Quepos !
The perfect start point for your visit to Costa Rica.

Nestled on the Pacific coast between other more hectic beach towns, I think Quepos has all the right vibes for your first night in Costa Rica if you plan to hug the Pacific Coast.  It’s located just 3 hours from San Jose airport, an easy drive and easily accessible by all modes of transportation. If you are taking public buses, head to San Jose bus terminal from Alajuela with Uber or a taxi (ugh) first.

The hills of Quepos checks all the right boxes for an easy and gradual entry into the tropical heat and culture of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.

A destination onto it’s own, I prefer it a base to explore all the nearby towns and beaches. Accommodations are generally less expensive than Manuel Antonio proper but it’s a short 20 minute bus ride away and the crowds are nowhere in sight here.  It has a nice downtown area with proper shops so you can buy anything you need before heading off to other parts of the country that may only have tiny shops with limited items. If you haven’t brought big sunscreen or bugs pray from home due to liquid restrictions;  grab them now as it only gets more expensive. There is a nice waterfront area with a walkway that is home to the town sign. If you wander all the way to the left, the sidewalk ends at a nice little park where you can go swimming. Much better swimming beaches are a short distance away in either direction it’s preferred to enjoy the cool shade of the trees while taking in the crashing waves and glorious blues of the Pacific instead.

Book your accommodations in the hills that surround the village to enjoy cooler evenings and afternoon respites from the tropical sun. Despite being a city, there is no shortage of animal life to encounter in the surrounding trees. Being in the hills with a denser canopy has the double benefit of keeping you cool and inviting the area wildlife to come play. The only drawback I found was the steep inclines to walk up to most accommodations. Benefit… breaks you in without the heat… Costa Rica is not a flat country :)

During my 2020 trip, I stayed in the gated community of Manuel Antonio Estates at the Coravida – Heart Inspired Retreat Center. A large and beautiful mansion that has been turned into a fancy hostel. Boasting a nice size pool and open air decks underneath jungle canopies, it was a wonderful place to wake up to in the mornings and return to in the hot afternoon sun. Troupes of White Faced  and squirrel monkeys came by on some mornings and descended on the villa roof and surrounding structures as they made their way across the canopy. The open air kitchen was well equipped and they also offered vegetarian meals.  Even though I am rarely far from the beach on my travels, I enjoyed the villa so much my stay was extended to 4 nights. When you find good vibes and there’s no need to rush…don’t.

So once you’re done enjoying the pool and wildlife at your accomodation these are the bigger attractions you get to within 2 hours for day trips OR moving forward.