Costa Rica: What to bring back from Costa Rica? tourism information and advice

Sunny souvenirs of Costa Rica

flickr cc Arturo Sotillo

Discover the typical souvenirs of Costa Rica, from objects made from wood to the famous coffee, and including Latin American music – a symbol of the country's joie de vivre.

Nature is the biggest gift Costa Rica has to offer

The country's main asset is the beauty of its nature. You will therefore find many souvenirs representing or depicting this nature to bring back with you, such as painted parrot feathers, framed butterflies and T-shirts or sarongs. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Ecomuseum of Chorotega Ceramics in San Vicente. You will mainly be able see traditional pottery there, though they also hold temporary exhibitions.

Markets and arts and crafts

When staying in Costa Rica, you will notice that woodworking represents the main activity where arts and crafts are concerned. They use wood to make jewelry, colorful carts, all kinds of things. They also make jewelry from vegetable products such as coconut and seeds. In every village, as in every town and city in Costa Rica, you will find both a weekly market and a covered, daily market. With bowls and vases, animal statuettes and even hand-woven hammocks available, the only problem you'll have is choosing what to buy as you wander round one of these markets. Purchase some Boruca masks painted on balsa wood, some indigenous pottery or a superb Huetar hat for your friends, And if your budget can stretch to it, take a tour round the arts and crafts galleries of San José.

flickr cc The Leaf Project

Culinary delights and lively music: bring a little of the Costa Rican Joie de vivre back with you

When it comes to food and drink, you can of course bring some coffee back with you, but coffee liqueurs and chocolate-coated coffee beans – a delicious treat – are also available. There is a huge range of macadamia nut-based products to choose from too, and you can also buy delicious jams and preserves. There are all kinds of herbs and spices to be found, and these will delight the taste buds of whoever you offer them to.

And to remind you of your evenings of wild dancing in Costa Rica, buy a CD of Latin American music to play as you practice your salsa or merengue! So, ready to depart for Costa Rica?

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