— Updated November 2017 —
When I first traveled to Costa Rica for vacation, shopping was the last thing on my mind. I was enthralled by gorgeous beaches, erupting volcanoes, cute baby sloths, and class 5 rapids. Well, after traveling here for ten years and living here for eight, I have had enough time to shop around and find the best things to buy in Costa Rica, my favorite Costa Rican souvenirs.
1. Coffee coffee coffee
At first, I made the mistake of thinking that any coffee at the grocery store was good coffee, but little did I know that most of the good stuff is exported out of Costa Rica. The majority of the brands on the shelves in Costa Rica are not export quality and many contain additives such as sugar. However, there are two brands that can be picked up in the grocery store that are delicious: Café Britt and Volio. Volio is the least expensive, but can only be bought in Automercado, Megasuper, and sometimes AMPM. Café Britt can be found in all the grocery stores, offers a variety of roasts, and can be ordered online. You can also stock up in the airport while you wait to board your plane.
My absolute #1 favorite brand is Taza Amarilla, but you have to get it at Fería Verde or one of very few small stores in the Central Valley. Doka Estate is my #2, specifically the peaberry (delicious!). They have been growing and perfecting their coffee for three generations (tres generaciones), since 1940. This gem of a coffee can be bought in souvenir shops, directly from Doka Estate, or online.
2. Pura Vida Stickers!
I make these and sell them right here on my site. I’m really excited to offer a variety of custom designs. The first run is this custom palm leaf and monstera watercolor design. The sticker is about 4″ x 3″ and super durable – scratchproof and weatherproof for up to 5 years. Please if you order one take a photo and send it to me so I can see my art out in the wild!
2. Books about Costa Rica that I’ve come to treasure
Just recently published in November 2015, National Parks of Costa Rica is one of my favorite books! It features stunning photographs and provides an unparalleled glimpse into the treasures of Costa Rica’s parks. With spectacular images and informative text, National Parks of Costa Rica imparts an appreciation for the richness of nature and the importance of environmental conservation.
Of course, I also have to include The Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide. It’s a compact, portable, and user-friendly field guide the novice or experienced birder needs to identify birds in the field in the diverse habitats found in Costa Rica. It was updated in December of 2014 and has the most gorgeous detailed illustrations of Costa Rican birds. I love flipping through it and remembering all the birds I saw and the stories of what I was doing when I saw those birds.
I have another favorite: Costa Rica From Above produced in 2015. It shows Costa Rica as never before seen – 300 aerial photographs taken in small airplanes, helicopter, ultra lights, gyrocopters, NO DRONES. It is a work of extraordinary images that show a diverse country, full of contrasts. I love flipping through it and seeing the places I have visited from a different point of view, so beautiful!
3. Bio-Land beauty products
Inconspicuously hanging out on the lower shelves in the grocery stores, Bio-Land produces an array of organic body products such as soaps, lotions, masks, creams, balms and gels. The company is committed to respecting the health of human beings and their environment, so I can feel good about purchasing their product as well as using them! So far my favorite Bio-Land products are the Organic Fruits Anti-Free Radicals Hydrating Cream, the Volcanic Clay Purifying Mask, and the Organic Aloe Vera Soap (I travel everywhere with it!). Bio-Land personal products cost between $3 – $13 and some can be purchased online at the links above.
4. Chocolate mmmmmmm
Buy some freshly made chocolate on a chocolate tour, which will take you through the steps of making chocolate – from cultivating the cacao to tasting the final product. Bonus is that you get to purchase chocolate directly from the farmer and producer and maybe even you helped make it. An experience not to be missed for fellow chocolate lovers! If you don’t have time for a tour and want to purchase a package of ready-made chocolates, pick up a box of neatly decorated Sibú from the grocery store. The chocolates are made from 100% organic cacao, the packaging is made from recycled materials, all the ingredients are produced locally, and they work with the Rainforest Alliance. Sibú says “Save the planet…it’s the only one that has chocolate.” You can also find Costa Rican chocolate online.
5. Carved wooden masks
Costa Rican masks come in a variety of styles: Bright colorful masks depicting red-eyed tree frogs or leopards, devils sticking their tongues out, or naturally-colored wooden masks with turtles or landscapes. I love all of them and they make beautiful pieces of art for any home. You can find these masks in just about every souvenir shop around the country. Price and quality will vary depending on location ($25 – $400). My favorite place to pick these up was in Puerto Viejo until I found out I could get them in Boruca, from the indigenous people who make them. If a trip to Boruca isn’t on your itinerary, they can be found in many souvenir shops.
6. Pura Vida Souvenirs – Clothing, Tech Gear, Home Decor and Accessories
I make art. Some of these pura vida designs are mine! I create the art and then a company like RedBubble manufactures it and ships it. I take custom requests if you have a vision and want me to make it a reality, contact me – erin at delapuravida dot com. Peruse all the pura vida art here.
7. Sloth Shirts
Who doesn’t want a pocket sloth? Or a Mayan Space sloth? Don’t let those pecs and biceps fool you ladies – sloth shirts are also available for women and kids in tank tops, onesies, dresses… Shop sloths here.
