is muddy and also full of rocks, the water is nice and green/aquamarine and has a great view of the bay.
Very beautiful and peaceful quiet beach where you could spend the first part of the day. After 2-3pm tide arrives and there is not much space where water doesn’t reach. Highly recommend to visit!
Gorgeous hidden beach. We kayaked in the bay and enjoyed swimming in the calm waters. Plenty of shade.
Secluded beach in Manuel Antonio, accessible only by car. way much quieter than the main beach.
The path down can be a bit challenging and the water is quite rocky so caution is needed.
Such a beautiful place!
It only takes about five minutes to walk down the rocky path to the beach. It wasn't too busy when we went, and we were able to rent chairs and order delicious piña coladas from the bar. They have snorkels, kayaks, and paddle boards able to rent, and there was a woman giving massages under a tent. We also saw lots of monkeys in the trees.
The water was very calm and we were lucky to get a beautiful sunny day in the rainy season.
Highly recommend if you're looking for a beach that's not too busy but still has amenities!!
Lots of rocks underwater on the left side of the beach, but sandy on the right. Waves aren’t crazy, but can push you around enough to make the rocky side uncomfortable. You can rent chairs and covering (umbrella or tent) $20 for as long as you stay. Drinks are available with decent prices. Food was also available, but the price was restaurant equivalent. Lots of kids, so seemingly kid friendly.
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Espadilla Beach is a picturesque stretch of sandy coastline that offers various water sports, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a shaded cafe nestled among the trees. While many tourists tend to visit the park's main beaches, such as Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio, there are other hidden gems worth exploring.
We spent almost 3 hours here, warm waters, soft sand, amazing sunset. The kids enjoyed the warm waters. We did pay to rent beach chairs and a canopy.
Sheleen T — Google review
Beautiful beach with rocks and a long shoreline. A lifeguard is also there as the rip currents can get bad. Lots of tide pools when it's low tide. Close to shops and restaurants and Manuel Antonio national park.
Beautiful beach. When visiting, park around the Igloo Beach Lodge. It’s free and there are no pushy parking attendants. There are some vendors walking around on the beach, but they peacefully continue when you decline.
We had an amazing time at Playa Espadilla Norte in Quepos during our May visit. This stunning beach offered the perfect balance—waves that were exciting yet manageable, though it's important to stay vigilant as Costa Rican beaches can have powerful rip tides.
The beach atmosphere was lively with local vendors offering fresh coconut drinks, horseback riding experiences, and handmade clothing. The vendors were respectful and moved on politely when we declined their services.
The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. We recommend bringing your own beach towel, though chairs and umbrellas are available to rent at reasonable prices. We lucked out with beautiful weather before the rainy season kicked in, making it a memorable beach day.
Loved this beach! We got drinks from a vendor at the entrance of the beach and had a great early afternoon on the beach. There’s an LGBTQ beacon towards the middle of this beach and I wish I had more energy to check it out! Looks like they’re building a LGBTQ resort nearby.
If you don’t have a car, I recommend going to the southern end of the beach more towards Manuel Antonio national park because this area is more for guests who are parking on the beach. The fumes from the trucks weren’t pleasant.
I visited every single beach from Uvita to Playa Hermosa near Jaco and this one is simply the best (excluding one beach inside of the Manuel Antonio NP). Good vibes, multiple islands on the horizon, beautiful sand and great waves to play with your friends or children. Very safe with beautiful sunsets!
Public parking near Buena Vista Plus hotel. The beach is clean and beautiful. You can get everything you need for a full day here. Chairs, umbrellas, boogie board rentals. Sure lessons, and restaurants right on the beach for drinks and food.
nice huge beach, BUT if you stay in Hotel in Manuel Antonio is better for you take a bus for 370 colones and go by bus, because down is lack of parking and the fee for parking is from 5000-7000 colones depends on the mood of parking guy :) some shops and restaurants neraby, parasailing, jet ski, banana boat
Nature & Parks
Forests
Waterfalls
Rides & Activities
Los Campesinos Ecolodge is nestled in the unspoiled wilderness of Los Campesinos Reserve, offering 86.5 acres of lush primary and secondary forest for a nature-filled retreat. Accessible by a challenging gravel road, this remote ecolodge promises an adventurous journey with stunning views and thrilling river crossings. Visitors can enjoy activities like exploring waterfalls, immersing in the flora, and relishing picturesque vistas.
Amazing beauty off the beaten track. A great local community who have persevered by organising themselves as a co-op. Absolutely recommended!!!
Quique E — Google review
This property is absolutely amazing. The hammock bridges over the waterfalls are something to experience. But the star of the show are the waterfalls. Easy hiking on groomed trails. And the food was delicious.
This area has some beautiful views and the big waterfall is amazing. We were there at the end of July so it was strong from the rain, with a beautiful pool at the bottom to swim in!
We arrived around lunch time with 10 people. Because we didn’t go earlier in the day, they only had 6 lunches left. However, they were able to get more supplies to accommodate all of us if we could wait a bit. We did the walk around the property for about an hour and a half and by the time we arrived at the restaurant area, they were ready to make the lunches. The food was incredible. The views were stunning. The suspension bridges were so dreamy and perfectly safe. The trails were easy but adventurous.
This is a great activity to do if you are staying near Manuel Antonio and looking for a very adventurous off-road ride. It took us just over an hour to get there. You definitely need a 4x4 to get there and don't go if there's rain. There is one main swimming hole that's not deep and several waterfalls that fill it. We went at the beginning of March. Our lunch was fantastic! The trail is very short to the swimming hole and you do not have to cross a hanging bridge to get there. There are two large hanging bridges to enjoy and explore more of this site. We went to Rainmaker and here and I'm glad that we did both. Rainmaker with lunch was $60 and here was $40. If I had to choose I would choose Rainmaker solely because the drive there was easier and there were several pools to choose from to sit in. When we were at Los Campesinos, there were very few people that came and we thoroughly got to enjoy the sounds of nature.
