Fuerte Amador, Golfito & Quepos

[zona95]

We are going on a cruise that stops in Fuerte Amador, Panama and Golfito and Quepos in Costa Rica. We would like to do private tours and would appreciate suggestions of what to do and what tour companies to use. We do not want to zip line.

[pilotdane]

What type of thing do you want to do in Quepos?

 

If you want to do some exploring on your own in a pretty safe environment I'd go to Manuel Antonio National Park and grab a nice late lunch on the way back. Public buses run up and down the strip between Quepos and Manuel Antonio every half hour and it's quite safe. And since there is only one local bus route it's pretty hard to get lost. At the extreme southern end of their run they turn around about 300 yards from the entrance to Manuel Antonio park.

 

Professional guides (most speak English) are easily hired right at the entrance to the park and can be easily identified by their uniform and most are carrying a Swarovski spotting scope. Most guided walks last about two hours and the trails are broad and easy and the guides are experts at locating and pointing out the wildlife. The park has some incredible beaches if you want to spend more time.

 

After exiting the park it's a really short walk back to where the buses turn around. There are a couple restaurants nearby and the road from Manuel Antonio to Quepos is lined with restaurants, souvenir stands. Cafe Agua Azul in the little town of Manuel Antonio is a great casual place with an incredible view or stop at El Avion (Hotel Costa Verde) and have a bite to eat in an old Iran Contra cargo plane.

 

While ashore look for Super Joseth if you need any grocery store items. They, like many places in CR accept US Dollars but will give you change in Colones.

[zona95]

Thank you for the info on Quepos. Can you give us any help with Golfito?

[pilotdane]

Sorry, I have never been down to Golfito.

 

In Quepos there are also mangrove boat tours that go through the Damas region about 20 minutes from Quepos. It is a good way to see the silky or pygme anteater if you are into that sort of thing. If not they look like a furry peach up in a tree. Personally, I like the Tarcoles mangroves better which you could visit if your ship stops in Puntarenas.

 

Another option in Quepos if you don't want to take the public bus is to hire a taxi or a driver for the day. They can be reasonably priced, just make sure to establish exactly what you want to do and set a price before getting into the car. In general though the tour guides are quite respectable and much more honest than most other places.