tu estancia — Central Backpackers
Pronóstico en vivo para sus fechas · qué hay en · Calidad del aire y polen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Quepos.
La propiedad — Central Backpackers
Central Backpackers is a no-frills, sociable hostel in downtown Quepos, a block from the bus station and a 10-minute walk to the marina. The lobby is a small, open-air space with a reception desk, a noticeboard full of Manuel Antonio tour deals, and a constant low hum of travellers comparing notes. It suits solo backpackers and tight-budget couples who want a clean bed, shared kitchen, and easy access to the national park rather than any resort-style amenities. The vibe is functional and friendly, not Instagram-worthy.
Crónicas de Quepos
Quepos began as a small fishing village and was transformed in the 1930s when the United Fruit Company established a banana plantation and port, bringing a railway and American-style wooden houses. The banana industry collapsed in the 1970s due to disease, and the town pivoted to tourism after Manuel Antonio National Park was created in 1972. Today Quepos feels like a gritty, working-class port town that serves as a gateway to the park: a grid of low-rise concrete buildings, souvenir shops, and seafood restaurants. Its contemporary identity is a mix of Tico locals, expat sportfishing guides, and transient tourists, with none of the polished gloss of nearby beachfront resorts.
El mejor momento para visitar
Guía completa de Quepos →Los mejores meses
January to March: peak dry season with blue skies, low humidity, and calm seas, making it ideal for beach days and wildlife-spotting in Manuel Antonio. This is the sweet spot before Easter crowds and after Christmas rush.
Peak / Festival Surge
December to April (especially February for the Envision Festival in Uvita) and July (green season hotel bookings spike) are the busiest. Prices at Central Backpackers double or triple from $15 to $45 a bed. The main driver is North American and European winter escapees; the Envision Festival in nearby Uvita (mid-February) draws a yoga/electronic crowd that filters through Quepos.
La temporada del hombro
May to June and November are the best budget windows: drizzle but still plenty of sun, jungle lush, discounts of 30–50%, and far fewer tourists on the park trails. Room rates at Central Backpackers often fall to $12–18.
Tiempo y embalaje
Quepos has a microclimate of heavy downpours even in ‘dry’ months; a light rainshell or poncho is non-negotiable. Pack quick-dry hiking sandals and a microfibre towel for the constant humidity—cotton stays wet for hours.
Briefing en vivo de la ciudad — Quepos
- Quepos’s main road (Route 34) is under intermittent construction to widen the coastal highway; expect 20–30 minute delays between the town and Manuel Antonio entrance throughout June 2026. Check local Facebook group ‘Quepos Info’ before driving.
- A new craft brewery, ‘Bocas & Tapas’, opened in April 2026 on the waterfront near the marina, offering local IPAs and a rooftop that stays open late. It’s become a backpacker meet-up spot.
- The annual Quepos Sportfishing Tournament (mid-July) is not in your stay window but marina patrols start early; expect road blocks and noisier evenings from 10 July onwards.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Central Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the ground floor (no steps) in the dorm section, as it's likely to be quieter and have easier access to the common areas.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the second floor, as they're likely to be noisier due to the main entrance and potential street noise from Calle 2.
Best views
Unfortunately, there are no specific view options mentioned for this hotel, but rooms on the ground floor may have a view of the surrounding streets.
Quietest floors
Ground floor
🔊 Noise notes
Be prepared for potential street noise from Calle 2, as it's a main street in Quepos. Additionally, the lack of a lift and narrow corridors may contribute to noise from other guests and the service entrance.
Insider tips
Be aware that there's no on-site parking, so plan to arrive early to secure free street parking on Calle 2 or use the nearby paid lot 'Parqueo El Pueblo'. If you need to use the internet, head to the lobby or common areas, as WiFi is only available there and has a moderate speed.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Instalaciones hoteleras — Central Backpackers
Free WiFi in lobby and common areas only; not in dorms/private rooms. Moderate speed (about 10 Mbps) – fine for messaging, not streaming
No lift; two-storey building with exterior stairs only. Ground-floor dorm has no steps.
None provided. Common TV in lounge plays local news at breakfast (07:00–09:00)
Check-in 14:00–20:00; early bag drop free if room ready. Late check-out until 12:00 for half day rate, after 12:00 full night charged
Free luggage storage in locked room during office hours (07:00–21:00); after-hours by arrangement with front desk
No step-free entry (one step at main door). No wheelchair accessible rooms or bathrooms. Narrow corridors throughout.
No on-site parking. Free street parking on Calle 2 (unsecured, first-come). Nearest paid lot: 'Parqueo El Pueblo' on Avenida 3, $10/night. No EV charging.
Tarifas, Impuestos y Depósitos
City / tourist tax: 13% VAT included in rates; no additional city tax
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking, refundable if cancelled 48h before. At check-in: $20 USD cash or card hold for incidental damage
Faith & Dietary cerca de
- Church: Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción de María (368 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: Testigos de Jehová Quepos (733 m · ~9 min walk)
Estilo de vida y recreación local
Plaza Quepos — 613 m · ~8 min walk
Parque del Mercado — 827 m · ~10 min walk
Teatro Copaza — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
5 minutos de radio esenciales
Nearest — 747 m · ~9 min walk
Drs Serrano — 262 m · ~3 min walk
Super Quepos — 101 m · ~1 min walk
Terminal San Isidro de El General — 853 m · ~11 min walk
Dinero y moneda
Get a travel card →Costa Rican Colón, CRC
Use bank ATMs in Quepos for the best rates; avoid airport and tourist bureau exchanges which take a high commission.
Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops; contactless and mobile pay less common; cash needed for small vendors and tips.
Restaurants often include 10% service charge – optional extra 5-10% if service is good; taxis no tip required; hotel staff $1-2 per bag or per day for housekeeping.
Comer, comprar y viajar en un presupuesto
Cheap car hire →A cup of black coffee from a soda (local eatery) costs around CRC 500-700.
A casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) from a soda costs CRC 3,500-5,000.
A main dish like grilled fish or chicken with sides at a local restaurant costs CRC 5,000-7,000.
Along the main street near the market and the central park, vendors sell empanadas, fruit cups, and churros for CRC 1,000-2,000.
Supermercado Maxi Pali and Más x Menos are common budget supermarket chains in Quepos.
The Sunday market along the waterfront has cheap t-shirts and souvenirs; for everyday wear, try the stalls near the bus terminal.
Local buses cost CRC 300-500 per ride; the cheapest way from San José airport is a direct bus (approx CRC 6,000, 3-4 hours).
Eat at sodas instead of tourist-focused restaurants; buy fresh fruit and snacks from the local market; use shared shuttles or buses instead of taxis for day trips.
Emergency Contacts
QueposCosta Rica uses a single national emergency number 911. For non-urgent police matters in Quepos, call 2777-0250. The hospital (Hospital de Quepos) is on the main road, Ruta 34, open 24 hours.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Quepos, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Central Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 747 m · ~9 min walk — pharmacy · Drs Serrano — 262 m · ~3 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →En torno a
Quepos Bus Terminal → Quepos Central Backpackers
💡 No need to wait—the hostel is a 200-metre walk from the terminal. If you have heavy bags, walk straight down Avenida Central and you’ll see the hostel sign on your right.
San José Airport (SJO) → Quepos Central Backpackers
💡 Use only official red taxis with yellow triangles from the airport rank. Ask for a fixed price before getting in (around $120–$130). Ride takes 2 hours via Route 27 and Costanera—smooth road but dark after sundown.
San José Airport (SJO) → Quepos Central Backpackers
💡 Catch the bus from the airport’s main bus stop (outside arrivals, left side). Get off at Quepos terminal, then walk 2 minutes east to the hostel. Buses are basic but cheap—buy ticket on board, exact change preferred.
Quepos Central Backpackers → Manual Antonio National Park Entrance
💡 Flag any red taxi on the street—it’s a 3 km ride. Bargain to 5000 colones (about $10) for the trip. For a cheaper option, walk 10 minutes uphill to the park gate (steep but doable).
Preguntas frecuentes
What are the best rooms at Central Backpackers?
Request a room on the ground floor (no steps) in the dorm section, as it's likely to be quieter and have easier access to the common areas.
Which rooms should I avoid at Central Backpackers?
Avoid rooms on the second floor, as they're likely to be noisier due to the main entrance and potential street noise from Calle 2.
Is Central Backpackers noisy?
Be prepared for potential street noise from Calle 2, as it's a main street in Quepos. Additionally, the lack of a lift and narrow corridors may contribute to noise from other guests and the service entrance.
Which rooms have the best views at Central Backpackers?
Unfortunately, there are no specific view options mentioned for this hotel, but rooms on the ground floor may have a view of the surrounding streets.
What are insider tips for staying at Central Backpackers?
Be aware that there's no on-site parking, so plan to arrive early to secure free street parking on Calle 2 or use the nearby paid lot 'Parqueo El Pueblo'. If you need to use the internet, head to the lobby or common areas, as WiFi is only available there and has a moderate speed.
What time is check-in at Central Backpackers?
Check-in at Central Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Central Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
Free WiFi in lobby and common areas only; not in dorms/private rooms. Moderate speed (about 10 Mbps) – fine for messaging, not streaming
Is there a city or tourist tax at Central Backpackers?
13% VAT included in rates; no additional city tax
Where can I eat cheaply near Central Backpackers?
A casado (rice, beans, salad, protein) from a soda costs CRC 3,500-5,000.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Central Backpackers?
Local buses cost CRC 300-500 per ride; the cheapest way from San José airport is a direct bus (approx CRC 6,000, 3-4 hours).
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
January to March: peak dry season with blue skies, low humidity, and calm seas, making it ideal for beach days and wildlife-spotting in Manuel Antonio. This is the sweet spot before Easter crowds and after Christmas rush.
Principales atracciones en Quepos
💡 Check the noticeboard at the gazebo for upcoming free events. The Saturday market (7-11am) has organic honey and fresh tamales.
💡 Try the ceviche at Soda Kathy's stand – fresh and cheap. Bring small bills for easier bargaining on produce.
💡 Go early morning (6-8am) for best wildlife activity. Take binoculars and mosquito repellent. The path can be slippery after rain.
💡 Walk north 20 minutes to reach the quieter Playa Espadilla Sur, where the crowds thin out and you might spot howler monkeys in the trees.
💡 Visit just before sunset for the best light and to see returning fishing boats. The public art installations change quarterly.