Awesome experience! About a 50 min drive from Manuel Antonio, like others have said you need a 4x4 to drive yourself here. If you enjoy hiking, this is a fun easy hike with a little adrenaline from the hanging bridges. Plan on swimming at the bottom of the waterfall! And don’t skip lunch, it was delicious! Overall, $22 per person for the hike + lunch, free parking if you drive yourself. If you’re on a budget, it’s one of the best values for an excursion in the area.
Such an amazing place to stay!! Los campesinos has amazing cabins with all your gringo needs (yes including WiFi). Staying there gave us the chance to swim in the swimming hole and explore their paths. We went to work and help out the community. All of the workers are local from quebrada arroyo and are very nice!
Well worth the ride! Going to want a 4x4 vehicle n not be scared of sketchy dirt roads.. awesome water fall cool suspension bridges.. we went later in the afternoon had the place to our selfs
Naranjito, San José Province, Quepos, 10502, Costa Rica•
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Playitas Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand that boasts a thriving LGBT community. Surrounded by verdant foliage, the beach is inaccessible during high tide, adding to its allure. Its serene atmosphere sets it apart from other beaches in the area and draws visitors looking for a tranquil escape. Playitas Beach offers a unique experience for those seeking natural beauty combined with an inclusive environment.
Great place for relaxation with good food. Quiet and clean beach with excellent staff.
Edmund P — Google review
Turn just before the tourist trap and drive down the hill to enjoy this carved out paradise in Quepos. First time and enjoyed even during high tide enough to forget to take photos before the storm clouds blew in.
Park just before the beach on the road unless you have a capable 4x4 with high clearance. We saw a Hyundai hatchback struggling to get out on our way home.
Highly suggest at low tide. Bring your own amenities and bites and enjoy under the tress or in the beautiful waters while taking in the view. A new favorite for sure!
We came here on the assumption that it was an LGBT beach. That was NOT the case. After traversing some rocky formations we landed on this clean, small beach right in front of the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront. After walking around, an employee had stopped us and told us that this beach is INDEED a private beach owned by the hotel. He was very polite and let us stay for a while. The water and waves are more forceful - actually I saw two people panicking as they were slowly getting pulled further and further away by the current. We didn’t stay too long since the rocks we climbed would be submerged by the rising tide, making our return difficult.
Great beach with white sands on a good day. (Go when its low tide) just becareful with your belongings because there are no staff around the beach unless you go to where the umbrellas are. Other than that was a fantastic beach
Absolutely stunning! Relaxing, sandy, gorgeous. Words can not express how amazing this beach is. We saw different types of lizards, theres hermit crabs at your feet, monkeys, sloths sleeping in trees. Iguanas and monkeys in the trees. The experience is once in a lifetime. The beach water is warm and the sunsets are magical! 10/10 🥥🌴💯
Lovely beach!
Beautiful views of the ocean sometimes even could appreciate colorful sunsets 🌅 from here
Beautiful beach and much less crowded than Playa Manuel Antonio. We took a walk from Playa Espadilla and ended up seeing a sloth asleep in one of the palm trees on the beach. Friendly crowd. There are two rainbow flags marking the “gay/LGBTQ+” section of the beach. If you get hungry, there are a few restaurants nearby, or if you don’t mind going for a longer walk, head towards Playa Manuel Antonio for more food options.
This beach is quite large and stretches for a long ways. Nice white sand and large waves for surfing and playing in the surf. There is also an under tow to be aware of. Shade can be found under the trees that come right down to the beach sand. The walk to the beach was tough in the heat, but with a 4x4 you can drive down. The south end of the beach has lots of vendors that rent chairs and umbrellas and sell food.
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Park
Nature & Parks
Parque Nahomi, located near the marina in Quepos, offers stunning coastal views and is known for being the only easily accessible ocean access point in the city. This pristine park boasts 360-degree panoramic ocean views with gleaming turquoise waters. It features a well-equipped gym installation suitable for various exercises. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll to the ocean and observe iguanas basking in the sun.
Nice small park. We came during the rainy season, so there was not much sun, but it was very cute. Only a couple of bunch and table at the entrance and a lot of gym machine. It's prohibited to smoke and drink alcohol. Take your trash with you to respect the land. We saw some nice birds. The beach is small and rocky. A police station is not far away, so it seems pretty safe.
Marlène S — Google review
Whilst staying in Quepos I visited Parque Nahomi. It was a lovely spot with great views, and a nice place to watch the sunset. Plenty of parking around it too.
Lovely small walk around a rocky outcrop. Beautiful views. Fun critters- iguanas, crabs, and birds. You can go down to the water, but it was really rough so I did not.
Beautiful views and safe park to visit during the day! There is a tree swing to the left of the main entrance if you walk along the rocks.
If you’re arriving to the park on foot you pass through a couple of developing areas- a shipping port and construction zone but all is well paved and very clean!
Just a beautiful little park. The ocean is beautiful here. Definitely not for swimming, but the views are beautiful
A lovely little park. Beautiful views, very clean and a few crabs and iguanas running around are always fun!
Love this park there is a guard there and had bathrooms and while rocking we found shells and more!
Amazing views. A family park where locals enjoy themselves peacefully
Iguanas basking in the sun, and many birds to be seen
It's worth a stop if you are around or going to popular Quepos town.
Not recommended after sunset.
Manuel Antonio is a bustling town near the famed national park, which is a major tourist attraction in Costa Rica. The town has narrow one-way streets and locals mainly use buses for transportation, leading to amusing traffic snarls at rush hour. Inside the Manuel Antonio National Park, visitors can explore tropical trails teeming with colorful parrots and playful monkeys. Adventurous travelers can also enjoy activities like hiking to waterfalls or zip-lining through the treetops.
This is such a beautiful place, the jungles and beaches are amazing, the people are friendly and helpful, the food is truly fantastic.
The local foods are so well done, and we learned here that growing up in the US, we never knew the taste of a picked-fresh papaya, guava, or banana.
Without question, this is a wonderful place to vacation.
