Other shopping in Central America
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Hummingbird Gallery
This gallery just outside Monteverde reserve has beautiful photos, watercolors, art by the indigenous Chorotega and Boruca people and, best of all, feeders that constantly attract several species of hummingbird. Great photo ops include potential hot shots of the violet sabrewing (Costa Rica’s largest hummer) and the coppery-headed emerald, one of only three mainland birds endemic to Costa Rica. An identification board shows the nine species that are seen here. If you’d like a closer look, slides and photographs of the jungle’s most precious feathered gems (and other lumi-nous critters) by renowned British wildlife photographers Michael and Patricia Fogden are on display.…
reviewed
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Biesanz Woodworks
Located in the hills of Bello Horizonte in Escazú, the workshop of Biesanz Woodworks can be difficult to find, but the effort will be well worth it. This shop is one of the finest woodcrafting studios in the nation, run by celebrated artisan Barry Biesanz. His bowls and other decorative containers are exquisite and take their inspiration from pre-Columbian techniques, in which the natural lines and forms of the wood determine the shape and size of the bowl. The pieces are expensive (from US$85 for a palm-size bowl), but they are unique – and so delicately crafted that they wouldn’t be out of place in a museum.
reviewed
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Yaba Ding Ding
Located on the ground floor of a two-story commercial center next to HB Warren, this friendly shop has a surprisingly complete selection of Honduran artesanía, including Lenca pottery, Garífuna paintings, glasswork from Tegucigalpa, junco baskets from Santa Barbara, even some talavera dishes and clay masks from El Salvador for good measure. Also on display – but not for sale – are several pieces of yaba ding ding, an island term for pre-Colombian artifacts.
reviewed
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Gunter’s Driftwood Gallery
The gallery and gift shop of Gunter Kordovsky – multimedia artist, accomplished diver, and Utila institution – is worth a stop. Most of Gunter’s art is made from materials he’s found on the beach or in the ocean – driftwood, shells, shark jaws – which are reworked and then shellacked to hell. Open every afternoon except Sunday; look for it near the Mango Inn.
reviewed
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Multiplaza Escazú
Costa Rica’s most stylish – and massive – shopping mall has everything you need (or don’t). Of particular interest to campers is the Cemaco, a budget department store that sells basic fishing and camping supplies, including propane gas for your portable stove. If you’re coming from San José, the mall can be reached by taking any bus marked ‘Escazú Multiplaza’.
reviewed
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Luna Azul
This funky boutique is decked out in celestial murals, and it’s a relaxing spot to do a little souvenir shopping for your friends…or yourself. There’s a great variety of clothing, handmade jewelry and local art up for grabs as well as various aromatherapy products. Check out the fused-glass jewelry – some of our favorite pieces here.
reviewed
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Casem
Begun in 1982 as a women’s cooperative representing eight female artists, today Casem has expanded to include almost 150 local artisans, eight of whom are men. Embroidered and hand-painted clothing, polished wooden tableware, handmade cards and other work, some even priced for budget souvenir shoppers, make for an eclectic selection.
reviewed
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Mercado San Isidro
You can find just about anything for sale, excellent artesanía included, in this chaotic market in Comayagüela. However, there’s a catch-22: pickpocketing and snatch-and-run theft are common, and the market is the last place you want to carry anything valuable, especially a wad of money.
reviewed
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Art House
Several rooms stuffed with colorful Costa Rican artistry is what you’ll find at the Art House. There’s jewelry, ceramic work, Boruca textiles and paintings. Though styles here differ quite a bit, it’s more along the crafty end of the artsy-craftsy spectrum. It’s a great place to find a unique local souvenir.
reviewed
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Kiosco SJO
With a focus on sustainable design by Latin American artisans, this sleek shop stocks art books, original photography, artisanal chocolates, fashion and contemporary home decor by established regional designers. It’s pricey, but rest assured that everything you find here will be of exceptional quality.
reviewed
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Terra Mall
On the main highway, about 8km west of Cartago in Tres Ríos, you’ll find this massive new mall, stocked with everything from a high-end multiplex (you can get cocktails served inside some of the movie theaters) to brand-name boutiques – not to mention lots of teenagers.
reviewed
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eÑe
This hip little design shop across from the Casa Amarilla sells all manner of pieces crafted by Costa Rican designers and artists, including a limited selection of clothing, jewelry, silk-screened T-shirts, handbags, picture frames, zines and works of graphic art.
reviewed
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Alquimia Artes
The work here is a tad more affordable than at some other places (check out the jewelry by Tarsicio Castillo from the Ecuadorian Andes), but this doesn’t mean its collection of wood sculpture, paintings and prints by Costa Rican artists isn’t astounding.
reviewed
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Río Shanti
The real reason to come here is for a spa treatment, massage or yoga class for adults and children (be sure to call ahead for an appointment or schedule), but this calming space on the road into Monteverde also has a gallery of local art for sale.
reviewed
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Mercado Central Annex
The Mercado Central Annex is less touristy crowded with butchers, fishmongers and informal counters dishing out typical Costa Rican casados (a set meal of rice, beans and cabbage slaw served with chicken, fish or meat).
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Artes Stulio
A working studio where you can browse the gallery and also roam upstairs to watch the artists at work. The art here is a bit more experimental and an intriguing look into the contemporary scene fostered by the magical Monteverde atmosphere.
reviewed
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HB Warren
The largest supermarket on this end of the island, this is a good place to stock up on groceries. It also has a popular cafeteria (mains L$20 to L$60) with counter seating, low prices and possibly the best fried chicken on the island.
reviewed
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Bazar Mafalda
To the west of the church, this place stocks an interesting selection of rosaries, scapulars and ex-votos –and, rather incongruously, soccer paraphernalia and nail polish.
reviewed
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Libros Chiloé
Dusty little shop packed to the rafters with Spanish-language historic and literary tomes, including a large section devoted to Costa Rican history. There is a small selection of English and French titles, too.
reviewed
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Eldon’s
The island’s largest supermarket is on the access road to French Harbour, just off the main cross-island highway. Dollars, traveler’s checks and credit cards (no commission) are all accepted.
reviewed
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Automercado
For self-caterers, try Automercado – large, modern supermarket that stocks plenty of everything. It has a good selection of healthy items, including veggie burgers.
reviewed
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Rincón del Habano
You’ll find a wide selection of cigars in this tiny decade-old shop that sells stogies from all over, including brands from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Cuba.
reviewed
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Pabellones Artesanales
For a sampling of what the town – and country – has to offer, head to Pabellones Artesanales, a warehouse-sized artesanía market.
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Remembranzos
One block to the west is this tiny cluttered shop selling vintage coins, stamps, photographs and company scrip from coffee plantations. Hours are erratic, so call ahead.
reviewed
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Mercado Viejo San Antonio
You’ll find everything you need – and don’t need – at this centrally located market. Great for last-minute items or just as a point of reference.
reviewed
