Puerto Quepos, a village with roots in the banana growing industry, is now a premier vacation destination in Costa Rica. Located on the country's Pacific Coast, it is a sleepy village of just six blocks that offers visitors pristine beaches, lush rain forests and plenty of charm thanks to its quaint shops, authentic restaurants and warm people.
Perched on an inlet in the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Quepos' main beach is surrounded by jungle. But there's a lot more to do here than swim and sunbathe.
Adventurous types can spend five hours on a guided kayaking tour through mangroves filled with tropical scenery and wildlife, such as monkeys and birds.
Another way to see abundant wildlife is on the popular jet ski safari tour. This eco-friendly two-and-a-half-hour tour takes you through hidden spots, quiet islands and remote beaches, where you will most likely see exotic animals, from giant sea turtles to pelicans and dolphins. As members of the Cousteau Society and Earth Watch Foundation, the jet ski safari tour guides are extremely knowledgeable about the area's environment and native species.
Another great activity is to take the day cruise from Puerto Quepos to Manuel Antonio National Park. This three-hour trip takes you around palm-speckled beaches and through tropical islands, where you'll see dolphins, sea turtles and whales and even have time to do some snorkeling.
For a quiet evening on the water, check out the dinner cruise that leaves around sunset, which offers gourmet dining and an open bar.
One of the region's most popular attractions is Manuel Antonio National Park, which boasts more than 350 types of birds and is home to monkeys, tropical birds, sloths and unique plants. You can also spend an afternoon horseback riding or biking through the mountains.
For some real thrills, book a tour canyoning and explore the Rio Quebrada de Arroyo. You'll cascade down tropical waterfalls and rappel cliffs, all while enjoying the rain forest surroundings.
Puerto Quepos is also a sport fisherman's dream, as the Pacific waters are home to sailfish, billfish, tuna, grouper, snapper, marlin and more. There are several companies with fishing fleets to take you out for an unforgettable day on the water. Tours can be booked for either a half day or a full day, and, best of all, you can take your catch to your favorite local eatery and they'll prepare it for you.
For a unique outdoor experience, spend an afternoon mangrove fishing at the Isla Damas Mangrove Sanctuary. You'll float in a "panga"---a canoe-like boat that's preferred by the local fisherman---and guides will take you to ideal fishing spots. Meanwhile, you'll see monkeys, reptiles, beautiful vegetation and a range of other wildlife.
