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You’ve enjoyed a fabulous vacation in Costa Rica but what should you bring back your loved ones and co-workers? After all, you’ve got to rub their faces in it show how much you missed them during your vacation! Here are your best bets for the best Costa Rica souvenirs:
10 Best Costa Rica Souvenirs
1. Coffee
As an admitted coffeeholic, I was excited to try Costa Rican coffee. Due to the mountainous areas of the country, some of the world’s best coffee grows here. Rich, bold coffee, that is not bitter, and absolutely tasty. The volcanic ash gives extra flavor to the beans. The climate is ideal for year-round coffee growth.
Take advantage of a coffee farm tour while visiting for a souvenir so that you can explain the background. Or save yourself some money and buy directly from the supermarket — 1820 and Cafe Rey are popular brands.
2. Chorreador de Cafe
A great complement to a coffee gift is to buy a chorreador de cafe. Used over hundreds of years, this wooden contraption with a cloth filter that looks like a sock is the original drip coffee machine. This gift is for the true coffee lover. The chorreador de cafe combines two Costa Rican traditional items — wood items and coffee. Buy an extra filter while you’re there (though you can always order a colador de cafe through Amazon later). This is the best Costa Rica souvenir for the coffee lover in your circle.
3. Chocolate
The same fertile ground that leads to great coffee also leads to some of the best cacao in the world. Transformed into delicious chocolate, this is an easy gift for almost everyone in your life, no matter their age. Chocolate bars don’t take up a lot of room in a suitcase. Or buy chocolate-covered coffee beans for the chocolate and coffee lover in your life (me, I mean me!).
If you have a chance, tour one of the chocolate production facilities so that you can bring home an extra special memento.
4. Salsa Lizano
Developed in 1920 by the Lizano company, Salsa Lizano is the Costa Rican “put it on everything” sauce. The light-brown sauce is both sweet and spicy (not hot) at the same time. Cumin, mustard, and turmeric are added to a vegetable base. Ticos put it on everything from eggs, rice and beans, and anything else. It has become so popular that you can purchase it at the airport on your way home. In a pinch, it can be found on Amazon, though you’ll enjoy this reminder of your trip.
5. Cacique
Unlike the Venezuelan Cacique (a local rum), the Costa Rican Cacique (formally Cacique Guaro) is a local liquor distilled from sugar cane. Having no strong flavor (kind of like vodka), Cacique serves as a mix in alcoholic beverages. The Guaro Sour, made with Cacique, club soda, fresh lime, and sugar is a popular drink. Guaro is frequently served as a shot, preferably chilled. A Chile Guaro shot has tomato juice, hot sauce, guaro, and Lizano. Or make a sweet shot, combining half Cacique and half coconut milk — called a Miguelito.
6. Hammocks
Nothing embodies the Pura Vida lifestyle like a hammock. Traditionally made by hand from cotton, Costa Rican hammocks are lightweight, soft, and breathable. For less than $50, buy yourself one to create your own magical spot on the beach to read a book or nap.
Many Costa Rican hotels and homes have a hammock on their balconies or patios. If you have a small area, consider a hammock chair. You can bring back some of that relaxing feeling with a hammock, either for yourself or a loved one.
7. Wood Souvenirs
Painted or unpainted, Costa Rican wooden souvenirs should be on your souvenir list. Whether you choose a smaller item like a Christmas tree ornament or larger items like an ox-cart wheel, they’ll be uniquely Costa Rican.
8. Bamboo (and Beach) Clothing
Bamboo clothing provides a natural SPF, is lightweight, and durable, everything you need in Costa Rica. Bambamboo and other stores sell locally made bamboo and hemp clothing. Of course, any other beachwear is also popular (though not as size-inclusive as we’ve come to expect in the US).
9. Indigenous Art
Home to eight indigenous groups, you’re sure to find a piece of indigenous art that helps support both the local community and bring a taste of Costa Rica home with you. Whether painted on wooden or ceramic surfaces, this art highlights the biodiversity of this beautiful country.
10. Pura Vida anything!
We all have those members of our family that collect something – souvenir spoons, thimbles, magnets, t-shirts, etc. Nothing is more Costa Rican than something that says Pura Vida on it. Whether that is a magnet for the fridge, a beach towel, a coozie, just about anything can be found with Pura Vida. These are great reminders to enjoy life more!
I also like to send a postcard to my sons, mom, and office while traveling. While some may consider this a flex, it’s a way for me to let them know that I’m thinking of all of them even while I’m far away.
If you forgot to buy souvenirs while traveling, don’t fret! Both the Liberia and San Jose airports have extensive options for souvenir shopping, in addition to Duty-Free opportunities. Just keep in mind that if you purchase a liquid (including Salsa Lizano) and you have a connecting flight in the US, TSA will either make you dispose of it or require you to check your luggage due to the 3-1-1 rule.
Enjoy your time in Costa Rica and bring back a memento of the Pura Vida life for your friends and family (or yourself, no one is judging you!).
What are your favorite types of Costa Rica souvenirs? Share with us in the comments!
Check out these other Costa Rica posts:
- 15 Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica
- 10 Best Free Apps to Use in Costa Rica
- Complete Costa Rica Packing List
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.