Handcraft, Shopping and Souvenirs to bring back from Costa Rica

Signature Costa Rican Souvenirs & Handcrafts

World-Famous Coffee & Chocolate

• Coffee: Look for beans from renowned regions like Tarrazú, Dota, and the Central Valley. Most Costa Rican coffee is 100% Arabica, known for its smooth, bright flavor. You will find it available as either whole bean or ground to suit your preference.

• Chocolate: Seek out artisanal, single-origin chocolate bars. Costa Rica’s craft chocolate scene is flourishing, offering unique flavor profiles derived from high-quality, locally grown cacao.

For the freshest product and a memorable cultural experience, we highly recommend purchasing coffee or chocolate directly from a coffee finca or during a chocolate farm tour. This ensures you are getting an authentic taste of the region while learning about the production process from bean to bar.

Intricate Woodcrafts (Artesanía de Madera)

• Carved Boruca Masks: Traditionally carved from lightweight balsa wood, these masks are painted with vibrant designs representing ancestral spirits and local wildlife. They are culturally significant artworks and make for a stunning display piece.

• Bowls, Utensils, and Decor: You will find a beautiful array of items made from native woods like teak, cocobolo, and guanacaste. Popular choices include intricately grained salad bowls, durable cutting boards, and small decorative figures.

• Miniature Oxcarts (Carretas): The brightly painted oxcart, or carreta, is a national symbol of Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage. Small, meticulously detailed replicas are a classic souvenir, particularly from artisan towns like Sarchí.

When purchasing wood items, it is wise to look for those made from sustainably harvested wood. Some artisans may have a certification stamp or can speak to the origin of their materials.

Ceramics and Pottery

• Guaitil Pottery: This distinctive, rustic pottery is crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations from the pre-Columbian Chorotega people. It is a truly authentic piece of Costa Rican heritage.

• Key Features: Artisans use local clays and natural mineral pigments to create their wares. The designs are often inspired by nature, featuring stylized iguanas, toucans, and monkeys.

Please note that authentic Guaitil pottery is unglazed and therefore quite fragile. It requires very careful packing and handling to ensure it arrives home safely.

Textiles, Leather Goods, and Jewelry

• Woven Goods: Colorful hammocks perfect for relaxing, warm woven blankets, and simple “Pura Vida” friendship bracelets are common and popular finds in local markets and shops.

• Leather Products: Look for high-quality, handmade leather goods. While the famous rocking chairs must be shipped home, smaller items like wallets, belts, and sandals make for excellent, durable souvenirs.

• Handmade Jewelry: Artisans often create beautiful jewelry using local and natural materials. Look for pieces featuring tropical seeds, polished coconut shells, volcanic stones, and recycled glass.

Local Flavors for Your Pantry

• Salsa Lizano: This is the quintessential Costa Rican condiment, found on nearly every table. It is a slightly sweet and tangy vegetable-based sauce that is used to flavor everything from the national dish of gallo pinto to tamales.

• Chilero: A spicy, pickled vegetable condiment, typically containing carrots, onions, and hot peppers in a vinegar brine. It is a staple in local restaurants (sodas) and adds a zesty kick to any meal.

• Artisanal Hot Sauces: Many small-batch producers create unique and flavorful hot sauces using a variety of local chili peppers, offering a wide spectrum of heat and flavor.

Where to Shop: From Bustling Markets to Artisan Studios

Local Markets (Mercados)

• Key Locations: San José’s Mercado Central and the nearby Mercado Nacional de Artesanías are the largest and most concentrated. However, most towns have a central market or square with stalls selling souvenirs.

• What to Expect: Prepare for a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with a vast array of items and prices. These markets are an excellent place to find classic souvenirs and experience local life.

As in any crowded public space, it is prudent to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure while exploring the markets.

Artisan Cooperatives & Galleries

• The Benefit: These establishments are often run by the artists themselves or a collective, which ensures that your purchase directly supports the local craftspeople and their communities.

• What You’ll Find: The items here are typically of a higher quality, more unique, and often signed by the artist. This is a good place to search for authentic Boruca masks or fine woodcrafts.

We suggest looking for these cooperatives in towns known for their artisan communities, such as Sarchí, Monteverde, and smaller villages near national parks.

Roadside Stalls (Puestos)

• Common Items: These stalls often feature a mix of fresh tropical fruit, local snacks, and a small selection of crafts like simple wood carvings, woven bags, or hammocks.

• Good for: They are ideal for spontaneous stops while traveling between destinations and for finding rustic, locally-produced items at a good price.

Plantation & Factory Tours

• Why Shop Here: Buying coffee or chocolate directly from the plantation where it was grown is the best way to guarantee its authenticity and freshness.

• The Experience: Many tours, such as those at coffee fincas or the Oxcart Factory in Sarchí, provide a fascinating opportunity to see the entire production process before making a purchase at the source.

Smart Shopping: Tips and Etiquette

Bargaining and Pricing

• When to Bargain: Haggling over the price is generally acceptable and expected in open-air markets and with roadside vendors.

• When NOT to Bargain: Prices are typically fixed and non-negotiable in established galleries, artisan cooperatives, and higher-end shops where items have set prices.

• How to Bargain: Always be polite, patient, and friendly. A reasonable opening offer is usually 10-25% less than the initial asking price. View it as a respectful negotiation, not a conflict.

• Currency: Most vendors in tourist areas accept US dollars, but paying in the local currency, Colones, will often result in a more favorable price.

Ensuring Authenticity and Quality

• “Hecho a Mano” (Handmade): Look for the small imperfections and unique details that distinguish genuinely handmade items from mass-produced imports. No two handmade pieces are exactly alike.

• Ask the Vendor: Inquire about where an item was made and by whom. True artisans are usually proud to share the story and process behind their work.

Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. If the price for a seemingly high-quality craft is remarkably low, it may be an import from another country rather than a local creation.

Packing Your Treasures for Travel

• Fragile Items: Ask the vendor to wrap pottery and delicate wood carvings for you. Many experienced sellers are experts at packing their wares for international travel.

• DIY Padding: Use your own clothing, such as t-shirts and socks, to provide extra cushioning for fragile items inside your luggage.