Unlike Tamarindo, Jacó has always been a weekend hangout for Ticos from the Central Valley and that continues to be the case. Wealthier Ticos can afford the condos, hotel rooms, and memberships at Los Sueños Resort, while plenty of mid-range hotels provide lodging for the middle class. The beach is packed with Ticos during holidays, and once a year the Festival Imperial, put on by the national beer manufacturer, crams the town to the gills with kids from out of town. Because of this, a significant portion of Jacó’s economy has always depended on tourism. The difference these days is that tourism has become more important and more international.

Quepos, on the other hand, was until recently a community mostly focused on agriculture and fishing. While it was still in the area, the United Fruit Company planted fields of palms for harvesting palm oil. From Parrita past Quepos and along the road to Dominical in the Southern Zone, many acres of these plantations persist. Further back in time, the Quepos area was occupied by the Quepos indigenous community before Europeans arrived.

Fishing is the other industry that has been important for Quepos’ economy. Quepos fishermen have long supplied both the local community and other areas of Costa Rica with fresh fish.