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Every time I visit a new country, I tell myself I won’t go overboard on souvenirs. And every time… my suitcase mysteriously gains 5 kilos. Sound familiar?
If you’re wondering what to buy in Costa Rica, the good news is: there’s a lot that’s worth your luggage space. The better news? You don’t need to fill your bag with the same “pura vida” fridge magnets everyone else gets. There’s some genuinely cool, local stuff here — if you know where to look.
What to Buy in Costa Rica? Coffee, of Course
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Costa Rica is all about coffee. But not all beans are created equal. Instead of grabbing the shiny bags at the supermarket or the tourist shop in the airport, look for local, small-batch producers.
Ask for coffee from places like Tarrazú, Naranjo, or Dota. The flavor is next level, and it makes a much better gift than that random “100% café” blend that tastes like hotel lobby coffee.
Handmade Souvenirs That Actually Mean Something
Want to support local artists and not some overseas factory? Skip the plastic toucans and check out:
- Boruca masks – intricately hand-painted and rich in indigenous symbolism
- Guaitil pottery – traditional Chorotega ceramics made with pre-Columbian techniques
- Wood carvings – especially those made from sustainable or reclaimed wood
- Hammocks – colorful, comfortable, and way easier to pack than you’d think
These are the kinds of things that don’t just sit on a shelf — they carry stories.
Spices, Sauces, and Salsas: Bring the Flavor Home
You know that magical sauce they serve with everything here? That’s Salsa Lizano. It’s sweet, tangy, a little smoky — and totally addictive.
Other edible things worth bringing back?
- Local hot sauces (if you like heat with flavor)
- Cocoa nibs or dark chocolate from Talamanca
- Vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, or anything from a roadside spice stand
Just check customs rules before going full grocery store.
Ethical Jewelry and Natural Beauty Products
Looking for something small but meaningful? Costa Rica has a growing market of artisans making beautiful, wearable souvenirs using natural materials.
- Jewelry made from recycled glass, seeds, or coconut shells
- Aloe vera gel, coconut oil, and handmade soaps
- Organic bug repellent (it smells good and actually works!)
You’ll find a lot of this in farmer’s markets or boutique shops in towns like Uvita, Monteverde, and Puerto Viejo.
What Can I Bring Back from Costa Rica (Without Trouble)?
Let’s talk about the legal stuff for a second.
What you can bring back from Costa Rica:
- Yes: coffee, packaged food, wood items (treated), chocolate, art, textiles
- No: shells, coral, sand, wildlife (yes, really — no toucans in your backpack)
- Maybe: spices and food — depends on your country’s import rules
And definitely don’t try to bring back raw meats or fruits. Customs agents are not amused.
What to Buy in Costa Rica? Skip These
Not everything in the souvenir shop is a winner. If you’re tight on space or budget, feel free to skip:
- Shot glasses with sloths on them
- Cheap sunglasses that break in a week
- Random T-shirts that shrink in the first wash
- Anything with glitter and a volcano on it
You’ll thank yourself later.
Final Tip: Travel Light, Pack Stories
In the end, the best things to bring back aren’t always things. It’s the stories, the connections, the early-morning coffee with a view, the waterfall you hiked to, or the cooking class where your rice burned but nobody cared.
Still, if you’re going to shop — shop smart, shop local, and shop for things that feel like Costa Rica to you.
Want More Local Secrets?
If this kind of off-the-beaten-path advice is your thing, don’t miss our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
It’s packed with places that don’t show up in top 10 lists — and might just become your favorite memories.
