12 Best Shopping in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Delicate coconut carvings and sophisticated, one-of-a-kind jewelry made with polished amber, turquoise, and orange spondylus shells are the specialty of Carlos, a skilled local artisan. You'll find him in his workshop, 9 to 7:30 daily, on Sámara's main street into town. Carlos and his wife, Simon, also make lovely papier-mâché globe lamps, along with a range of coconut-oil soaps and lotions.

You can get any souvenir you could possibly want at this lively emporium. There's also a restaurant, a coffee tour, and the occasional folklore show. Last-minute shoppers can stop in on their way to nearby Liberia airport. It's open 8 to 6 daily, except Good Friday.

The owner and designer of this trendy open-air boutique invites you to take a piece of Nosara with you. All the high-quality items they sell are designed in house and consciously crafted in Costa Rica from fair-trade materials. Centering the gallerylike store is a massive tree surrounded by beachwear, hats, bags, jewelry, and more.

At the far-north end of Santa Teresa, the gift shop in this yoga-centered retreat sells exquisite jewelry from Bali, Guatemala, and local Costa Rican artisans. Delicate filigree silver armlets, headbands, and bracelets are made with freshwater pearls, abalone, amethyst, and other semiprecious stones.

More than a market for a wide range of gluten-free, dairy-alternative, vegetarian options, and organic foods, this spacious, pleasant shop sells imported olive oils and other gastronomic treats—rare in these parts. There's also a selection of artisan-made objets d'art. You can sit in one of the lounge chairs here and sip an espresso, a just-pressed exotic fruit drink, or a healthy, organic potion. Vegetable dips and spreads are packaged to go, along with organic brownies, cookies, and cakes.

On Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, the farmers' market in Oneida Park is bustling. Stop by for some fresh organic fruits and veggies, homemade kombucha, or baked goods.

On Thursday evening from 5:30 to 9:30 pm, join in the buzzing crowd to sample food and cocktails from around the world, buy jewelry, and listen to live music.

Follow the smell of incense into this elegant jewelry store, with beautiful handmade pieces from local artists as well as sophisticated resort wear. There are also unusual, high-quality handcrafted gifts, art, and one-of-a-kind curios, locally made and from around the world.