Over the last 2 years Quepos has boomed. Manuel Antonio is becomming prohibitively expensive and so Quepos has grown to accommodate the medium to budget traveller. According to the Tico times it has the most even mix of 4 categories of people, ticos on vacation, ticos that live there, ex pats, and foreign tourists. All the night life is in Quepos so if you are not staying there you have to get a bus or taxi.
I love Santa Teresa -- very nice spot for surfing and to party too. The beach is huge and very beautiful. We had really a good time.
I was in Quepos and Manuel Antonio three years ago. I found theses places very interesting and unique due to the great combination of dark green of the tropical forest and the navy blue of the Pacific Ocean. It is absolutely awesome and one of the must see places in the whole world.
The best place to procure your drugs, especially crack or "el puro," is from one of the gypsy taxi drivers behind the bus station. You won't even have to look, as they stand outside their cars yelling out what they're selling. It's very hot and humid in Quepos and pretty expensive, but the beaches are lovely. If you can afford to stay on the beach, you'll probably have a wonderful time, but if you have to stay in Quepos, you are less likely to enjoy it.
There is an alternative taxi / boat / taxi shorcut to the grueling 8 hours ride between Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Arenal Volcano. See http://www.monteverdeinfo.com.
Playa Santa Teresa … I love this place! Everything is really beautiful in there, most of the people are very gentle, you make friends easily, and the waves are pretty good for surfing! If you haven't been there, you must go as soon as you can!
Santa Teresa … I looked at the beach and said, wow, what a nice beach. And then I looked at the topless girls running across it.
Santa Teresa … Great place, but if you don't surf, not much point of going there. Kinda expensive, besides surf beaches are quite dirty. Great spot, but will never go back.
Santa Teresa … I had the time of my life there -- I loved it so much I am moving there!
Monteverde … I would recommend going on a horse ride through Monte Verde. Ask your hotel about it they'll be able to hook you up, if not ask more people. Also walking through the cloud forest is really amazing, you don't need a guide but you might learn more if you have one.
Quepos … Go on the nature hike through the Manuel Antonio National Park. You will see monkeys playing through the garbage like little kids, or in some cases big kids (ha). Anyways, if you have very sharp eye you will likely see sloths up in the trees as well.
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