Nearly 35 years ago, my dad went on his first surfing trip, accompanied by his best friend, to Costa Rica. Ever since that trip, Costa Rica has been a beacon for my dad and eventually my family. Now, all these years later, my parents cemented their dreams of buying a home in paradise. The area we are in is new to my entire family, so we have enjoyed exploring its wonders. So, as a self-proclaimed amateur travel expert of this section of Costa Rica, here is my niche guide to Quepos, Costa Rica. 

Quepos, Costa Rica

Located in midland Costa Rica, Quepos is an underrated gem of surfing, tourism, and beauty. The city is a little over a three-hour drive from the international city of San Jose. Quepos, and the neighboring city of Manuel Antonio, spreads from the top of a mountain, down into cliffsides, and eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean. The city, aside from the town square, has taken care to build around the jungle vegetation, leaving as much land as possible untouched. Costa Rica as a country has taken great care to protect their ecosystems. Even the stray dogs are fed and cared for by the locals. So, when you visit this place, remember to have respect for the land and its people as they care for it with pride. 

The Best Activities

With ecosystems ranging from arid deserts to the humid jungle and the deep ocean, Costa Rica gives everyone the chance to explore nature in any way they want. Here are a few of my favorite travel spots near Quepos:

El Santuario Canopy Tour: On one of my recent trips to Quepos, I decided to do something I hadn’t done in 10 years; zipline. As someone who is afraid of heights, you would think I would hate it. But something about zipping through the tree lines wipes away the fear. When researching what zipline tour I wanted to do, I found El Santuario Canopy Tour. This is the longest zipline in Central America, stretching over 4,000 feet, with 14 platforms and hanging bridges. This tour allows you to feel one with the jungle. The guides are friendly and helpful, and they bring along the most adorable helpers. 

Rainmaker Waterfall: The Rainmaker Conservation Park sits high in the mountains right outside of Quepos. The park hardly feels like one, as the only landmarks past the entrance/restaurant are trail numbers. Here you can disappear into the jungle, walking through the trees on hanging bridges, and swimming under waterfalls. The leader of the Aloha Blog herself was on this trip with my family and convinced me to go. Nina, an avid hiker, knows I despise hiking almost more than anything. However, this hike is one that even us flatland Florida babies can enjoy without feeling like you’re losing a lung. 

Estero Damas Estuary: A beautiful river cut through a nature reserve to create the Estero Damas Estuary. This estuary runs from small inlets to meet at the large river mouth on the outskirts of the Quepos cape. The estuary’s clarity depends on how heavy the rainy season is that year (as the excessive rain churns the muddy bottom), however it always provides the chance to envelop yourself in nature. And, if you’re lucky, even get an up-close look. Just remember, not too up-close, for the animal’s safety and your own. 

Watch the Sunset: While this may sound flippant and random, I argue that Costa Rican sunsets are the most beautiful in the world. When on the West Coast, you get a perfect view of the sun dipping into the ocean. The bright reds and oranges light up the sky, even when clouds block out the full view. The sun rises and sets early here, allowing the entire family to see its beauty. And if you are lucky, you may enjoy the sunset with a happy dog looking to make friends. 

Tips & Tricks for Eating in Costa Rica

One of the keys to your travel experience is finding a good place to sit down and eat. As Quepos sits on the water, fish and other fresh meals are easy to find. Smaller cities surround Quepos and provide a fantastic opportunity to explore a local restaurant with food you could never experience elsewhere. Costa Rica is a country where people are deeply connected, and a way they connect is through food. Traditional meals and local restaurants are typically born from a need to care for neighbors. For instance, the Casado meal, a large lunch or dinner plate, was born from chefs creating extra large meals to feed workers in the area. Casado means married, and, as the chefs in Costa Rica are typically women, this meal was born from the joke that they were feeding their work husbands. To enjoy this country and its wonderful food, here are some of my tips:

• Look for Casado and Pescado Entero: Even if a whole fish or Casado isn’t your favorite meal, these traditional dishes signal that the restaurant utilizes traditional meals or techniques. This way, you can experience the most authentic eating experience.
• Price does not always mean better: just like in the states, prices do not always signal quality. To avoid being upsold, rely on local opinions. Locals always have their favorite places, and they are happy to extend them to visitors.
• Go outside your comfort zone: A country such as Costa Rica gives you the chance to explore foods you may have never tried before, and typically at a lower price. For instance, a whole fish in the states is considered a delicacy for special occasions. In Costa Rica, this is a common dish.

Traveling gives everyone the chance to explore the world and themselves. Costa Rica is a beautiful place to explore the wonders of nature and tap into your inner adventurer. If you’re looking for more reasons to make Costa Rica your next destination, be sure to check out The Aloha Blog’s Costa Rica Adventure Guide!

Blog post author: Reece Kovacs