Apothecary
Take home the benefits of the jungle with a selection of botanical supplements, tinctures, teas, oils, potions and other naturally handcrafted products under the direction of Herbalist, Kathryn Colvig.
13 Best Places to Shop in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
We've compiled the best of the best in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Azul Profundo Boutique
The theme of this Tamarindo boutique is “Don’t worry, be hippy,” with a collection of upscale beachwear and jewelry ranging from tie-dyed sundresses and OM pendants to pura vida earrings and wool belts. They also have beach bags, hats, and bikinis. Here you can find nicer clothes for men and women; head next door to Azul Profundo Kids for the little ones.
Bazzar Nosara
From music videos to a jungle boutique, designer Gonca Gul is still styling wardrobes for the fashion-conscious bohemian with ethically sourced, organic clothing and accessories.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Buena Nena
If you've bought too many souvenirs on your trip, stop in this funky boutique to pick up one of their handmade bags—they have a glorious selection of cool patterns and sizes. If you haven't bought enough souvenirs, stop in to pick something out from their selection of well-made dresses, hats, and jewelry.
CoCo Tales
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.
Curada
Beach clothing, swimwear, netted bags, and even toys are available at this unique concept store where everything is made local.
La Gran Nicoya
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.
Local 31
For a truly unique souvenir, have designer Esteban del Monserrat create a custom ring, necklace, or pair of earrings with natural gemstones. The ready-made designs by this well-traveled jewelry maker are stunning, made of chunky, beaten silver reminiscent of sunken Spanish treasure.
Mandala
Yoga fans will swoon over the pretty yoga tops here, made of feather-light Peruvian pima cotton. There are also yoga pants and cool beachwear of the shop's own design. There's a selection of Birkenstock sandals, too. An array of jewelry, coffee, and aromatherapy potions make the shop a pleasant place to be, along with the air-conditioning.
Pranamar
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.
Sámara Organics Market
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.
Tama Market
On Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, the farmers' market in Oneida Park next to Green Papaya is bustling. Stop by for some fresh organic fruits and veggies, homemade kombucha, or baked goods.
Tamarindo Night Market
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.
