Quepos is a coastal town in Puntarenas Province on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, situated beside the Quepos River and a sheltered bay. The town serves as a regional center for fishing, agriculture, tourism, and transportation, with a marina and waterfront areas overlooking the Pacific. Quepos is also one of the main gateways to Manuel Antonio National Park, located a short distance south of town. The surrounding landscape includes tropical forest, rivers, beaches, mangroves, and offshore waters, while nearby hills provide views across the coastline. Its location gives Quepos a close connection to both inland farming communities and the Pacific Ocean.

Quepos developed around agriculture and maritime trade, particularly the cultivation and export of bananas in the surrounding region. Fishing later became an important part of the local economy, and the town remains associated with sport fishing as well as commercial fishing activities. Today, tourism supports many local businesses, including restaurants, guides, hotels, boat operators, and transportation services. The community reflects Costa Rica's Pacific coastal identity, with daily life shaped by the sea, tropical climate, agriculture, and outdoor recreation. The waterfront and local markets provide glimpses of the town's continuing connection to fishing and marine resources.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the area's best-known attraction, protecting rainforest, mangroves, beaches, and marine habitats along the Pacific coast. The park is home to white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and numerous bird species. Nearby Damas Island and its mangroves can be explored by boat or kayak, while beaches such as Playa Espadilla and Playa Biesanz provide access to the Pacific shoreline. Quepos Marina offers fishing excursions and boat trips, and the surrounding coastline provides opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and wildlife observation.

Seafood is an important part of Quepos cuisine, with fresh fish, shrimp, ceviche, and other Pacific ingredients commonly served in local restaurants. Costa Rican staples such as gallo pinto, casado, rice and beans, plantains, and fresh fruit are also widely available. The town's fishing heritage remains visible around its waterfront and marina, while nearby farms contribute bananas, palm products, and other agricultural goods to the regional economy. A distinctive feature of Quepos is its position between Manuel Antonio's protected rainforest and the productive waters of the Pacific, allowing a relatively compact town to serve both coastal communities and visitors exploring the surrounding ecosystems.