Shopping in Costa Rica
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Jagua Arts & Crafts
A great collection of art and jewelry by local and expat craftspeople, including some amazing painted masks.
reviewed
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Jaime Peligro
A local spot for new and used foreign-language books and the best Central American CDs and DVDs.
reviewed
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Galería Namu
A fair-trade gallery run by Aisling French does a great job of bringing together artwork and crafts from a diverse population of regional ethnicities. Here, you’ll find a lovely array of Boruca masks, finely woven Wounaan baskets, Guaymí dolls, Bribrí canoes, Chorotega ceramics and Huetar carvings, as well as contemporary urban and Afro-Caribbean crafts. They can also help arrange visits to remote indigenous territories in different parts of Costa Rica. See their website for details.
reviewed
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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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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.
reviewed
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Atmosphera
An upscale Cerro Plano gallery that specializes in wood sculpture created by artists from all over Costa Rica. Several are from the Monteverde area, and the pieces run the gamut of style and function. They’re also priced accordingly, from about US$25 to US$5000. If you fall in conflicted love with some sinuous piece here, may we suggest you think it over with a massage at the in-house natural spa.
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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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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Librería Chunches
A bookstore and coffee shop with a fine selection of books (many in English), including travel and natural history guides and some US newspapers and magazines. There’s laundry serviceand its bulletin board is a good source of information.
reviewed
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Annemarie's Boutique
This is a recommended souvenir shop and not just the usual hotel gift store. Annemarie's has an extensive selection of items from all over Costa Rica and the public is welcome to come in to the hotel and browse the store. A limited selection of items are available for purchase through its website.
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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P
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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La Buchaca
La Buchaca is a tiny oasis in El Pueblo that carries well-made jewelry, ceramics and sculptures - all of Costa Rican origin. Of particular interest are the beautifully executed modern paintings featuring Pre-Columbian motifs from around Central America.
reviewed
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R
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).
reviewed
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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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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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Jumbo Supermercado
For a good selection of international groceries including tahini, Argentinean wine and curry paste, stop by the Jumbo Supermercado, conveniently located at the intersection, to load up on supplies before heading to the beach.
reviewed
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Books2Go
Susan runs a quaint little bookstore that also serves as the travelers’ meeting place. You can post messages, store your bags, burn photos to CDs, use the internet (₡1000per hour), or just hang out and read a good book.
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
