A 25‑minute flight to Quepos is all it takes to swap San José’s city buzz for the Pacific Coast’s toucan calls and sea‑spray sunsets. Whether you’re eyeing the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park, world‑class sport‑fishing, or jungle‑meets‑forest waterfall hikes, landing at Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP) with Costa Rica Green Airways (CRGA) lets you start exploring before most travellers reach the coast by road.
Why Choose a Flight to Quepos?
Intro — A short hop over rainforest canopies beats hours of hair‑pin mountain roads. Choosing CRGA for your domestic flight to Quepos unlocks comfort, speed and safety from the moment you reach the gate.
- Rapid escape – ground transfers can take 3‑4 hours; CRGA covers the distance in roughly 25 minutes.
- Window‑seat wildlife – spot the crocodile‑lined Río Tárcoles and the emerald canopy of Carara forest on approach.
- Smooth onward travel – the airport sits just 10 km from downtown Quepos and 15 km from the park entrance; taxis and shuttles meet every flight.
- ARGUS Gold safety – CRGA remains the nation’s only domestic carrier audited to this international standard.
Getting There: Flight Details & Baggage Basics
Intro — With multiple daily departures in peak season, it’s easy to match your itinerary to a convenient take‑off time—no need to rearrange tours or transfers around a single flight.
CRGA operates up to four daily round‑trips in high season (December–April; July–August). Check real‑time availability on our Destinations » Quepos page.
| From | To | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|
| San José (SJO) | Quepos (XQP) | 0 h 25 m |
Baggage allowance: one checked bag 30 lb / 14 kg plus one carry‑on 10 lb / 4.5 kg (upgrade to 50 lb on the Full fare). Full rules live on the Baggage Policy page.
Check‑in closes 30 minutes before departure; arrive 45–60 minutes early to weigh bags and clear security.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Tiny Size, Giant Biodiversity
Intro — Nowhere else in Costa Rica packs so many species into such a small footprint—an eco‑playground where sloths, monkeys and turquoise coves share the same postcard view.*
Despite spanning just 16 km², the park shelters more than 350 bird and 100+ mammal species. Early flights mean you can reach Espadilla Beach before 8 a.m., beating heat and crowds. Secure tickets in advance via SINAC or a local operator.
Pro tip: book the first CRGA departure, pair it with a 7 a.m. guided walk and catch howler monkeys calling above the mangroves.
Beyond the Park: Six Must‑Do Quepos Adventures
Intro — Manuel Antonio is only the beginning. A quick taxi ride from XQP unlocks waterfalls, waves and flavour‑packed culinary tours for every kind of traveller.*
- Sport‑fishing capital – charter from Marina Pez Vela and chase sailfish or marlin.
- Surf Espadilla Norte – consistent beach break, board rentals on‑site.
- Waterfall canyoning – rappel 30 m cascades in the Savegre Valley.
- Mangrove kayaking – glide through Isla Damas’ labyrinth teeming with silky anteaters.
- Chocolate & spice tour – hand‑grind cacao at Villa Vanilla and sample spiced truffles.
- Sunset parasailing – launch off Playa Espadilla for a pelican‑eye panorama of the coast.
Where to Stay
Intro — From cliff‑side infinity pools to sloth‑filled gardens, Quepos‑Manuel Antonio lodging runs the gamut. These partners make the most of your precious post‑flight minutes.*
| Style | Property | Why Book |
|---|---|---|
| Adults‑only luxury | Makanda by the Sea | Cliff‑side infinity pools, wildlife‑rich gardens. |
| Beachfront sustainability | Arenas del Mar | Only luxury resort right on the sand; two private beaches. |
| Jungle villas & sloth sightings | Tulemar | 33‑acre hillside reserve packed with monkeys and sloths. |
| Vacation rentals concierge | CR Vacation Properties | Full‑service villas ideal for families and fishing groups. |
CRGA guests can add discounted shuttles to these partners during checkout.
When to Visit Quepos
Intro — The Central Pacific enjoys two marked seasons, each with its own magic. Flying lets you time your arrival for the wildlife activity or festival you want most.*
| Season | Months | Weather | Why Fly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | Dec–Apr | Sunny 28‑32 °C | Clear jungle views, peak sport‑fishing |
| Shoulder | May–Jun & Nov | AM sun / PM showers | Fewer visitors, lush backdrops |
| Green | Jul–Oct | Afternoon rain | Whale‑watching, lower hotel rates |
Morning flights dodge most rainfall year‑round and maximise park time.
Sustainability at 30,000 Feet and Ground Level
Intro — Every ticket on CRGA carries more than passengers. Our built‑in Green Fee funds conservation, community projects and reforestation across Costa Rica—passengers can amplify the impact with an optional extra donation at checkout.*
CRGA offsets 100 % of flight emissions through nationwide initiatives—from mangrove restoration in Quepos to tree‑planting on the Nicoya Peninsula. Your mandatory Green Fee keeps these projects growing; add a few extra dollars in the booking flow to plant additional trees or support marine‑life research.
Quick Tips Before You Fly
Intro — A little prep goes a long way toward a smoother journey. Pack smart, respect local nature rules and you’ll step off the aircraft ready for pura vida.*
- Dress light – humidity climbs past 80 % by noon; linen rules.
- Pack reef‑safe sunscreen – park rangers enforce eco‑rules at beach gates.
- Bring binoculars – monkeys gather in almond trees above the sand.
- Book park tickets early – visitor numbers are capped daily.
- Stay for sunset – Espadilla Norte’s orange‑pink glow is worth an extra night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Intro — Still deciding? These answers clear up logistics so you can focus on wildlife, waterfalls and the perfect ceviche.*
How far is Quepos Airport from Manuel Antonio?
Roughly 15 km (25 minutes by taxi).
Can I carry fishing rods?
Yes – reserve as sports equipment; max length 7 ft 6 in / 2.3 m and a flat gear fee applies.
Do CRGA flights operate on holidays?
Yes – service runs year‑round, with slight timetable tweaks on 25 Dec and 1 Jan.
Ready to Touch Down in Paradise?
Outro — A single domestic flight to Quepos turns travel day into play day, giving you more howler‑monkey mornings and sunset‑sailing evenings.*
Unlock capuchin mornings, sailfish afternoons and sunset‑glow evenings in one seamless hop. Book your flight to Quepos at costaricagreenair.com/en/book or call +506 4000‑2030—your Manuel Antonio adventure begins the moment the wheels leave the runway.