Quepos is a relaxed town known for its big game sport fishing. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Quepos?
You should plan to spend around $138 (₡70,515) per day on your vacation in Quepos. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $51 (₡25,907) on meals
- $9.50 (₡4,850) on local transportation
- $152 (₡77,631) on hotels
A one week trip to Quepos for two people costs, on average, $1,933 (₡987,210). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$966
₡493,605
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,933
₡987,210
-
One Month
Per person
$4,142
₡2,115,450
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,933
₡987,210
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,866
₡1,974,420
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,284
₡4,230,900
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Quepos cost?
A one week trip to Quepos usually costs around $966 (₡493,605) for one person and $1,933 (₡987,210) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Quepos on average costs around $1,933 (₡987,210) for one person and $3,866 (₡1,974,420) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Quepos will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Quepos on average costs around $4,142 (₡2,115,450) for one person and $8,284 (₡4,230,900) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Quepos expensive to visit?
Quepos is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Quepos can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $57 (₡29,089) per day, mid-range travelers spend $137 (₡70,515) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $317 (₡163,126) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Quepos.
Within Central America, Quepos is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Quepos is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Quepos Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Quepos?
The average Quepos trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Quepos travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Quepos cost?
Quepos on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$30
(₡15,306)
|
$76
(₡38,816)
|
$193
(₡98,587)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$4
(₡1,993)
|
$9
(₡4,850)
|
$22
(₡11,142)
|
|
Food 2
|
$22
(₡11,228)
|
$51
(₡25,907)
|
$100
(₡51,050)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(₡3,399)
|
$17
(₡8,628)
|
$43
(₡21,969)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-10
(₡1,625-4,875)
|
$7-22
(₡3,714-11,143)
|
$14-42
(₡7,098-21,293)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Quepos on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $57 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Quepos is home to plenty of hostels, including Wide Mouth Frog, Passifloras Hostel, and Pura Natura Lodge. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most travelers to Quepos will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $137 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Quepos is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Hotel Plaza Yara is a solid choice for families, while Shana by the Beach Residence & Spa also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Quepos here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $317. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the town, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Deluxe Private Manuel Antonio Park Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Quepos
Hotel prices in Quepos can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $128, while in peak winter season it jumps to an average of $239. Budget accommodations range from $56 to $526, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Quepos for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $152 (₡77,631). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $76 (₡38,816) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Quepos? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Quepos include:
- Parador Resort and Spa starting at $275
- Tulemar Resort starting at $274
- Blue Banyan Inn starting at $130
- Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge starting at $177
- Shana by the Beach Residence & Spa starting at $141
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the town in Quepos thanks to a good public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
Families visiting Quepos will find that choosing accommodations with more room can make their trip much more comfortable.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during winter, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Transportation Budget in Quepos
Quepos's public transit system connects to several major sights. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.
Quepos is quite walkable in certain areas, making it easier to explore various sights. It is a relatively walkable town.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $9.50 (₡4,850) per person, per day, on local transportation in Quepos. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Quepos is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$9.50
₡4,850
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Transfer: SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio with Scenic Stop. For $225 details
- Private Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Nauyaca Waterfalls (Round Trip) for $199 details
- Private transfer from SJ Airport to Manuel Antonio and vice versa for $230 details
How much does it cost to go to Quepos? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Quepos will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Quepos
The culinary scene in Quepos is pretty good, but it's not the main draw for visitors. You'll find a few standout places around the town that are definitely worth a visit. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Quepos can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Quepos is $51 (₡25,907) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$51
₡25,907
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Quepos is around $50 (₡25907) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $99. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Quepos are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $20
- Dinner: $15 to $35
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Quepos is a tourist town and as such, there is no shortage of restaurants that cater to visitors. There are restaurants that serve the standard Costa Rican dishes, but there's also plenty of seafood, pizza, Italian, and American options. There are also plenty of bars with cheap drinks and a social atmosphere. Some places have live music, large screen televisions with international sports playing, or weekend specials on drinks.
There are a handful of restaurants that are located just outside of the national park so you can grab yourself a quick lunch or dinner without heading back to Quepos.
If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Quepos. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Cooking Class in Manuel Antonio with Medicinal Plants Garden Visit for $77 details
- Cooking Class and Medical Plants Garden for $77 details
- Cooking Class & Medicinal Plants Garden Manuel Antonio for $77 details
Typical food prices in Quepos, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
Lunch
₡7,510
-
Seafood Dinner (for 1)
₡9,911
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Quepos
The allure of Quepos is undeniable, especially since it offers romance, budget-friendly accommodations, family-friendly activities, and food.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Quepos typically cost an average of $17 (₡8,628) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
₡8,628
Most people come to Quepos so that they can visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is famous for its white-faced monkeys and its stunningly beautiful beaches. You can hire a wildlife guide or wander the trails on your own. Just outside of the park there is a beach that is free to the public, but it's worth paying the park entrance fee so that you can spend the day at the beaches inside the park.
Manuel Antonio
Although Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's smallest national park, it is also one of its most beautiful and most popular. The park itself is only 680 hectares, and this includes both land and sea areas. The four main beaches in the park are Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita. While the most fascinating animal you're likely to see in the park are the white faced monkeys, you'll probably have an opportunity to see squirrel monkeys, sloths, iguanas, crabs, and toucans as well. Expect to pay $10 to enter the park. Definitely allow yourself at least one full day to fully enjoy the park and everything it has to offer. Also, don't forget your swimsuit, as swimming in the park is wonderful.
Within the park there are four main beaches: Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio, Escondido and Playita. There is also a public beach just outside of the park.
Quepos
There are very few attractions within the town of Quepos, but it is worth walking through the Farmers Market where you can purchase produce or local handicrafts. It's a unique and fun atmosphere.
Many local restaurants and tourist shops can be found in Quepos as well as in the "Manuel Antonio" town just north of the park entrance.
A visit to Quepos is all about the coast and ocean. In addition to visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, there are some great activities you can try while you're in the area. Deep sea fishing is a very popular activity and there's no shortage of suppliers willing to take you out on their boat. You can also find vendors that offer snorkeling or diving tours and some companies offer surfing lessons in the area. It's also possible to organize a white water rafting trip while you're in Quepos.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Quepos. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Manuel Antonio National Park tour for $29 details
- Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour for $75 details
- Private Guided Walking Tour in Hacienda Baru for $88 details
Nightlife Budget in Quepos
In terms of nightlife, Quepos has a few activities available, but it doesn't match the energy of other sought-after destinations. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $15 (₡7,429) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Quepos per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
₡7,429
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.
Traveling in Quepos
Capuchin Monkeys
Quepos is both a district and the capital of Aguirre canton in the Puntareanas Province of Costa Rica. The town is quite small, and the district has a population of about 22,000 people. Quepos is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica due to its close proximity to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific Coast. The town's economy is centered around tourism and there is no shortage of bars and restaurants in the area. The town also has a lively nightlife for such a small community.
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most popular parks in the country. The park service has imposed limits on daily visitors in an effort to minimize the environmental impact. Limits are currently set to 600 people a day and the park is closed on Mondays.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
So the national park was great and cheap, but so was all of the other stuff. The main stretch of bars has good food and plenty of drinks at good prices. We also found a pretty cheap hotel not far from the main road that was comfortable and clean. We had looked at a few others that were even cheaper but maybe not as clean.