Rod C — Google review
Very nice park with loads of animals. It's a bit busy but we had a good experience. I recommend getting a guide since they know where the animals are and will set up telescopes to see better. Our guide helped us take pictures through his telescope and even found a sloth with its baby.
One of the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. The soothing wave with the wind blowing to your face. What is not to like. A must visit after a tour in the national park. The bonus of many wild life making appearance right next to the beach. On our trip we found sloth, lizard, and a group of white faced monkeys. What not to like.
This national park is one of my favorites in Costa Rica, the entrance need to be purchased out side $16 for tourist, totally worth the walk is 400 mts where you will see tons of monkeys and wild life.
From Japan:)
We had to wait in long line to enter this park for a half hour. However, it was worth to wait! This park is full of nature. We really enjoyed seeing wild animals very close to us, and walking by the beach. Even in the end of December, it was hot enough to swim. I regretted that I did not bring my swimwear.
Be prepared for strong ultraviolet and dehydration.
This is one of the nicest beaches in the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area! The water is warm and great for all ages.
Make sure you bring water because it gets HOT. There is shade here, but I would recommended not setting up in the shade because monkeys and raccoons WILL get into your things!!
The walk to the beach is through the Manuel Antonio National Park and it is $16 USD/person to enter. It’s an easy board walk to get to the beach through rainforest. Some people change once they get to the beach, but I would recommend just wearing a swim suit with something over it because it’s hot and humid.
Please like this review if it was helpful! 🙃
Beautiful park with all types of animals and critters. The beach was beautiful and not overly crowded. Getting there can be a pain, however. Men will stand in the middle of the street on the way to Manuel Antonio claiming it’s the last place to park then try to require you to pay $40/person for a tour. Ignore them and keep going. You can get to the end where you can find parking closer to $0-$5 range. Beware of the monkeys. They are known to steal stuff.
One of the best beaches that we have visited in Costa Rica. Go early when the park is not crowed. You'll thank for this. Wild life is everywhere and the water is warm. Recommended.
Park Trail, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica•
Canoe & kayak tour agency
Boat tour agency
Tour operator
Wildlife and safari park
Embark on a serene journey through the tranquil waters of Damas Island's mangroves with the Mangrove Tours Manuel Antonio. Whether by boat or kayak, an expert guide will lead you through the lush mangrove, offering opportunities to observe its diverse flora and fauna. Visitors have praised the exceptional experience, highlighting knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the environment and adept at spotting wildlife.
We had an amazing experience on the mangrove tour with Jeison as our guide. We went at 8 a.m. on a quiet, sunny day. Even though it's low season due to the rain, we were lucky with perfect weather and had the canal almost to ourselves.
Jeison was fantastic very knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about nature. He showed us caimans, a “Jesus lizard” (basilisk), and many other species. As a courtesy, he also took lots of great wildlife photos for us throughout the tour. The experience lasted about two hours and felt very authentic. Highly recommended if you're in the area!
Jose H — Google review
Took 2 tours today with this company and both was amazing. Very knowledgeable guides, interesting , knows how to interact with tourists, saw lots of wildlife in Manuel Antonio parc , and without guide Sergio would not be the same , would even pass without seeing some of them.
Second Mangrove tour in kayak also was so relaxing, beautiful landscape was magic and guide Jeisson did all possibile to make me feel part of this wild nature :)
This was our last tour on our honeymoon and it was the cherry on top of our trip to Costa Rica! Seeing the amount of wildlife we saw was so cool and we were the only 2 on the boat tour so we got a private tour! Our guide was amazing, super knowledgeable and funny! We were able to see lizards, three-toed sloths, a boa constrictor, a crocodile, and my favorite the capuchin monkeys! Highly recommend doing this tour if you want to see all the unique wildlife Costa Rica has in their natural habitat!
Kayaking in the mangroves with José Franklin was an incredible experience. He knows the area so well and pointed out animals we would have completely missed on our own. We observed monkeys, colorful birds, crabs, and even tiny snails along the roots. The pace was relaxed, and José made learning about the ecosystem fun. Sharing fruit at the end was the perfect touch. Truly authentic and highly recommended. 👏🏻
We had a great afternoon kayaking with Jeisson! He fostered a laid back, chilled atmosphere where we could explore the mangrove at our own pace. I would 100% recommend kayaking over the boat tour as it’s much quieter and immersive. Jeisson was able to impart a lot of knowledge about the animals we saw and also Costa Rica more generally, he knew all the best spots to find specific animals, and had great enthusiasm - particularly for the boas! He really made our experience the highest quality possible
This kayak tour through the mangroves was such a pleasant surprise. The water was calm, the scenery beautiful, and we saw plenty of animals — from hawks and iguanas to monkeys and raccoons. Sergio guided us with patience, explained clearly, and kept the group at a respectful distance from the wildlife. It felt genuine, safe, and very well organized. Highly recommended!
This was my favorite thing we did all week. We did kayaks and Carlos, our guide, was so incredibly patient with our kids and laid back. It made the experience so pleasant and relaxing. I was a little nervous about kayaking and he really calmly walked me through it. Being on the water surrounded by the lush forest and quiet was such a special experience. Would highly recommend. Carlos kept our valuables dry and took amazing pictures and videos for us (and of us :)
Carlos was super knowledgeable about the animals and ecosystem. He was very at ease answering questions from curious kids!
Then we had a fruit feast after. What a great experience. Super worth the $. Would recommend Carlos for families.
We had a great time and experience with Jason and family while we toured the Mangroves by kayak.
Unlike other tours, this one is based on preserving nature and not disturbing it.
We had a cayman pop up out of nowhere, swim underneath us and come up on the other side. Being so close to a magnificent creature like that is only possible in a tour like this.
We also saw a lot of basilisks and we got told about a lot of creatures, habits, plants and other nature facts.
All while having a great time, little exercise and fun.
We also came across an anteater, which was quite unusual.
All in all 5 stars!
