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There’s something about Costa Rica that stays with you long after the flight home—the warm ocean air, the rhythm of the jungle, the way even your morning coffee tasted better. That’s probably why everyone, whether they’ve come for beaches, volcanoes, or sloths, ends up looking for that one thing to take back home. A reminder of pura vida.
Now, if you’re putting together your 10-day Costa Rica itinerary, you’re likely already thinking ahead—what’s worth buying, what’s just airport fluff, and where should you actually shop? The good news is: Costa Rica is full of thoughtful, flavorful, and even wearable souvenirs that go beyond the usual magnet-and-shot-glass combo.
Costa Rica Souvenirs – Why Coffee Still Wins (And Always Will)
Let’s be honest—if there’s one thing you should make room for in your suitcase, it’s Costa Rican coffee. Not the mass-produced stuff in tourist shops, but the good beans you’ll find in local markets or tiny roadside cafés, often roasted just days before you buy them. Even if you’re not a full-on coffee snob, you’ll taste the difference. And if you are a snob? This is your playground.
Coffee makes a great gift too—light, packable, and always appreciated. Especially if you pair it with a handmade mug or a story about the tiny mountain farm where you bought it after getting slightly lost on day seven of your road trip.
The Joy of Finding Something Real
There’s a certain thrill in finding something that feels unique—something with a story, not a barcode. That’s where Costa Rica really delivers. From small Indigenous cooperatives selling carved Boruca masks, to a hammock made by hand in a family-run shop in Sarchí, you’ll come across items that feel like pieces of the culture rather than just souvenirs.
One afternoon in Uvita, I wandered into a feria (a local market) just to grab fruit, and left with a handwoven bracelet, a bottle of raw honey, and a bag of cacao nibs. None of it was planned, and that made it even better.
Traveling with Kids? Souvenir Shopping Can Be an Adventure Too
If you’re traveling with kids, souvenir hunting doesn’t have to be a rushed, last-minute errand. In fact, it can be part of the fun. Farmers’ markets and craft fairs are often full of music, snacks, and things little ones can actually touch—colorful wooden toys, painted rocks, even hand-carved animal figures.
Letting your kids pick out their own souvenir gives them a sense of ownership in the trip. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid the airport gift shop meltdown.
Costa Rica Souvenirs: Bringing Home Flavors and Memories
Not all Costa Rican souvenirs have to sit on a shelf. Some of the most memorable things you’ll take home from Costa Rica are edible (or drinkable). Salsa Lizano, local chocolate, fruity hot sauces, raw cacao, or that jar of Costa Rican honey you swore you’d save for “a special breakfast” and then finish in two days. These are the kinds of things that bring a little pura vida to your pantry long after the trip is over.
And yes—some of them make excellent excuses to invite friends over and say, “You’ve got to try this, I brought it back from Costa Rica.”
Want to Discover the Secret Spots Most Tourists Miss?
If you love the idea of finding souvenirs with a story, you’ll probably love exploring places most guidebooks overlook. That’s exactly why we created our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
It’s full of lesser-known beaches, villages, and experiences that give you a deeper look into the real Costa Rica—perfect if you’re planning your own 10-day Costa Rica itinerary and want to go beyond the obvious. Download it now and get inspired to explore like a local.
Costa Rica Souvenirs – Buy What Makes You Smile
The best souvenirs are the ones that bring back a feeling. Maybe it’s a carved toucan that sat on the table at your favorite jungle lodge, or a bracelet made by someone you actually met. Maybe it’s just a bag of Costa Rican coffee you grabbed on your way to the airport—and every time you brew it, you’re back under the palm trees, just for a moment.
So skip the mass-produced mugs. Go for something real. Something that reminds you not just where you were—but how you felt there.
