Quepos got its name from a local native tribe, the Quepoa tribe. The Indians lived by fishing and agriculture. In the spring of 1563 the Spanish conquerer Juan Vasquez Coronado arrived in the region at Quepos. A missionary station was built at the mouth of the Rio Naranjo by the Franciscans in 1570 to evangelize the members of the Quepoas. In 1730 the station was abandoned but the foundation walls of the old building can still be seen.
In the 30s bananas were virtually sole crop grown in Quepos and surrounding area. In 1939 the harbor was built to transport bananas. Illnesses killed many banana palms in 1950, almost all plantations were affected. Nowadays oil palms grow in that region of Quepos.
A small local carnival is celebrated at the end of February until the beginning of March. In general it is easier to find economic accommodations in Quepos than in Manuel Antonio. Public Buses commute between Quepos and Manuel Antonio where one can spend the day in Manuel Antonio National Park and sleep in Quepos.
Besides some Italian restaurants there are several small restaurants that offer fresh seafood, some of them are located directly in the Marina Pez Vela. It is a nice place to watch the boats come in and enjoy the sunset. In the center Quepos there are some bars and discos for those that need some nightlife. The night crowd is made up of locals and tourists.
The beach at Quepos is named El Cocal, there can be dangerous currents so watch out! Nicer and less risky are the beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park.
Different size boats for sportfishing can be rented at the marina in Quepos. The time between December and May are the main sportfishing months here. Many anglers want to catch a Swordfish in Costa Rica, they can jump several meters out of the water.
Horseback riding, mountain biking and diving are other activities that are offered in Quepos. The local dive schools offer diving classes and diving certificates. Whitewater rafting is good on the river Naranjo.