← Back to blog
12 June 2026

Quepos Through the Centuries: The History of Quepos Costa Rica You Can Explore from Our Front Gate

If you love trips that come with a story, the History of Quepos Costa Rica is waiting right outside our front gate. From ancient coastal settlements and bold pearl divers to the banana era and modern sportfishing, Quepos blends past and present in a way you can see on foot. Stay steps from the action—about a 5‑minute walk to Marina Pez Vela and roughly 7 minutes to downtown Quepos—and turn each day into a living timeline of this rainforest‑meets‑the‑sea destination.

At‑a‑Glance: What Is Quepos?

A Brief Timeline of Quepos You Can Walk Through

Use this high‑level timeline to orient your explorations. Many touchpoints are accessible from our location—by foot, quick ride, or a short drive.

900–950 A.D.: Quepoa Discovery of Manuel Antonio

The region’s story begins with the Quepoa (pronounced kay‑po‑uh), a subgroup of the Boruca (Brunka) people. Between 900 and 950 A.D., the Quepoa discovered the Manuel Antonio area. Known for their skill and ferocity in battle, they built circular cane‑and‑thatch houses, lived from fishing and agriculture, and developed a distinct culture and language.

1522: Early Spanish Ambitions in the Region

Seeking to convert and consolidate power, the Spanish crown sent Gil Gonzalez de Davila in 1522 to baptize and convert local people. The drive was imperial and economic: access the region’s resources to fund expansion in the New World.

1571: Mission and Citrus Take Root

The Franciscan Mission of San Bernadino de Quepos was established in 1571. With it came the first orange and other citrus trees planted in the Naranjo River region—a turning point that linked agriculture and colonial influence.

1591 and the Age of Discovery

Ponce de Leon is noted as discovering the Manuel Antonio area in 1591, a waypoint in the broader maritime exploration of Costa Rica’s Pacific.

Mid‑1700s: A Pirate Haven

In the centuries that followed, the coast’s inlets and islets attracted British pirates, who used the area as a base until the mid‑1700s. Today’s tranquil coves hint at a more turbulent maritime past.

1920s: Banana Era and a Port Takes Shape

Fast‑forward to the 1920s, when banana farmers arrived and Quepos became known as a banana‑exporting port. This era established the town’s commercial role along the Pacific and drew seasonal visitors, especially in January, February, and March.

1960s–1980s: Surf, Sportfishing, and Settlers

Beginning in the 1960s, more foreign travelers—hippies, draft dodgers, sport fishing captains, and surfers—found their way to Quepos. By the mid‑1980s, Quepos was on more people’s lips, and more Americans began to settle. In the late 1980s, a DC‑3 airline started servicing the area, further opening the door to tourism.

Manuel Antonio National Park: Where Nature Writes the Next Chapter

Just beyond Quepos lies Manuel Antonio National Park, the country’s most visited park, welcoming as many as 150,000 people annually. It’s celebrated for white‑sand beaches, scenic trails, and wildlife.

Tip for history‑minded beachgoers: Aim to be at Playa Manuel Antonio at low tide to look for the stone turtle pens the Quepoa once used—an evocative link to the pre‑Columbian past.

Seasonal Sportfishing: A Tradition That Still Thrives

Quepos is world‑renowned for sportfishing today, and seasons shift by species. Here’s a concise guide you can use to plan:

Planning a fishing‑forward getaway? As the closest hotel to Marina Pez Vela (about a 5‑minute walk, roughly 250 m), our team can tailor a stay around the bite. Explore our customizable Sportfishing VIP Package or build a shorter escape with the Mahi package.

Where Past and Present Meet: A Self‑Guided Walk from Our Gate

Practical Takeaways for History‑Loving Travelers

  1. Time your tides: To glimpse Quepoa ingenuity, plan a low‑tide visit to Playa Manuel Antonio for a chance to see stone turtle pens.
  2. Pack for wildlife: Lightweight binoculars and a camera will help you enjoy the park’s 109 mammals and 184 bird species.
  3. Choose your season: Dry months bring sunnier trails; the green season trades clear mornings and lusher forests for fewer crowds and great value.
  4. Go guided when it counts: A guided walk in the park can help you spot sloths, monkeys, and more. For anglers, our concierge can match you with trusted captains by target species.
  5. Keep it walkable: Base yourself within walking distance of Marina Pez Vela and downtown to experience maritime, cultural, and culinary history in a single afternoon.
  6. Make it a themed stay: We can customize packages—from the Sportfishing VIP Package to the Honeymoon Toucan package—to blend adventure, nature, and local history.

Quick Answers for Visitors

How close are you to Marina Pez Vela?

About a 5‑minute walk (roughly 250 m). We’re the closest hotel to Marina Pez Vela.

How far is downtown Quepos—and is there a casino?

Downtown is about a 7‑minute walk from the property, and there’s a local casino within walking distance.

Will I receive pre‑arrival check‑in instructions?

Yes. You’ll receive full check‑in instructions within five days before arrival.

Tours That Connect Today’s Quepos With Its Past

Round out your timeline with experiences that flow from rainforest to sea:

Conclusion: Sleep in Today’s Quepos, Wake Up in Its History

The History of Quepos Costa Rica isn’t confined to a museum—it’s alive in beaches shaped by ancient peoples, in trails teeming with wildlife, and in a marina that carries a seafaring legacy into the present. Stay steps from downtown and Marina Pez Vela, and let each day trace a new line on your personal timeline.

Ready to plan? Check availability, ask our concierge to customize a Sportfishing VIP Package or Honeymoon Toucan package, and use our Location & Transportation guidance to make your arrival seamless. Then step out the gate—Quepos history awaits.