Why You Shouldn't Overlook Quepos On Your Trip To Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio has all the glitz and glamour one might seek on vacation, but its touristy vibe can overwhelm those seeking a more authentic experience. The small, charming city of Quepos sits just at the foot of the popular national park and offers a more genuine insight into local life.

Local buzz

Though acting as the gateway city to the highly sought after Manuel Antonio, Quepos has managed to maintain an authentic Tico feel—the first reason on the list of why it’s a must for every traveler. With sodas (family-owned Costa Rican restaurants) galore, and typical houses lining the streets, you get a vibe for what everyday life is like for an average Tico family. The small city is busy with locals doing their grocery shopping at Pali (a Walmart-owned supermarket chain), buying bread at the panadería, banking at the BAC San José, or spending time with friends and family at the waterfront.

Nightlife

La Feria

Friday evenings and Saturday mornings are for shopping at La Feria (the farmers’ market), and a cultural experience all on its own. With a number of stands offering the freshest fruit and vegetables at wholesale prices, you can pick up quick snacks for your day trips. The market is also filled with unique Costa Rican handicrafts that make excellent souvenirs and gifts. Find yourself among a mix of local vendors and try your hand at haggling in Spanish.

Marina Pez Vela

Every year, thousands flock to Marina Pez Vela which proudly hosts various world fishing tournaments every year. In addition, the marina caters to the world’s elite with their upscale dining options, boutiques, luxury yachts, and top-of-the-line vacation villas. You can participate in any of the various activities including fishing charters, catamaran tours, stand-up paddle board, jet ski tours, boat rentals, and more.

Playa Maracas

For a getaway from the more overcrowded beaches of Manuel Antonio, try your hand at Playa Maracas. More a bay than an actual beach, you will find yourself among a handful of locals splashing about in the crystal-clear waters, or soaking up the sun on the rocky seaside. For a bit more adventure, join the kids as they cliff dive from the park above or rent a paddle board to fully explore the hidden treasures of Playa Maracas.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.