Shopping in Central Valley & Highlands
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Goodlight Books
Book-a-holics rejoice! You’ll find one of the best English-language bookstores in the country right in Alajuela. Goodlight Books, managed by longtime expat Larry Coulter, offers a mind-boggling selection of tomes: 9000 well-organized books (both used and new) that cover everything from literature to history to sci-fi. He also keeps a worthwhile stock of difficult-to-find books on Costa Rica and the region, and there is a small array of volumes in Dutch and German. You will also find maps, guidebooks and a tiny cafe serving very tasty iced coffee.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mercado Municipal
You can fill up for a couple of thousand colones at the Mercado Municipal, which has sodas to spare and plenty of very fresh groceries.
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Supermercado Palí
Self-caterers will find the Supermercado Palí to the southeast of Catedral de la Mercedes.
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MegaSuper
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Palí Supermarket
Self-caterers can stock up on groceries at the Palí supermarket.
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Muebles El Artesano
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Farmers' Market
A great farmers’ market is held on Fridays behind Taller Lalo Alfaro, where you can grab homemade snacks, queso palmito (a local cheese) and lots of produce.
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El Arte Sarchiseño
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Los Rodríguez
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Fábrica de Carretas Joaquín Chaverri
The oldest and best-known factory in Sarchí Sur. In the back, the small studio is a good place for watching artisans emblazon those incredible patterns on the oxcarts by hand.
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Coopearsa
In Sarchí Norte, 200m west of the soccer field, is this kitsch-filled paradise of carretas, woodwork and painted feathers.
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Mercado Central
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Artesanías Vílchez
The selection of crafts is crude, but you’re here for one reason, and one reason only: to buy an authentic Tico cowboy hat. Saddle up and ride!
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Más X Menos
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Más X Menos
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El Tejano
For something truly unique, head to this small shop selling saddles, cowboy hats and highly spectacular cowboy-boot lamps. The shop is located 100m south of the hospital, on the north end of town.
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