60601, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, 60601, Costa Rica•
Boat tour agency
Sunset Sails Tours in Manuel Antonio offers an unforgettable sunset cruise along the Pacific Ocean and coastline. The tour includes sailing, snorkeling, and swimming in pristine coves with waterslides and diving platforms. Guests can spot marine life, unique rock formations, and even dolphins while enjoying drinks, snacks, and a delicious meal on board. The friendly hosts ensure a top-notch experience with engaging activities like snorkeling among colorful fish.
This was such a lovely, lovely sunset sail. We were a group of 9 adults. The office staff was no-so-friendly, but once we boarded the boat our host (wish I could remember his name - his brother was the captain) was so welcoming, friendly and funny. You could tell he loves people and it shows. The amazing drinks started being offered right at the beginning of the sail and they were all delicious. Speaking of delicious, the fish dinner was amazing. We have 2 non-fish eaters in our group and were so happy to see that they accommodated them by offering chicken.
We loved the swim stop. It was so relaxing and the views were stunning.
Watching the sunset over the water on our sail back to the marina was amazing as well. Just a lovely, lovely day. The crew went out of their way to provide fine, hospitality and friendliness. We highly recommend this tour.
Lynnette C — Google review
This is a top - notch sailing tour company, and I highly recommend. I went on the morning tour and had a wonderful time. The boat is clean and well equipped, and the crew are very friendly and aim to please. Every detail is addressed, and the process was very easy. They even offer hotel pickup which is very convenient. You only need to bring a towel and bathing suit.
Seeing the coastline of Quepos and Manuel Antonio from the Trimaran was awesome. There was time to swim/snorkel and a home made lunch was served onboard. It was the right amount of time. Great experience overall.
( DO THE SUNSET) Do they need more 5 star reviews? This was amazing! Staff was super helpful. The boat was great. There were non stop drinks to be had and fruit. The dinner was red snapper, rice, and veggies and it was amazing. Snorkeling was cool, we saw a lot of cool fish. We also were able to jump off the boat and swim around. I highly recommend going at the sunset time. The cliffs look beautiful and the sunset was perfect! Shout out to Kevin and Gill (staff) and the captain for making it a great adventure!
This was the highlight of our trip to Manuel Antonio. It is a must-do adventure! All the staff are so kind and intelligent. We saw a couple whales including a mama and baby whale. They served us a delicious meal and had great drinks as well. Great vibes! Pura Vida! We will be back and also tell family and friends who come to visit! Thanks again for an amazing day!
Excellent torture and great service all around!
Had an amazing afternoon filled on a relaxing catamaran tour, got to see some humpbacks as a bonus! They really make sure you have fun and feel secure! The dinner provided on board with the afternoon tour was spectacular, would definitely recommend to anyone coming to Manuel Antonio!
Minor and his sailing team were great hosts during our morning cruise. They were friendly and ensured everyone had a fun and safe time.
We spotted several dolphins who followed alongside our trimaran for 10-15 minutes. It was incredible to see! Our group also had a great time snorkeling and swimming about midway through the trip.
The trip is finished off with a delicious Costa Rican meal. Bottlomless beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options) are served the entire time.
I would highly recommend Sunset Sails!
We had the BEST time on our Catamaran iguana boat crew that we booked through sunset tours. We did the morning tour from 9-12 and the weather was perfect, the captain and crew were so friendly especially Alan. He danced, sang, and even jumped off the boat into the water with one of our kids, he was such an amazing host. The meal provided was cooked on the boat and was very delicious. We got to swim, slide and jump off into the water. This will always be one of our favorite memories!
What a great experience we had with Sunset Tours. This is a very professional company, but with a Pura Vida vibe. Our trip was great from start to finish. Our guide Kevin was awesome and very attentive to our needs. We provided with drinks and snacks throughout the trip. We were lucky enough to spot some dolphins and the captain redirected the boat so we could get right next to them. My family enjoyed the snorkeling, slide, and jumping off the diving platform. The meal they provided was very fresh and delicious. Great trip!
Marina Pez Vela, Paseo Del Mar, Quepos, Costa Rica, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, 60601, Costa Rica•
Beach
Playa Tulemar is a charming beach located near Quepos, accessible to those staying at the Tulemar Resort. The resort offers a gated and private setting with friendly staff and abundant wildlife. It's within walking distance of restaurants and shops, making it ideal for couples and families. Access to the beach is primarily reserved for hotel guests, ensuring privacy. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as towels, beach chairs, boogie boards, and kayaks free of charge.
This beach is awesome! If you’re not staying in the hotel, you can walk down the road to the beach. It’s like walking through an open zoo. Sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and agouti all around! Once on the beach, you can order drinks or food from the hotel staff if you want, and the beach isn’t crowded. Great waves and not many rocks.
Dan B — Google review
What a wonderful beach, this was part of the resort we stayed in, it was not private, nothing like that here but serviced for us to visit
You get a shuttle there, food delivered and a relax in the sun.
Such a relaxing place to be!
Beautiful beach, but I personally think Biesanz is better. We hiked in trying to do the trail from Biesanz to quepos. The trail was closed when we got here so we decided to walk out on the road. Clearly they don’t like this and were followed/escorted out by a security guard on a motorcycle. No one seemed to have an issue with us down on the beach, but maybe they didn’t realize we didn’t belong? Or maybe it’s because beaches are public? If you want to go to this beach, you can find the trails on apps like strava, Garmin, and WorkOutDoors. The trails are steep, muddy, and a little technical. But beautiful and many monkeys! We enjoyed ourselves. Would be a 4 or 5 star if the resort didn’t try to claim it for themselves.
OPEN TO PUBLIC !! Tulemar resort doesn’t own Costa Rica’s coast line along Tulemar beach because it’s a public beach. Like all beaches in the country; public access is required and to block it is illegal. If anyone tells you otherwise just proceed to the beach. The owners of the resort know full well they MUST provide access . Period .
We tried to gain access to the public beach but Tulemar told us it was private despite us knowing that no beaches in costa rica are. We had our little girl with us and walking all the way down to the next beach wasn't an option. Shame they ruined our experience and shame they think this is a reasonable thing to do. Would NEVER recommend a place who exploits like this.
