| Ponce de Leon, in his search for the fountain of | | | | in a wide variety of accommodations from |
| youth, discovered Quepos in 1519. Named for the | | | | boutique hotels to luxury villas. Buena Vista Villas, |
| Quepoa Indian population he encountered, this | | | | La Mansion, and Hotel El Parador are wonderful, |
| seaside gem has evolved through the banana | | | | each with unique charm and unparalleled views. |
| industry, to palm oil, to tourism; which is now the | | | | Buena Vista Villas is great for romantic |
| area's leading product. In the late 1800's, vast | | | | honeymoon-like getaways, featuring privacy and |
| banana plantations were developed throughout the | | | | the utmost elegance. The Parador is great for |
| region. Bananas were shipped to world markets | | | | families, with lovely service, kid and adult friendly |
| from the docks that now service the renowned | | | | pool with a swim-up bar, and a family friendly |
| sportfishing and diving operations. In the 1980's | | | | restaurant. The view from the Parador pool is my |
| the focus became the hearty African Palms with | | | | favorite in all of the area. La Mansion is a cozy |
| their high quality palm oil. Throughout all this | | | | boutique experience that provides the service and |
| transition the area has maintained marvelous | | | | cuisine that is all luxury, but with the personal |
| charm and Quepos has established itself as a | | | | touch by the friendly staff that really makes the |
| premier vacation destination, boasting the | | | | experience above and beyond. |
| distinctions of world-class ecotourism and | | | | The activities to choose from are impressive: |
| sportfishing to name just a couple of highlights. | | | | canopy zip-line tours, estuary/mangrove tours, |
| Quepos is the gateway to perhaps the most | | | | sport fishing, scuba, snorkeling, hiking, naturalist |
| popular National Park in all of Costa Rica: Manuel | | | | tours, sunset catamaran cruises, kayaking, river |
| Antonio. The trails within the park lead to some of | | | | rafting, surfing, spa experiences, horse back riding, |
| the most dazzling and secluded white-sand | | | | jet skiing, waterfall excursions, etc. etc. etc. |
| beaches in all of Central America. The emerald | | | | Iguana Tours is a trusted and great source that is |
| coves and a jungle-lined shoulder reaching an island | | | | fantastic for service. Lesser known is the 'Spice |
| of serenity will literally take your breath away. | | | | Tour", which is very unique and intriguing. Farm |
| You may catch glimpses of whimsical spider | | | | Villa Vanilla is a tropical laboratory for sustainable |
| monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, loud | | | | agriculture, 10 miles East of Quepos and includes |
| and colorful parrots, giant toucans, three-toed | | | | 27 acres of agriculture production and 125 acres |
| sloths, as well as many exotic flowering plants and | | | | of primary and secondary rainforest. The organic, |
| vibrantly colored insects, including luminescent | | | | biodynamic crops include vanilla from the vanilla |
| butterflies that inspire and overwhelm the senses. | | | | orchid, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, and a |
| You may even see some of the last remaining | | | | variety of exotic fruits, essential oil and medicinal |
| squirrel or 'titi' monkeys left in all of Costa Rica. | | | | plants. The tour takes you through the sights and |
| Manuel Antonio Park is one of the two restricted | | | | smells of all these crops, plus informing along the |
| habitats of the highly endangered titi, or squirrel | | | | way about sustainable practices such as: |
| monkey. The birding opportunities are amazing, | | | | composting, animal husbandry, and permaculture. |
| with more than 350 species spotted in the park's | | | | Some spice treats and packs are included with |
| small boundaries. Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's | | | | the tour. After the tour you can pick up the |
| smallest national park, but no doubt one of the | | | | spices in the spice shop. You will come away with |
| most appreciated by locals and tourists alike and | | | | an unforgettable experience of what makes the |
| is second in visitors only to Poas National Park. | | | | tropical rainforest unique. |
| Easy walking trails boast panoramic views of | | | | Another unique experience, especially if you are a |
| Costa Rica's dramatic coastline and meander | | | | nature lover or are traveling with your children, is |
| through primary rainforest with over 300 species | | | | the Kids Saving The Rainforest in Quepos. Ahh, |
| of trees. Stunning! The park is open 7 a.m. to 4 | | | | what one young person with vision, passion, and |
| p.m. everyday except Mondays. Admission is $ 10 | | | | community support can do. For more information |
| U.S. dollars for non-residents, and children under 12 | | | | visit kidssavingtherainforest.org. |
| enter free of admission. Guided tours are available | | | | The reforestation, rehabilitation of animals and |
| and highly recommended. | | | | other projects are worthy causes. At their |
| The town center of Quepos is a charming blend | | | | Saturday Camp, local and visiting children learn |
| of seaside restaurants, bars, hotels, bakeries, art | | | | about the rainforest and everything in it: trees, |
| galleries and gift shops. High Season runs | | | | plants, insects, and animals, such as sloths, |
| December to April, and is mostly dry but still lush | | | | kinkajous, and titi monkeys. Learn ways to help |
| and beautiful. The Festival del Mar dominates the | | | | and try to save the rainforest and specifically to |
| month of February and features concerts, | | | | prevent the titi monkey from extinction. Create |
| sporting events, parades and a street carnival | | | | artwork, some of which will be sold to help save |
| with dancers from across the country. Quepos is | | | | the rainforest in the KSTR store. It is a fun-filled |
| brimming by Christmas, which is great fun. The | | | | learning experience to empower kids to save the |
| friendly locals are joined year round by families, | | | | planet. |
| surfers, ecotourists, backpackers, fishermen and | | | | These are just a few highlights of the many |
| take it all in stride, maintaining their own special | | | | magical things in store for you in the Manuel |
| brand of Pura Vida. For people-watching, don't | | | | Antonio/Quepos area. We can design a Quepos |
| miss Playa Espadilla just before the Manuel | | | | Costa Rica Vacation just for you, crafted by our |
| Antonio Park entrance, with its colorful street | | | | local, passionate travel designers who live for |
| vendors and restaurants. | | | | providing the above and beyond! Ponce de Leon |
| The panoramic views offered by the natural | | | | was on to something! |
| landscape are truly gorgeous, and can be enjoyed | | | | |