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Costa Rica

Other shopping in Costa Rica

  1. Koss Art Gallery

    Visit Jaime at his outdoor studio on the beach, where he frequently displays his richly hued works in the high season. Call ahead for a viewing.

    reviewed

  2. A

    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

  3. B

    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

  4. C

    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

  5. D

    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

  6. E

    Sol Maya

    A simple corner shop in La Sabana carries fabric from all over the world, including a decent selection of hand-loomed Guatemalan textiles. Prices are reasonable.

    reviewed

  7. F

    Librería Internacional

    Costa Rica’s best bookstore chain, with an excellent selection of books in English, including natural history, fiction, cooking and guidebooks.

    reviewed

  8. G

    Books & Stuff

    Has books in several languages as well as US newspapers.

    reviewed

  9. H

    Libro Azul

    A tiny shop with secondhand books, mostly in Spanish.

    reviewed

  10. I

    Librería Internacional

    Costa Rica’s best bookstore chain, with an excellent selection of books in English, including natural history, fiction, cooking and guidebooks.

    reviewed

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  12. J
  13. Paraíso Tropical Store

    A sprawling shop on the north side capped by a giant toucan statue on a pole sells pricey souvenirs and NatureAir tickets; it also cashes traveler’s checks.

    reviewed

  14. 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.

    reviewed

  15. K

    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!

    reviewed

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  17. L

    Musmanni

    For breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the baked goods at Musmanni.

    reviewed

  18. 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.

    reviewed

  19. Bromelias Books

    Don cute felt shoes before entering this bookstore, with its polished-wood Cerro Plano expanse of local arts and crafts, including some intricate batik. There are also books about the region, in particular natural history, in English and Spanish, plus lots of excellent Costa Rican and Central American music. The small amphi-theater outside the bookstore has regular theater and musical performances – be on the lookout for posters advertising events.

    reviewed