QUEPOS: Some Background Information

Quepos, Costa Rica has long held an international reputation as one of the hottest spots in the world for big game fish. While fishing offshore or inshore along the islands or nearby rivers with light weight or Fly Fishing tackle, there is always a chance for a new record. Recognition of the high quality of Quepos fishing is marked by the many "catch and release" tournaments held here including the Billy Pate Invitational Fly Fishing Tournament. We fish Quepos from November through April when the fishing is best and the waters generally calm.

MANUEL ANTONIO PARK
A TROPICAL JEWEL
This is Costa Rica's most popular national park only 7 km (4.3 miles) from Quepos. The park is strikingly beautiful with three palm-lined white sandy beaches bordering the azure waters of the Pacific. Enjoy leisurely sun-bathing, swimming, diving and snorkeling or take a short coastal tour of the adjacent offshore islands. Beyond the beaches lies a rain forest type jungle with amazing biodiversity. In Costa Rica, there are approximately 350 species of birds, nearly 100 species of mammals, and over 130 species of trees.

For a closer look at the wonder of Costa Rica take a guided tour through the park which is inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife ranging from howler, squirrel, and white-faced monkeys, to coatamundis, anteaters, two-toed sloths, crocodiles, and iguanas to name a few. Around the offshore islands, you will see countless sea birds, porpoises, and occasionally whales. This is a must visit site in Costa Rica for those who appreciate the environment and realize the need for its protection, both here and at home.

Outside the park, consider whitewater rafting, a horseback trip to nearby waterfalls, a coastal tour of the offshore islands, an estuary tour of the many river systems surrounding Quepos, or even a canopy tour through the lush jungle vegetation.

QUEPOS, COSTA RICA
THE CITY
Quepos is a small city situated on the central Pacific coast. It is directly south of the Costa Rica capitol, San Jose approximately 40 miles (65km) by air and 90 miles (145 km) by road. The two cities are separated by the lower reaches of the Cordillera Central mountain chain. It can be reached from San Jose by air in less than 40 minutes flight time, or by car or bus in approximately 3 hours. If you travel by road, the drive is a real sightseeing experience as you pass through coffee plantations, small farms, and large cattle ranches. By air, it is a thrilling journey as you fly over and between mountains.

Quepos has many fine restaurants, lounges, and moderately priced hotels. It also has a post office, bank, pharmacy, a small medical clinic, several hardware stores, a bakery, commercial ice house, and numerous grocery stores and specialty shops. The El Pescador del Pacifico is located at the Quepos Wharf (originally used for the export of bananas, then palm oil) which is only a short walking distance from downtown. A rental car is not a necessity in Quepos since moderately priced taxi service is readily available.