Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its incredible biodiversity, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and active volcanoes. This eco-tourism destination offers world-class wildlife viewing, adventure activities, and a laid-back 'pura vida' lifestyle that welcomes travelers from around the globe.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Hand-Painted Ox Cart (Carreta)
Costa Rica's most iconic craft, these intricately painted wooden ox carts are a UNESCO-recognized tradition from Sarchí. Mini versions make perfect gifts while full-size carts are collector's pieces.
Price: $20-500
Where: Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro, Sarchí; Central Market San José
Costa Rican Specialty Coffee
Costa Rica produces some of the world's finest single-origin Arabica coffee from regions like Tarrazú, Naranjo, and Tres Ríos. Look for micro-lot coffees in resealable bags for freshness.
Price: $8-25
Where: Café Britt Factory Store, Heredia; airport shops; Mercado Central San José
Artisan Cacao Products
Costa Rica grows exceptional cacao in the Caribbean lowlands. Artisan chocolate bars, cacao nibs, and chocolate-covered coffee beans make distinctive souvenirs.
Price: $5-20
Where: Sibú Chocolate Shop, Heredia; Chocolatería La Palma, San José
Indigenous Boruca Masks
Hand-carved and painted wooden masks from the Boruca indigenous community represent their Diablitos fiesta tradition. Each mask is unique and signed by the artisan.
Price: $30-200
Where: Boruca village, Buenos Aires; Mercado de Artesanías San José
Jade and Volcanic Stone Jewelry
Reproductions of pre-Columbian jade pendants and earrings alongside jewelry incorporating volcanic stone and tropical motifs. Gold frog pendants (Diquís style) are particularly popular.
Price: $15-150
Where: Jade Museum gift shop, San José; artisan markets in Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo
Wildlife Photography Prints and Paintings
Locally produced artwork depicting Costa Rica's iconic wildlife including sloths, toucans, quetzals, and tree frogs. Watercolors and prints make lightweight, meaningful gifts.
Price: $10-80
Where: Barrio Escalante galleries, San José; artisan markets in tourist areas
Guaro Cacique and Local Spirits
Guaro Cacique is Costa Rica's national spirit, a sugarcane liquor. Local craft gin, rum made from Costa Rican sugarcane, and locally produced coffee liqueur make excellent gifts.
Price: $8-30
Where: Supermercado Más x Menos; duty-free at airport
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado Central de San José
San José's historic covered market dating from 1880 is a maze of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meats to souvenirs, leather goods, and típica food. The heart of everyday Tico commerce and an authentic cultural experience.
Where: Between Avenida Central/1 and Calles 6/8, San José
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Monday-Saturday
Mercado de Artesanías Nacionales
The official national artisan market showcases handmade crafts from artisans across Costa Rica. Quality and authenticity are guaranteed, making this the best place for higher-end souvenirs including ox cart replicas, ceramics, and indigenous crafts.
Where: Calle 11 between Avenida 2 and 4, San José
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Feria del Agricultor (Farmers' Market)
Weekly farmers' markets held across the country offer fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, cheeses, flowers, and prepared foods. The Curridabat and Barrio Escalante markets in San José attract foodies.
Where: Various locations throughout San José and surroundings
Hours: 5:00 AM - 1:00 PM Saturdays and Sundays
Fábrica de Carretas Eloy Alfaro Market Area
The artisan town of Sarchí is dedicated to crafts, with shops lining the road to Fábrica Eloy Alfaro, the original and oldest ox cart factory established in 1903. Browse leather goods, ceramics, hammocks, and wooden items.
Where: Sarchí Norte, Alajuela Province
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Tamarindo Artisan Market
Outdoor market in Costa Rica's busiest beach town offers a mix of Costa Rican crafts, beachwear, jewelry, and international products. More touristy but convenient for beach visitors.
Where: Tamarindo Beach Road, Guanacaste
Hours: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily (high season)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Barrio Escalante, San José
San José's hippest neighborhood has transformed into a hub of independent boutiques, design shops, and concept stores. Find locally designed clothing, artisan products, specialty food shops, and contemporary Costa Rican art galleries.
Best for: Unique local products, contemporary design, specialty food items
Avenida Central Pedestrian Mall
San José's main pedestrian boulevard stretches from Parque Morazán to Parque La Merced, lined with national chain stores, street vendors, and affordable shopping. Busy and lively, representing everyday Costa Rican commerce.
Best for: Affordable clothing, electronics, everyday shopping, local brands
Sarchí Artisan Zone
An entire town dedicated to traditional crafts, Sarchí's main road is lined with workshops and stores showcasing Costa Rica's artisan heritage. Watch craftsmen paint intricate geometric designs on ox carts, furniture, and decorative items.
Best for: Traditional crafts, painted wood, leather goods, authentic souvenirs
Manuel Antonio Village
The road leading to Manuel Antonio National Park is lined with souvenir shops, craft markets, surf shops, and clothing stores. Higher-priced than San José but convenient for beach visitors.
Best for: Beachwear, wildlife-themed souvenirs, outdoor gear, coffee
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Costa Rica's laid-back Caribbean town has colorful craft stalls selling reggae-inspired clothing, Rastafarian accessories, Caribbean-style jewelry, and locally made hot sauce and cacao products.
Best for: Caribbean-style crafts, Boruca masks, cacao products, reggae fashion
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Multiplaza Escazú
Costa Rica's most upscale mall features international luxury brands, department stores, a multiplex cinema, and numerous dining options. Located in affluent Escazú suburb west of San José, drawing Costa Rica's upper-middle class.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Mall San Pedro
Near the University of Costa Rica campus in San Pedro, this mall caters to students and families with mid-range international brands, a food court, cinema, and Costa Rican chain stores. One of the oldest and most established malls.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Sunday
City Mall Alajuela
Located near Juan Santamaría Airport, City Mall is Costa Rica's largest mall with over 200 stores, international chains, Costa Rican brands, supermarkets, restaurants, and entertainment. Convenient for last-minute shopping before flights.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Paseo de las Flores, Heredia
Open-air shopping center in Heredia designed like a traditional Costa Rican street. Combines international brands with local restaurants, a cinema, and pleasant outdoor atmosphere.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Prices in formal shops and malls are fixed — bargaining is not appropriate or expected
At artisan markets and street stalls, gentle negotiation is acceptable, especially for multiple purchases
Ask 'what's your best price?' rather than making a low counter-offer to initiate negotiation politely
Buying in bulk from the same vendor usually earns a discount without asking
Avoid aggressive bargaining — Costa Ricans value respectful interactions and may simply refuse to sell
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export pre-Columbian artifacts or certain wildlife products. CITES restrictions apply to items made from sea turtles, jaguars, or endangered species. Live plants require phytosanitary certificates.
Tax Refund: Costa Rica does not operate a VAT refund program for tourists. No tax refunds available at the airport.
Duty Free: Returning visitors may bring in goods up to $500 USD value duty-free. Alcohol allowance is 3 liters per adult. Tobacco: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
Shipping: Correos de Costa Rica (national postal service) and international couriers like DHL and FedEx operate in San José. Many souvenir shops offer international shipping. Budget 2-3 weeks for surface mail to North America or Europe.