Must-see shopping in Costa Rica

  • Mercado Nacional de Artesanía

    San José

    A touristy open-air market that sells everything from handcrafted jewelry and Bob Marley T-shirts to elaborate woodwork and Guatemalan sarongs.

  • Librería Lehmann

    San José

    Good selection of English-language books, maps and guidebooks (including Lonely Planet). There are a half-dozen branches around town.

  • Artes de Osa

    Puerto Jiménez

    This locally run souvenir shop has interesting handmade carvings, furniture and other handicrafts, all made by Costa Rican artisans.

  • Escazú farmers markets

    San José

    On Saturday, head down to the farmers market that's held along Avenida 2, just south of the park in Escazú Centro.

  • Reggaeland

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

    Come to the area of the beach at the southern end of town for souvenirs, brightly colored vests, multicolored harem pants, beach dresses and reggae…

  • Mall San Pedro

    San José

    This busy four-story mall (often used as a landmark) houses a multiscreen cinema, a food court, a video arcade and the usual mix of clothing, phone and…

  • Village Store

    Caribbean Coast

    A couple of minutes' walk from the boat landing, this is the place to get your groceries, including fresh meat, bread, fruit and vegetables. Also stocks…

  • Souvenir Pura Vida

    Tortuguero Village

    On the main street, this is the place to pick up a postcard, a Tortuguero turtle T-shirt, a pack of turtle-themed playing cards or some local woodwork…

  • Libreria Chunches

    Monteverde & Santa Elena

    A small selection of books, some in English, but mostly office supplies

  • Farmácia Orgánica

    Arenal & Around

    Christian and Sara began this über-healthy one-stop shop in 2015. The store features a variety of organic-based goods, from locally-grown fruits, veggies…

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