Excellent gated resort with private beach. Friendly staff, beautiful setting with a lot of wildlife. Walking distance to restaurants and shops. With varied accommodations, this resort is perfect for couples and families. I would absolutely stay there again when returning to Manuel Antonio.
I like this beach because it is private and poor people can't go there
Grade A beach! Great service, warm water, sunshine and a cooling breeze all day. Perfect!
Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica•
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Boat tour agency
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Catamaran Manuel Antonio, where you can choose between a refreshing morning tour or a breathtaking afternoon-sunset experience. Picture yourself aboard a luxurious 53-foot yacht, setting sail from Quepos Marina for four hours of pure bliss. The friendly and professional crew welcomes you with open arms, ensuring your comfort throughout the journey.
I got to see a whale. George and his crew were fantastic. They made sure we all had fun. We were hoping to see dolphins but none, instead we saw a big whale.
The whole ride lasted about 4hrs. We did snorkeling in the middle of the ocean, that was super fun. The boat is equipped with slide which leads you right into the ocean. Cocktails were served with local rum at free of charge. Beers on the other hand are $3 each.
The customer service was excellent and they fed us lunch. Great experience and beautiful view of mountains from the middle of the ocean.
Definitely worth experiencing
Thank you George!!!
Kossi M — Google review
Be aware that this is a party boat so if you want party, this is it. They stopped to allow people to jump off the boat and go down the slides, in addition to giving everyone four free alcoholic drinks. HOWEVER, if you want to go snorkeling, this is not it! Snorkeling is such a small part of the boat activity and it is just around a rock—no super cool fish/marine life to see there. Since my boyfriend and I signed up for this through our hotel, we assumed we were going snorkeling and this would be a quieter boat (hence the 3 stars). If you’re down to party with a ton of people and want a nice sunset, this is your activity. If not, pass and save your money.
We had a very enjoyable private sunset cruise for our group of 10. The crew was superb. Snacks, drinks, paddle & music while sailing along the spectacular coast of Manuel Antonio. The crew was friendly and attentive and served us a delicious & lovely dinner after sunset. The yacht was beautiful, clean, and comfortable.
This staff did everything possible to make our experience the best it could be. We had a small wedding group of 17 people traveling late March to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica and one of our desired actives was to book a private sunset catamaran tour, we picked this company because they had the largest selection of boats which we could choose for a private cruise. The 53 ft yacht looked like the best option which is what we booked. We had a few people with dietary restrictions and the staff was nice enough to provide us with different food options. I have to say the boat was really luxurious with comfortable seating all around and a nice area to sunbathe. The dolphins did show up at the end of our tour a few minutes before sunset. In the end, we had a wonderful day and we hope to be back soon.
Our experience was amazing. This is exactly what my family wanted, a relaxed private catamaran cruise with a friendly crew. The staff always made sure that we were comfortable, the boat was very nice with air conditioning. We had a place to sunbathe in the front. Plenty of drinks and the food was delicious. We left the dock around 2 pm and came back 6 pm so right after sunset.
We celebrated my sisters birthday on a beautiful 53 ft Yacht out of the Quepos Marina. This was a private boat cruise for me and my family. Total duration was 4 hours and from the moment we arrived at the boat, we were greeted by the staff who were all extremely nice and professional. The boat supplied food and beverages. We also had 3 paddle boards which we used when we went snorkeling at a local reef. The boat is very modern, outdoor and indoor Bluetooth speakers to play any type of music. This is a great option if you want to do a private cruise in Manuel Antonio.
My family reserved a private morning cruise on the 60 ft Catamaran which was a recommendation when we called and we are very happy with our cruise. We arrived 8:30 in the morning at the marina and then met with the captain who explained we would start by searching for dolphins, afterwards we did some snorkeling and then they served lunch which has great, one of the best meals we had during our vacation. Having the air conditioning was a plus for us and the boat was very clean. We saw so many fish when we went snorkeling at the reef, that was my favorite part of the tour. Thank you for an amazing experience.
Emilio and the service staff were amazing. We were never left with an empty glass. The lunch was plentiful and delicious. Snacks during the rest of the ride. The trip itself was beautiful coast and landscape. Stayed close to the coast and the water was warm this time of year. Definitely the best (and newest looking) boat with dual slides and a tall jumping platform. Dolphins and whales not guaranteed, but still a lot of fun.
Marina Pez Vela, Slip A-6, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, 60601, Costa Rica•
Public beach
Playa La Vaca is one of the many beaches in the area, offering a variety of activities such as kayaking, surfing, sport fishing, and horseback tours to waterfalls. It's a bit challenging to find and requires a hike down to reach it. The walk down takes about 10 minutes and can be steep, but the effort is rewarded with stunning views along the way. Once at the beach, visitors can enjoy privacy with few other people around.
We visited around low tide (11am) on a Sunday. We stayed at Magnata at the top of the hill. The walk down took 10 minutes and the walk up took 20 - be prepared for a hard hike in full sun. It is steeper than it looks from atop the hill. There were three other couples at the beach and a small somewhat calm area for swimming, but it still felt very private. Lots of tide pools to explore.
Kaitlin — Google review
Very nice beach that is rocky and there is not much shade. You must walk down and back up a dirt road to get to the beach. There were no cows :/. The beach is very private. There are some nude sunbathers sometimes.
Tucked in a cove makes it feel like a private beach! We walked down from our hotel (Casa Lamia). There’s wave action is calm for swimming, and birds and iguanas were doing their thing. Fun time!
Rented a home at the top of the beach! Beautiful 10 days. Walked down to the beach had goats and cows walk past us. Wilderness was awesome everyday
Is a nice place to get a bottle of wine and watch the sunset. You’ll be able to get there o. The scooter or walking, you will enjoy it whenever is high tide or low tide.
Remember your hiking shoes, water and some snacks so you can spend the afternoon there.
Is also the best beach to be for the sunset in summer.
Mango simple love it.
This place is not easy to find but worth the hunt, if you're in shape and like a good hike. You have to hike down to get there, but then of course the only way out is back up. Very worth it though because the views all along the way are incredible, and once you reach the beach you're the only person anywhere in sight. Definitely wear tennis shoes for this one.
