Cultural History of Manuel Antonio, Quepos
Nestled along Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, Quepos and Manuel Antonio boast a rich tapestry of history and culture. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Quepoa people, a subgroup of the Boruca, the region has witnessed significant transformations over the centuries. From early Spanish encounters in the 16th century to the establishment of Manuel Antonio National Park in 1972, the area has evolved from a strategic settlement to a hub for biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism. Today, Quepos serves as the gateway to the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Indigenous Origins: The Quepoa Chiefdom
The Quepoa, also called Quepos, were an indigenous ethnic group from Costa Rica’s Intermediate Area, related to the Boruca and the Muisca peoples of Colombia. They settled in the region between 950–900 BC, with a main settlement on the hill facing what is now the city of Quepos.
They lived from fishing (including pearls), hunting, and agriculture. Along the coast of Manuel Antonio, they built circular stone traps to capture sea turtles, an activity documented both archaeologically and by studies from architects such as Donald Melton and Anita Myketuk.
Their society was organized, with shamans, a territorial social structure governed by chiefdoms, and skills in goldwork, pottery, and stone spheres, representing an advanced culture.
First Interaction with the Spanish
In 1519, explorer Hernán Ponce de León sighted Quepos Bay but was violently repelled by the Quepoa, who fiercely defended their territory.
In 1523, Gil González Dávila arrived by land and imposed tributes on the inhabitants, describing the region as rich in gold.
The final conquest occurred in 1563 when Juan Vázquez de Coronado, following royal orders, led a land expedition with 70 soldiers. After diplomatic contacts with Chief Corrohore, an alliance was made — including assistance to rescue his sister Dulcehé from enemy tribes.
In his chronicle, Coronado praised the Quepoa as "clean and intelligent" and stated that his people were “the most reasonable he had ever seen.”
The alliance with the Spanish began a transformation: the encomienda of San Bernardino de Quepo was established, and later the corregimiento was created in 1569. However, the indigenous population soon declined dramatically due to disease, exploitation, and conflicts.
Colonial Era and Indigenous Decline
After Spanish domination, the Quepoa were relocated to the town of San Bernardino de Quepo under the encomienda system, reaching approximately 1,000 inhabitants in 1569.
At the beginning of the 17th century, the indigenous population drastically decreased: only about 250 in 1600 and just 18 in 1659, which led to the suppression of the corregimiento and the inclusion of the region under the jurisdiction of the governor of Costa Rica.
The survivors were eventually relocated; many moved to Boruca in 1746, marking the end of the Quepoa as a distinct people.
20th Century: Banana Boom and Agro-industrial Change
In the 1920s, the Lutz family and later the United Fruit Company promoted banana cultivation in the region, building docks, railways, housing areas, a hospital, and schools for their workers.
They exported large volumes of bananas to the U.S. and Europe, establishing Quepos as the main port of the Central Pacific.
By the mid-1950s, pests, diseases (such as Panama disease), floods, and labor conflicts caused the decline of banana farming. A transition was made to African palm, cacao, and teak cultivation, profoundly transforming the economic and social landscape.
Community Struggle and Creation of Manuel Antonio National Park
In the 1960s and 70s, with pressure from foreign investors, many coastal areas were privatized and closed, preventing traditional access for local residents.
In 1972, local communities, together with the government, launched a reclamation movement that culminated in the declaration of Manuel Antonio National Park under Law 5100. Initially called the “Manuel Antonio National Recreational Park,” it protected approximately 1,983 hectares of land and 55,000 hectares of marine area.
This represented a historic victory for local activism to secure public access, conserve the natural environment, and preserve biodiversity.
Cultural Diversification and Tourism Boom
Despite its agricultural origins, since the 1960s the region began receiving international attention: first from fishermen, then hippies, and finally tourists arriving by DC-3 aircraft.
In the 1980s and 90s, boutique hotels, cabins, restaurants flourished, and the expatriate community, including the LGBTQ+ population, contributed significantly to cultural diversity.
In the last decade, the Pez Vela marina, sport fishing fairs, hiking, kayaking, and canopy tours consolidated Quepos and Manuel Antonio as a leading destination for ecotourism and adventure.
Conservation, Education, and Current Sustainability
The park and local communities promote campaigns to protect flagship species (sloths, monkeys, turtles, birds), reforestation, and environmental education.
Community tourism programs, educational farms, and educational offerings have emerged, generating local employment and environmental awareness.
Despite environmental challenges from development, the area seeks a sustainable balance by promoting responsible infrastructure, regulated tourism, and waste management.
Actual status of the Manuel Antonio area
Manuel Antonio–Quepos region has grown into one of the country’s most dynamic tourism destinations. Over 280,000 visitors passed through Manuel Antonio National Park in 2023, marking it as Costa Rica’s most frequented national park
Tourism underpins the local economy, generating employment in guiding, hospitality, transport, artisanship, and food services, becoming the main source of livelihood for many in the region.
The park has earned the Elite Certificate of Sustainable Tourism (CST), Costa Rica’s highest eco-certification, acknowledging excellence in resource management, cultural impact, community engagement, and business operations
As a result, the region is prioritized in national marketing efforts, benefits from waived trade-fair fees, and gains exposure on international sustainable tourism platforms.
However, the park's booming popularity has generated environmental concerns. Research from UNA and SINAC led to stricter measures: visitor caps (around 3,000/day), weekly closures, food bans, and restricted entry limits (600 weekdays, 800 weekends)
These efforts aim to mitigate wildlife disturbance, trail erosion, and habitat degradation, though local business groups warn that infrastructure investment and resource management still lag behind demand.
The broader Quepos community also plays a vital role in shaping sustainable tourism. Companies like Iguana Tours collaborate with local neighborhoods such as El Cocal to offer community-based experiences—such as cooking classes and artisan tours—that support cultural preservation and benefit underserved residents
These initiatives also foster deeper visitor engagement with Costa Rican heritage and promote responsible travel practices
The cultural evolution of Quepos and Manuel Antonio is a fascinating journey: from the Quepoa and their ancestral connection to nature and the sea, through conquest and colonial oppression, the banana boom, and local resilience that led to the creation of a national park, to the sustainable and culturally diverse tourism development that defines the region today.
This narrative not only provides a historical overview but also helps understand the cultural, ecological, and social dynamics that make Manuel Antonio a destination of great educational and emotional value.