After trekking across mountains, valleys, and rainforests on El Camino de Costa Rica, there’s no better reward than reaching the warm embrace of the Pacific coast. The trail’s final steps lead to Quepos, a lively coastal town that perfectly embodies the pura vida spirit of Costa Rica. With stunning ocean views, rich biodiversity, and easy access to Costa Rica’s most iconic national park, Quepos makes for an unforgettable grand finale.
Quepos: The Last Leg of El Camino de Costa Rica
The last stage of El Camino de Costa Rica is an enriching experience, not only because of the breathtaking coastal views, but also because it represents the completion of a journey across an entire country, from the Caribbean to the Pacific.
Urritrek’s guided experience ensures this final leg is as meaningful as beautiful. As you descend toward the coast, you’ll witness the landscape change from lush inland rainforest to open sea vistas and warm ocean breezes. The sense of achievement is profound, and many trekkers describe the moment they first glimpse the Pacific as pure exhilaration.
Upon arrival in Quepos, there’s time to relax, celebrate, and reflect whether with a cold drink by the beach, a fresh seafood dinner, or one final nature walk before heading home.
A coastal gem with a local soul
Though small, Quepos is big on charm. Historically a fishing village, this town has become a hub for ecotourism, drawing travelers with its balance of local authenticity and tourist-friendly comforts. You'll find colorful streets lined with shops, cafés, and open-air restaurants where the fresh catch of the day is always on the menu.
Sunsets here are legendary. The town sits right on the Pacific Ocean, and every evening paints the sky in fiery oranges and pinks, a natural celebration, marking the end of your journey.
Gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park
Just a short drive or bus ride from downtown Quepos is Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most visited and beloved parks in all of Central America. According to SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación), this is Costa Rica’s most visited National Park. During 2024 it received approximately 160,000 visitors. And there’s a big reason for that; inside this biodiverse paradise, you’ll find:
- White-sand beaches with calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming.
- Scenic hiking trails that wind through rainforest and offer views of the coast.
- Abundant wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, and iguanas, many of which you’ll spot up close.
Top 5 things to do in and around Quepos and more
- Marina Pez Vela: A modern marina with restaurants, bars, and tour operators. It's also the launch point for world-renowned sport fishing excursions.
- Whale Watching: Depending on the season (especially July–October and December–March), you can take a boat tour to see humpback whales and dolphins.
- Surfing and Paddleboarding: Playa Espadilla and nearby beaches offer great waves and gear rentals.
- Mangrove Tours: Explore the unique Damas Island estuary by kayak or boat and spot crocodiles, birds, and monkeys in a tranquil setting.
- Cultural Events and Local Markets: Visit during one of Quepos' local festivals or explore the weekend farmers’ market to discover local products.A welcoming atmosphere
Quepos welcomes LGBTQ+
Manuel Antonio has a long-standing reputation as the most LGBTQ-inclusive beach destination in Costa Rica. Many hotels, bars, and tour operators in the area openly welcome LGBTQ travelers, and some are even gay-owned or specifically market themselves as LGBTQ-friendly. The vibe in both Quepos and Manuel Antonio is laid-back, inclusive, and focused on hospitality.
- The area hosts an informal but lively gay scene, especially around Playa Espadilla and at some nightlife spots in Manuel Antonio.
- Businesses often display rainbow flags or signs showing they’re open to all visitors.
- Solo travelers, couples, and groups from the LGBTQ community report feeling safe and respected in the region.
You might want to read: Costa Rica in the Rainy Season: Wild, Green, and Unforgettable.
Ecotourism and conservation in Quepos
One of the most inspiring aspects of visiting Quepos is its strong commitment to ecotourism and conservation. The community and surrounding areas are involved in a variety of efforts aimed at protecting the natural beauty and biodiversity that make this region special.
- Sustainable Lodging: Many hotels and hostels are certified by Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program, prioritizing water conservation, recycling, and the use of renewable energy.
- Wildlife Protection Programs: Several local organizations work to rehabilitate injured animals, protect endangered species, and educate visitors on ethical wildlife viewing.
- Community-Based Tourism: Tour companies and guides often come from the local community and are trained to share knowledge about the environment while preserving it.
- Volunteer and Educational Opportunities: Some visitors extend their stay to participate in conservation projects, including reforestation, beach cleanups, and wildlife monitoring.
How to get to Quepos
No matter where your journey begins, getting to Quepos is relatively easy.
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From San José: The drive to Quepos takes about 2.5–3 hours via Route 27 and Route 34. Public buses also depart regularly from the capital’s Tracopa terminal.
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From Liberia: Expect a drive of around 4.5–5 hours heading south through the scenic Nicoya Peninsula, or a slightly longer route bypassing it. While there’s no direct public transportation from Liberia, private shuttles and car rentals are widely available.
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By Air: The Quepos airport (La Managua) offers daily flights from San José via local airlines, with spectacular aerial views of the coast.
Where to stay
Accommodations in Quepos and nearby Manuel Antonio range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury eco-resorts. Whether you want to relax in a jungle hideaway or enjoy oceanfront luxury, there are plenty of options to suit your style and budget.
Quepos may be the final destination of El Camino de Costa Rica, but it’s just one chapter in a journey filled with incredible landscapes, cultural encounters, and personal discovery.
As you stand on the shores of the Pacific, remember: every step along the trail mattered and every region of Costa Rica has its own magic worth exploring. Click here if you want to get a quote to start El Camino.
Quick summary of Quepos Costa Rica: Top Things to Do Where the Trail Ends:
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Is Quepos the final stop on El Camino de Costa Rica?
Yes, Quepos is the official endpoint of El Camino de Costa Rica. This coastal town marks the conclusion of the trek that crosses Costa Rica from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific Ocean, making it a significant milestone for hikers.
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What to expect on the last leg of El Camino de Costa Rica?
The final stage offers stunning views as the landscape shifts from dense rainforest to breathtaking ocean vistas and warm Pacific breezes. Many hikers describe the first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean as an exhilarating and rewarding moment.
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What are the top things to do in Quepos after completing the trail?
Quepos offers a wide range of activities including dining in local cafes, relaxing on beaches, visiting Marina Pez Vela, going whale watching, surfing, paddleboarding, and exploring cultural markets and festivals.
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How close is Manuel Antonio National Park to Quepos and what can visitors expect?
Manuel Antonio National Park is just a short drive or bus ride from Quepos. It’s Costa Rica’s most visited national park, known for its white-sand beaches, calm turquoise waters, scenic rainforest trails, and diverse wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and toucans.
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What wildlife and outdoor activities are available in Quepos?
Visitors can enjoy whale watching during peak seasons, surf or paddleboard at nearby beaches like Playa Espadilla, and take mangrove tours around Damas Island to spot crocodiles, monkeys, and birds.
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Is Quepos LGBTQ-friendly?
Absolutely. Quepos and Manuel Antonio are recognized as some of Costa Rica’s most LGBTQ-inclusive destinations, with many hotels, bars, and tour operators openly welcoming LGBTQ travelers and hosting a vibrant, safe community atmosphere.
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What sustainable tourism and conservation efforts are in place in Quepos?
Many accommodations in Quepos are certified under Costa Rica’s Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), focusing on eco-friendly practices like water conservation and renewable energy. Local organizations support wildlife rehabilitation and ethical tourism, and community-based tour operators emphasize environmental preservation.
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How do I get to Quepos?
Quepos is accessible by car or bus from San José (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via Routes 27 and 34), by longer road trips from Liberia, or by air through La Managua Airport, which has daily flights from San José.
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Where can hikers stay in Quepos after finishing El Camino de Costa Rica?
There is a wide range of lodging options in Quepos and nearby Manuel Antonio, from budget hostels to luxury eco-resorts, offering accommodations suitable for all traveler preferences and budgets.
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Why is Quepos the perfect final destination for El Camino de Costa Rica?
Quepos captures the pura vida spirit and offers an unforgettable coastal atmosphere that perfectly complements the long journey across Costa Rica. Its natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park make it the ideal spot to celebrate and relax after completing the trail.
