Quepos

By Damaris Jimenez

Christopher Columbus first discovered Costa Rica in 1502 on his final voyage to the Americas. The country gained the name from the golden bands that the native people wore in their noses and ears. Borucas, Chibchas and Diquis were the main tribes in Costa Rica during the time of Columbus.

The Quepos Indians was a subculture of the main Costa Rican tribes. A smallpox epidemic deteriorated millions of native Costa Ricans during Spanish colonization. The Spanish supplemented the population with African slaves and forced the slaves to cultivate the soil. Banana plantations and railroads supported the economy throughout the 19th century.

Since the 1980's, the prosperity of new African palms and tourism drew larger crowds to Quepos. However, it remains a secluded area in Costa Rica and is close to the Manuel Antonio National Park. The high season occurs before and after the Festival del Mar in February.

During the off season, Quepos is a surfer's paradise. The intimate storefront that consists of merely six blocks is free of tourists. They can surf all day and grab a beer after dinner. The Quepo vibe is generally celebratory. Local folk and visitors can not avoid reveling in the blue lagoons and tropical beachfront reserve.