Be warned! It’s a serious hike back from the beach through rocky and ant filled terrain but you get to enjoy an essentially private Costa Rican beach❤️ Incredible beach, though it’s very rocky. Two rivers flow into the ocean here is truly a beautiful spot. I would recommend if you have the guts :) pura vida!
Love that there were only 3 of us at this beach (plus the cows and pelicans). You have to know how to get there and by foot. My friend and I hiked it in flip flops but I don’t advise it. Wear tennis shoes if you have them. If you don’t, still go but carefully. Not good for swimming (it’s shallow and rocky) but again, you can’t beat it for privacy. 😍
Fishing charter
Boat tour agency
Tour agency
Whale watching tour agency
Quepos Fishing is a premier destination for both inshore and offshore fishing enthusiasts, renowned for hosting world-class fishing competitions annually. This vibrant locale offers an unforgettable experience on the water, where anglers can target species like Dorado, Sailfish, and Yellowfin Tuna. Many visitors rave about their adventures with skilled crews who provide expert guidance throughout the day. One memorable outing involved dodging some weather but ultimately led to a successful catch of Mahi-Mahi and even a Sailfish!
If your looking to fish in the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area, Quepos Fishing is the Charter to go with! Going 3 for 4 on sails and 1 for 2 on marlin on 1 trip and catching around 8 roosterfish on the second. Not only are they amazing at fishing and what they do, the crew is friendly and you can tell all off the crew is passionate to fish and get just as excited as we do. Good fishing, good food, good drinks and good people. So Thank you Rudy, Christian, Esteban, Johnny and Andres for making it such a memorable trip!
Isaiah L — Google review
Cannot say how great they were with my family. We had planned on inshore fishing but with all of the rain they didn't think it was idea so they ask if we were good with going off shore which worked out great for us. After a short ride they had us on the fish in less than 30 minutes. Great time. Capt and Mate were first class.
We did a half day trip with Raul and Tater on the Cocodrilo! They were great … it was for my wife’s birthday and they made sure she caught fish for her birthday!!! We/she would highly recommend them!!! Lots of dolphins, scenery and a beautiful sunset along with fun fishing. Great value! Pura Vida!!!
Steve and Jan
Excellent crew and boats. We did one day on Moonwalker and one on Raven. Both boats and crew were excellent and caught fish both days. Would recommend them for anyone looking for billfish (we brought 7 sailfish to the boat)! Thank you guys!!
Could not have had a better time on the water with Moonwalker... We dodged the weather a bit on the way out, but Marcos lead us first to the Dorado/Mahi-Mahi and my wife caught her sea fish with help from both Angel and Jonny. My son then was able to reel in a Sailfish. Then Marcos found the porpoises and birds to lead us to the Yellow Fin Tuna. We caught more than we could handle, and truly enjoyed the Sashimi and fillets that El Arado prepared for us. We wore ourselves out, catching all but one of the fish on our lines. Reeled in all but one that we hooked. Ate Tuna for two days from maybe 2% of the catch.
Thanks a bunch !!!!!
Can’t say enough good things about these guys! Kenneth ,Marcus & Olle (sp?)
They recommended a full day which means they can make another stop with just 2 more hours. They wasted no time speaking any fluff, didn’t stop for a drink because they wanted to make sure everyone caught a fish, indeed we all did! They prepared our sushi on the boat, what a delight!😍
Marcos, Johnny & Angel did a great job showing us how to catch fish and helped us land mahi mahi, a sailfish, released per the law, and many tuna. Johnny expertly filetes them all and carefully stored them away to give us our share fresh and cold upon arrival at port. Angel served us beautifully cut delicious pineapple. Other snacks and drinks were plentiful. They made us some amazing sandwiches, too. We had the tuna we took home prepared at el Arado and Arabelas, both of which did amazing jobs with our fish. Thanks for the top ballot seeking local restaurants to prepare the fish from our license provider, Isabel.
You can't go wrong fishing with these dedicated charter operators! Diligent, hardworking, and skilled at what they do - to say the least! From the time we left the dock to the time we stepped off the boat at the end of the day - the MoonWalker crew went above and beyond to find the fish. This is a fast, stable, and perfect Costa Rican sportfishing boat which is set up perfectly for targeting sailfish, marlin, and yellowfins. What impressed me the most was the adaptability and resilience of the crew - when the bite was slow, they made it a point to find live bait (bonitos) and bridle rig (tricky!) them to maximize our chances of connecting with tunas. Their extra effort paid off! It's no mystery why this is the top booked boat at Pez Vela Marina in Quepos. Five stars all the way.
Marina Pez Vela, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, 60601, Costa Rica•
19Reto Mae
Hiking area
Reto Mae is a 5-kilometer hike in Manuel Antonio that offers stunning panoramic viewpoints and access to five hidden cove beaches. The trail winds through dense jungle, providing opportunities to spot various monkey species and other wildlife. Hikers should follow pink ribbons to stay on the trail, which can be challenging to find but rewards with secluded beaches and breathtaking views of the coastline.
Bring water! This is a nice hike to get away from the crowds, and to get to a beach that you may just have to yourself. Using All Trails, I walked to the trailhead from my hotel in Quepos with little problem. The trailhead is marked fairly well. You will be surrounded by nature from the get go. Be observant, look up after looking for your step. I went during dry season, so not too bad for footing. You will go up before going down to the beach. This incline got me worn out quick with the heat and humidity, so do be aware of your limits. Bring water, good hiking shoes, and swim attire (optional).
The first beach is amazing! Sandy areas, nice warm water with small waves when I was there. 2 other people in a 4 acre area for 1/2 an hour. It was nice man.
I did want to hike the entire 2.3 miles before turn around, but after getting to Playa La Vaca, I noped on out. My ass was beat from hiking in the heat. I'm just not used to the humidity, it will get to you, but great hike man.
Phillip L — Google review
I am only giving it one star because we found it impossible to continue after just beginning!
