Multicolored carved wood, high-altitude coffee, rainforest chocolate: Costa Rica is not just about postcard clichés. This guide reviews the 5 most sought-after souvenirs, indicates where to buy them with precise addresses, and shares customs advice for a hassle-free suitcase. Objective: to offer in two minutes the complete answer travelers type every month on Google.
Top 5 must-have souvenirs to bring back from Costa Rica
These five items embody the “pura vida” lifestyle and easily fit in carry-on luggage.
| 🎁 Souvenir | Why it’s iconic | Where to buy it (address) | 💰 Average Price 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☕ Café Britt or Café Doka | High-altitude beans from Rainforest Alliance certified micro-lots | Café Britt Outlet, Ruta 147, Barva de Heredia • Doka Estate, 129, Sabanilla de Alajuela | €10 per 340 g package |
| 🍫 Artisan chocolate Sibú Chocolatier or La Fortuna Chocolate | Trinitario beans fermented 72 h and unrefined cane sugar | Sibú, Calle 29, San Isidro • La Fortuna Chocolate Tour, 1 km north of Parque Central, La Fortuna | €7 per 80 g bar |
| 🌶️ Lizano sauce | National condiment made from vegetables and spices, created in 1920 | Supermercado Automercado, Av. 10, San José | €3 per 280 ml bottle |
| 💎 Jewelry in Costa Rican Jade by Tico Joyeros | Blue-green stone extracted in Guanacaste and set on 925 silver | Tico Joyeros, Avenida Central, San José | €45 per pendant |
| 👕 Costa Rican Guayabera | Lightweight organic cotton shirt, folkloric embroidery | Mercado Central, Av. Central, San José | €35 each |
- 🟢 Each product is accepted in checked and carry-on luggage (except sauces >100 ml).
- 📸 Mini hammocks and oxcart models remain popular but are bulkier.
- 🔗 Need ideas for other destinations? Check the Mexico or Marrakech guides.
Spotlight on two little-known gems
Alongside the classics, two finds attract travelers in 2025:
- 🧴 Raw Botanicals: 100% tropical ingredient body care, Playa Guiones boutique, Nosara.
- 🥃 Alpiste: digestive liqueur made from bird seeds, sold at Fabrica de Licores, Calle 1, Cartago.
Where to buy these typical gifts in Costa Rica?
Local artisans and brands concentrate in three easily accessible areas.
| 📍 Area | Key shops | Opening hours | Logistics tip 🚕 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown San José | Mercado Central • Tico Joyeros • Supermercado La Nación | 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | Bring a backpack to navigate narrow aisles |
| Central Valley | Café Britt, Barva • Doka Estate, Alajuela | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (coffee tours) | Book tours online; direct bus from Terminal 7-10 |
| North Region (Arenal) | La Fortuna Chocolate • Art Wood Gallery | 9 a.m.-7 p.m. | Rent a scooter to connect cacao farms and the waterfall |
- 🚗 Official taxi drivers apply a fixed baggage fare of 5 USD.
- 🔍 For more inspiring addresses, see the Remote Expeditions dossier.
- 🌐 The comparisons by Marco Vasco and MAG506 complete this shopping map.
Weekly markets not to miss
They offer the most authentic experience.
- 🛍️ Feria Verde de Aranjuez (Saturday, 7 a.m.-12 p.m.): spices and handwoven textiles.
- 🌱 Organic Market Santa Ana (Sunday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.): Raw Botanicals cosmetics and micro-producer coffee.
Practical advice: customs, budget, and ethical purchasing
Some mistakes are costly for rushed travelers.
- ✅ Max coffee quantity: 5 kg per person without declaration when returning to the EU.
- ⛔ Avoid corals and quetzal feathers, strictly prohibited from export.
- 💳 Prefer payment in colón to negotiate; USD is accepted but rates are less favorable.
- 🌿 Request the Certificado de Sostenibilidad Turística label when buying wood or cacao to support responsible supply chains.
- ♻️ Reuse the canvas bags offered at Café Doka to reduce plastic waste.
To prepare a budget forecast, base yourself on the table below:
| Expense | Average amount | Saving tip 🤑 |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee (3 packs) | €30 | “Tour + tasting” pack at Doka; 10% discount |
| Chocolate (4 bars) | €28 | Sibú loyalty card, 1 free bar at 5th purchase |
| Jade jewelry | €45 | Negotiate if paying cash in colón |
| Guayabera | €35 | Choose “sin planchar” models, which are cheaper |
| Lizano sauce (6 bottles) | €18 | Family pack in supermarket, promo section |
A reminder: transporting Alpiste seeds is allowed; simply declare if exceeding 2 kg.
To compare with other countries, explore the articles: Cape Verde, Thailand, or Amsterdam.
FAQ
What is the best Costa Rican coffee for espresso?
The “Italian Roast” roasts from Café Britt offer the finest grind for high-pressure machines.
How long does Lizano sauce keep after opening?
Up to 12 months in the refrigerator thanks to its natural acidity.
Is Costa Rican Jade really different from Chinese jade?
Yes, the “blue-green” variety from the Talamanca Mountain Range has a higher density (3.35 vs. 3.25) and a unique turquoise hue.
Can you visit a cacao plantation for free?
La Fortuna Chocolate offers a free 30-minute tour at 3 p.m., including tasting.
Where to find fair trade handwoven hammocks?
At the Cooperativa de Mujeres Artesanas booth, Feria Verde de Aranjuez, 2nd aisle, every Saturday.
