Central Pacific Coast - Costa Rica - page 796

ATMs on the Cirrus and Plus systems. Other banks will all change US dollars and travel-
er's checks.
The best source of books for travelers within miles is Jaime Peligro ( GOOGLE MAP ;
2777-7106; www.queposbooks.com ; 9:30am-5:30pm Mon-Sat) , which has a complete selec-
tion of local guides, literature in a number of languages and tons of local information.
DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
As in other well-traveled parts of Costa Rica, theft is a problem, and the usual common-
sense precautions apply: lock valuables in a hotel safe and never leave anything in a car.
When leaving bars late at night, walk in a group or take a taxi. Women should keep in
mind that the town's bars attract rowdy crowds of plantation workers on weekends.
Note that the beaches in Quepos are polluted and not recommended for swimming. Go
over the hill to Manuel Antonio instead, where some of the dreamiest waters in Costa Rica
await.
Getting There & Away
AIR
Both NatureAir ( GOOGLE MAP ; www.natureair.com ) and Sansa ( GOOGLE MAP ;
www.sansa.com ) service Quepos. Prices vary according to season and availability, though
you can expect around US$75 for a flight from San José or Liberia. Flights are packed in
the high season, so book (and pay) for your ticket well ahead of time and reconfirm often.
The airport is 5km out of town, and taxis make the trip for a few thousand colones (do not
pay more than US$8), depending on traffic.
BUS
All buses arrive at and depart from the busy, chaotic main terminal ( GOOGLE MAP ) in the
center of town. If you're coming and going in the high season, buy tickets for San José in
advance at the Transportes Morales ticket office ( GOOGLE MAP ; 2777-0263;
7-11am & 1-5pm Mon-Sat, 7am-1pm Sun) at the bus terminal; colectivo fares (not listed) to San
José are slightly cheaper and take two hours longer.
Jacó US$2.80, 1½ hours, 10 departures daily from 4:30am to 5:30pm.
Puntarenas US$3.90, three hours, 10 departures daily from 4:30am to 5:30pm.