Nature
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
The reason most people come. Three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, toucans and beaches inside the forest. A naturalist with a spotting scope turns shapes in the canopy into animals. Guided tour from $30.
2. Night tour
After sunset the forest changes shift: red-eyed tree frogs, two-toed sloths, kinkajous, snakes at a safe distance. $50 shared, $75 private, on a private reserve next to the park. More about the night tour.
3. Damas mangrove by boat
The estuary north of Quepos: caimans, mangrove birds, boas and monkeys from a flat boat. Mangrove tour.
4. Whale watching (December–March)
Northern-hemisphere humpbacks pass the Central Pacific in these months; boats leave from the Quepos marina. Whale season.
5. Birding
Fiery-billed aracari, scarlet macaws along the coast, and dozens of species around the river valleys behind town.
Sea
6. Catamaran and snorkel
Half-day sail along the coast with a swim stop.
7. Surf lessons
Beginner lessons on the beach outside the park, around $90 for two hours.
8. Parasailing
From the beachfront, 10–15 minutes in the air.
Adventure
9. Canopy zip line
10. Rafting on the Savegre or Naranjo
11. Horseback riding to waterfalls
All in the hills 20–45 minutes from town. See the adventure options.
Town
12. Marina Pez Vela and Quepos at sunset
Walk the marina, eat fresh fish in town and watch the fishing fleet come in.
- December 2026: Tuesdays 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
- January 2027: Tuesdays 5, 12, 19 and 26
What can I do in Quepos on a Tuesday?
Everything except the national park: catamaran, mangrove boat, canopy, rafting, horseback, the public beach Playa Espadilla outside the park, and the night tour, which runs on a private reserve.
What can I do in Quepos when it rains?
The night tour and the mangrove run in rain, and rain improves frog activity. Mornings are usually drier in the green season, so book the park early.