The trail head and nearby parking were easy enough. Someone was kind to put a cord to grab for the 1st descent, but at the bottom of that, it was such a deep, washed-out rut that we didn't continue.
Also, we were not sure about the possibility of poisonous snakes along the trail, so we felt better about turning back.
This is a rough route that can be difficult to follow. I would advise this only for experienced hikers. The trail is overgrown and hard to follow. I got off track and had to reference AllTrails several times. There are signs a few places saying the trail is closed. It is possible to continue the whole way though. l assume some of the resorts just don't want people crossing their beaches. If it's rained recently there will be mud. There are steep uphills and downhills throughout. Taking breaks to swim at some of the secluded beaches was a highlight.
The ladder is broken. Beautiful, rugged. My family 6, 8, 17 and I hiked it in the rain. It's definitely dangerous - muddy and slippery steep climbs on trails at the edge of high cliffs. 100% would do it again.
Hotel Tulemar posts signs saying that the trail is closed. Don't trust those: restricting access to beaches in CR is illegal. On Feb 8, 2025 I went to their beach from Playa La Vaca, then back and all the way to the trailhead, which is in the neighborhood of the Police station. Did not check the trail beyond Playa Tulemar though.
We walked from the main road down Calle Parador to catch the trail to Playa Biesanz. Nice calm cove. Snorkeling equipment rental was poor quality and not much to see. Paddleboards also available. A bathroom there for $1. From there we took the trail to Playa Sonia. Great waves. A bar there as well, and a private road that led up to a hotel. We then hiked to Playa Tulemar. Truly beautiful- rolling waves, not too crowded. Monkeys. A sloth in a tree right above us. But we were not permitted access to leave Reto Mae for the main road from there, so had to backtrack almost all the way to Biesanz. Take plenty of water and food. Get out of the woods within 30 minutes of sunset. Be aware that some roads that go down towards the trail or the beaches are private, and security guards do not let you pass no matter how good your reason or Soanish is. Lots of up and down, have the all trails map because there are some intersections that don’t have pink ribbons. Great hike and challenging due to heat/ humidity.
Long (10km +, around 3 hours) and difficult hike between Quepos and Biesanz beach. Bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes.
Worth it for the views and if you like a challenging hike. Make sure to always follow the pink ribbons.
You can exit the trail in different areas but if you plan on doing the entire trail, be prepared, and avoid if you’re not fit
The trail is technical and requires some descends by plastic cord. Footwear with good traction is necessary. Bring lots of water and follow the pink ribbons. Just beyond the initial trail down to the water is a ladder that can be climbed to see wild monkeys leaping through the trees.
CRCM+9QG, Playa La Macha, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, El Cerro, Costa Rica•
Sightseeing tour agency
Tourist information center
Travel agency
Manuel Antonio National Park is a stunning natural reserve in Costa Rica, offering guided wildlife and beach tours through Hola Nature. The park is known for its diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. Visitors can explore the lush rainforest and relax on beautiful white sand beaches. Hola Nature provides knowledgeable guides who offer informative tours to help visitors learn about the park's biodiversity and natural wonders.
Beautiful Park! Yes, you have to wait in a line to get in, but it moves relatively quick. They do look through your bags to make sure you are not bringing food in FYI. Our group did not get a guide. We still saw lots of wildlife. In fact, sometimes we pointed out stuff that the passing guides did not see, and they were very appreciative. Beware of the monkeys by the beach. If you leave a bag and try and go for a swim they will try and get into your stuff. There is a cafeteria type of thing midway and bathrooms. We saw sloths, crabs, ground creatures, spiders, hermit crabs, and of course monkeys.
Mike W — Google review
Very nice park, nice beach, nice walk. It misses some lookout to have a better view of the park.
Advice : if you want to see a lot of animals, take a guide, but you won't be able to do all the trails... Even if you spend the day in a park. There is also water point in the park to refill your bottle of water.
Worst meal ever. Don't go inside the cage. Parc is not the best from far, but beaches are nice! Don't go there to hike if you are used to. Some nice animals by the way
What a beautiful place, full of knowledgeable guides, perfect scenery and amazing wild animals! I would come back here again and again!
Wonderful and WELL worth every penny and more. Minor was friendly and knowledgeable! We saw four 🦥 sloths!
Minor was a very great guide for us. We saw many things we would have never spotted on our own. Highly recommend!
(Translated by Google) Minor was a super nice, knowledgeable guide. He told us a lot about the animals and the flora. He accommodated our requests and we understood him very well. 100% recommendation!
(Original)
Minor war ein super netter, kompetenter Führer. Er hat uns super viel über die Tiere aber auch die Pflanzenwelt erzählt. Er ging auf unsere Wünsche ein und wir haben ihn super verstanden. 100% Weiterempfehlung!
Minor was an awesome guide to walk with through the park. He was showing other guides on the trail what to look at. Was a great to walk through with a guide for a little bit and still got some time to enjoy the beach after the tour.
Next to Manuel Antonio National Park, Provincia de Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, 60601, Costa Rica•
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Embark on an exhilarating Safari Mangrove Tour in Manuel Antonio and its surrounding areas, where you can explore the stunning landscapes through thrilling water and land excursions. Whether you're cruising along the waterways or venturing into the lush mangrove forests, these tours are designed to provide an unforgettable experience during your visit.
Had an amazing experience with Julio and Maurillio.. this was the first time level 4 and 5 Rafting but they were so good in making sure our safety and enjoyment. I would strongly recommend them
Rajiv A — Google review
FXH3+PF7, Provincia de Puntarenas, Naranjito, Costa Rica•
23Waterfall
Waterfall is a stunning destination that offers visitors an array of scenic paths and cozy resting spots. These newly added trails provide access to various attractions, including Punta Catedral, breathtaking viewpoints, Espadilla Beach, and the beautiful Manuel Antonio Beach. This combination makes your visit to Waterfall not just enjoyable but truly unforgettable!
