Quepos (Costa Rica)

Quepos is a port city and capital of Aguirre canton (Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica), with population around 22,000. The town is located approx 60 km (37 ml) south from Costa Rica;s capital city San Jose. However, the road distance (through Atenas, Orotina and Tarcoles) is 157 km (98 ml).

The town of Quepos is named for the Quepo Indians who inhabited the site in the colonial era. The region sheltered the native Quepoa people of the specific Costa Rican region. Led by Juan Vazquez de Coronado, Spanish Catholic conquistadores settled Quepos area in 1563, and established San Bernardino de Quepo settlement. The native Quepo people were subsequently subjugated by the conquistadores. In 1746, the remaining Quepo people were transferred to a reservation that already had another native ethnic group.

The city of Quepos provides fishing for a rich varieties of fish, particularly Pacific Sailfish. Peak fishing season for billfish is from November to April.

Town's economy is tourism-oriented, with many bars and restaurants, as well as vivacious nightlife. Quepos is also the gateway to the Manuel Antonio National Park (established in 1972, land area 1983 hectares / 20 km2). Currently, the park service of Costa Rica imposes limits on the number of park's visitors (600 per day) and the nature park is closed on Mondays.

Quepos tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Manuel Antonio National Park (officially Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio)