Best Time to Visit

Costa Rica offers warm weather all year round with an average annual temperature of about 29 °C (85 °F) on the coasts and 26 °C (80 °F) in the countryside and in the mountains. While the air temperature is always pleasant, one thing to keep in mind is the amount of rain. Mid-December to April is the dry season and is also the highest tourist season — the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and the promise of daily sunshine lead vacationers to the beaches of Costa Rica. The rest of the year, you are likely to have some totally overcast days and daily showers that cool down the air. This less touristy period will be easier on your wallet, and you are less likely to get a sunburn. Don't forget to apply sun cream regardless.

Passport/Visa

Citizens from most countries in Europe, North America, South America, and Oceania can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourism purposes, typically for stays of up to 90 days. Travellers holding a valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit from the United States, Canada, or a Schengen Area country may also enter visa-free for up to 30 days, provided the document is valid for at least six months beyond their arrival. All visitors must carry a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and may be asked to show sufficient funds for their stay. Entry requirements can vary by nationality and are subject to change, so it's advisable to check with a local Costa Rican consulate or the official immigration website before travelling.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located in Alajuela about 20 km northwest of San José, is Costa Rica’s primary and most convenient international airport for travellers. Although not the closest airport to Quepos, which lies approximately 153 km away (around 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road depending on traffic), SJO provides the best access point for international visitors. Travellers can reach Quepos from SJO via domestic flights (around 30 minutes), private transfers, shared shuttle services, rental cars, or direct public buses operated by Tracopa.

• Web:

  www.sjoairport.com

• Address:

  Juan Santamaría International Airport

• Phone:

  +506 2437 2400

Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP)

Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) is a small domestic airport located approximately 5 km east of Quepos town centre. While it does not handle international flights, it provides quick and efficient domestic air connections from San José, making it the closest airport to Quepos. Upon arrival, travellers can reach the town centre in under 10 minutes by taxi, local bus, or hotel shuttle.

• Address:

  Quepos La Managua Airport

Public Transport

Public transport between Quepos and Manuel Antonio is a convenient and affordable option for getting around. Two types of buses run this route: the 'direct' bus, which goes straight to Manuel Antonio with few or no stops, and the 'collective' bus, which stops more frequently to pick up and drop off passengers. Buses run daily from about 5:30am to 9:30pm, with one leaving every 10 to 15 minutes during the day. After around 5 or 6pm, they run about once an hour. The ride takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and how many stops are made along the way.

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Quepos, with a central taxi stand located just south of the market. Official red taxis are metered, but it's still a good idea to confirm the fare before starting your journey, especially for longer trips. While Uber does operate in the Puntarenas Province, including Quepos, the number of available cars is quite limited, so wait times can be unpredictable. For this reason, local taxis are often the more reliable option for getting around town or heading to nearby destinations like Manuel Antonio.