Those are my top seven. What about you? Have you picked up or received any Costa Rican souvenirs that didn’t make it on my list?
*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means I get a fee if you buy from that link. The cost does not go up for you. I only recommend products and stores I have actually used and have thoroughly tested over time.
How did I ever miss the chocolate in Costa Rica? It looks delish. I need to go back and get me some 😉
Yeah you do! After writing this post, I had to run out and get me some, too!
Just love your photos! Of course I came away with coffee and a few other things, but what I regret not buying was one of those large multi-colored ceramic lizards to hang on the wall in a bathroom (I’m thinking). I also loved the beautiful ceramic wash basins, but they don’t pack so easily in a suitcase 😉 Would make a real show piece in a funky bathroom.
Oh I LOVE the big lizards! I can totally imagine your funky bathroom and it’s awesome!
Costa Rica rocking chairs.
Nancy loves 1820 coffee and is hard to convince to try other brands.
Got any idea where one can buy the bird made out of an old tire that you hang outside? Saw one once and have not seen it again. Kitschy enough to be cool.
Yes! Those rocking chairs rock!
I use to think 1820 was the shizzy, too. And then I tried some others including Cafe Montaña, then I tried Volio. After Volio, I can’t go back. (these are all the cheaper store brands. If I could afford it, I would drink Doka everyday mmmmmm)
Not sure about the tire bird, I’ll keep my eye out for you!
The chocolate is my favorite, for sure. Our tour of a cacao farm near Puerto Jimenez was the highlight of our trip & the chocolate was the best I’ve ever tasted!
A chocolate tour is definitely a highlight. Especially after you taste the finished product, like you said 🙂
I really need to get to Costra Rica, if for no other reason than to buy souvenirs (particularly the chocolate).
PS – today a Spaniard spelled our name right on their first try!!! So exciting.
Bring an extra suitcase for chocolate heehee 🙂
re our name – that IS exciting! Increible!
The only other thing for sale in my town was hammocks. But who has room for those?!
The hammocks are soooo nice, maybe I’ll have to make room… 🙂
Mmmm – coffee and chocolate! I’ll keep an eye out for imports =)
Let me know if you find and try any!
Cafe Britt was probably one of the best coffees I’ve ever had!! Mmm. Definitely wish I bought more. Can I find it in Puerto Limon? I’ll be there in November…
You can definitely find Cafe Britt in Puerto Limon. Save money and buy it from a grocery store, not a souvenir store.
I’m surprised your ship is docking in Limon – it’s so dangerous! No one goes to Limon. I can’t wait to read your post about it, hopefully you have fun and make me a liar. I would tell you to head to Puerto Viejo if you have time, but it’s super rainy there in November. Good news: the food on the Caribbean side is delicious, especially in Puerto Viejo! It’s like the other Costa Rican food but cooked with ginger, curries, and coconut milk mmmmm
Please bring me some more coffee! Folgers just doesn’t cut it:(
ahh I see you are hooked now, too! I’m sooooooo glad you left this comment BEFORE I boarded the plane! I’ll go to the grocery store tomorrow to stock up. Can’t wait to see you! :]
I think I will take all of them! But coffee and chocolates would be absolute favorites. They look delicious… I can gorge on them for days:)
Have a fabulous week ahead Erin:)
🙂 thanks and back at ya!
I love souvenir shopping, particularly of the foodie variety so I’d probably opt for the coffee.
Julia
MMM…the cacao chocolate looks sooo good!
Have you ever seen the movie, ‘Chocolat’? Looks like it came straight outta the movie 😀
Great post & blog! Costa Rica seems magical!
-Molly
Thanks!
I hear alot of good things about Costa Rica. I might have to put it on my travel wishlist.
You should put it on your travel DO list 🙂
Love the photo of the masks, those are brilliant!
I like the Volio Founders blend too, but it can be found more places, such as MegaSuper, Pali, etc.
There is also the Triangulo de Oro oscuro (dark).
Here in Atenas we can also buy some locally grown coffees as well, such as Ateneo & La Villa.
You just have to look around.
Dana
ooo I haven’t tried Triangulo de Oro – thanks for the tip. I just moved to the mountains, so I can’t wait to try some of the local coffees around my new town. I’m sure they are great in Atenas!
I personally LOVE Britt and also Café Rey.
Cafe Britt is a good one 🙂
how come you didnt mention the wooded oxcarts (mini-bars inside) , I have to go through airports with a few of those @#$!@#$@ things that in the end I had to get one for myself even though I am a Tico.
if you want one second hand, ‘barato’ let me know 😛
Only if the mini bottles are still intact 🙂
The varnished small coffe cups that came with my traditional coffee making device has a type of varnish. Is it safe to drink my coffee with this wooded cup. It is a perfect one cup maker and cup.
I have no idea, but a professional craftsman, a wood worker, would probably know if you showed them the cup in question.
Next time you visita Costa Rica, you have to try my original recipe of Coffee Spread that is a blend of the best Dota Coffee and Cocoa.