GWMH+Q6, Puntarenas Province, Naranjito, Costa Rica
4.2
(575)
4.7
(136)
Restaurant
Bar
Casino
Cocktail bar
YOLO Social Bar & Grill is a must-visit destination for those seeking an enjoyable and delectable dining experience. This trendy establishment offers a diverse range of traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, making it highly favored by both locals and tourists alike. The late-night kitchen allows patrons to indulge in delicious meals even after a night of partying, contributing to the lively ambiance.
Great place to eat with kids - they have a ton of board games such as jenga and connect square! We really enjoyed our food and appreciated the diversity of options in the menu. Lots of familiar American options but also some Asian flare. Also had TVs and music playing which meant the kids could play and no one minded.
Jen T — Google review
MARIAM is the BEST bartender in Quepos! Yolo is definitely THE late night spot to visit while you’re in town. Fantastic mixed drinks, cold beer, live music during the week, board games available, pool table, casino, and plenty of seating to spread out even for larger parties. Vibe is authentic, staff is welcoming, and feels very safe whether local or visiting. Must stop for a drink with family or friends.
Such a cute restaurant with a cool vibe, live music, good drinks and games at the tables. Miriam is awesome and let us try some traditional Costa Rican drinks! 10/10
Delicious food and cheap drinks. We stayed in the hotel and ate several meals here and everything was good. The servers, particularly Chris, were lovely and personable. They made the experience. Their selection of games makes it an entertaining place to spend an evening while travelling. We brought our own game to play. Highly recommend.
Good place to grab a cocktail, they had a happy hour special with a monster size for the price of a regular size, the jalapeño watermelon margarita was spicy and good. The best part was seeing the squirrel monkeys playing on the canopies and in the trees right below the balcony.
I really wanted to give this place 5 stars — the vibe is great, the staff was friendly, and my appetizer and drinks were solid. But unfortunately, the pricing was a major downside. I ordered just one appetizer and two drinks, and my total came out to nearly $45. For what I got, it just didn’t feel worth the price. If the pricing were more reasonable, I would recommend it. Save your money and check out the pizza place down the street - El Wagon.
Deliciously Wonderful! Everything we ordered was Excellent (it’s so good that we ate here all 3 nights that we were here-why would we go anywhere else?) and the staff is Amazing, helpful, and courteous. We had everything from the Tuna steak, Bacon Cheeseburgers and fries, Broiled Lobster, etc…and look forward to coming back to YOLO Social soon-Thanks Everyone!
Great food, the calamari was very fresh and fried up to perfection!
Great drinks, the passionfruit margarita was delightful! (Make sure you check out happy hour to get the large size for the same price as a reg.)
Great vibe, the music and the service were amazing!
Make sure to say ¡Hola! to Chris when you stop in, he was a pleasure getting to know and just an awesome dude!
Main Road. At the entrance to Ecotica Resort, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Manuel Antonio, 60161, Costa Rica•
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It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Quepos for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
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All road trips from Quepos
- Quepos to Arenal Volcano National Park drive
- Quepos to San Jose drive
- Quepos to La Fortuna de San Carlos drive
- Quepos to Tamarindo drive
- Quepos to Cahuita drive
- Quepos to Playa Samara drive
- Quepos to Puntarenas drive
- Quepos to Drake Bay drive
- Quepos to Santa Teresa drive
- Quepos to Liberia drive
- Quepos to Montezuma drive
Explore nearby places
- Quepos
- Manuel Antonio
- Parrita
- Esterillos Este
- Dominical
- Carara
- Cartago
- Ballena
- Uvita
- Jaco
- Santa Ana
- San Jose
- San Pedro
- Garabito Municipality
- Tarcoles
- Alajuela
- Poas Volcano National Park
- Puntarenas
- Mal Pais
- Corcovado National Park
- Drake Bay
- Montezuma
- La Virgen
- Santa Teresa
- Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
- Vara Blanca
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Santa Elena
- La Fortuna de San Carlos
- El Castillo
- Arenal Volcano National Park
All related maps of Quepos
- Map of Quepos
- Map of Manuel Antonio
- Map of Parrita
- Map of Esterillos Este
- Map of Dominical
- Map of Carara
- Map of Cartago
- Map of Ballena
- Map of Uvita
- Map of Jaco
- Map of Santa Ana
- Map of San Jose
- Map of San Pedro
- Map of Garabito Municipality
- Map of Tarcoles
- Map of Alajuela
- Map of Poas Volcano National Park
- Map of Puntarenas
- Map of Mal Pais
- Map of Corcovado National Park
- Map of Drake Bay
- Map of Montezuma
- Map of La Virgen
- Map of Santa Teresa
- Map of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui
- Map of Vara Blanca
- Map of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Map of Santa Elena
- Map of La Fortuna de San Carlos
- Map of El Castillo
- Map of Arenal Volcano National Park
Quepos throughout the year
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Best fun attractions in nearby cities
Best attractions in nearby cities
- Top things to do and attractions in Panama City
- Top things to do and attractions in San Jose
- Top things to do and attractions in Garabito Municipality
- Top things to do and attractions in Arenal Volcano National Park
- Top things to do and attractions in La Fortuna de San Carlos
- Top things to do and attractions in Jaco
- Top things to do and attractions in Manuel Antonio
- Top things to do and attractions in Santa Teresa
- Top things to do and attractions in Alajuela
- Top things to do and attractions in Puntarenas
- Top things to do and attractions in Uvita
- Top things to do and attractions in Santa Elena
- Top things to do and attractions in Dominical
- Top things to do and attractions in Cartago
- Top things to do and attractions in Mal Pais
- Top things to do and attractions in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Top things to do and attractions in Cahuita
Best restaurants in nearby cities
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Panama City
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in San Jose
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Garabito Municipality
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Arenal Volcano National Park
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Jaco
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Manuel Antonio
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Santa Teresa
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Alajuela
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Puntarenas
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Uvita
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Montezuma
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Drake Bay
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Santa Elena
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Dominical
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Cartago
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Santa Ana
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Mal Pais
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Cahuita
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Tarcoles
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in San Pedro
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Ballena
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Parrita
- Where to eat: the best restaurants in Poas Volcano National Park
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