One of the best ways to experience Costa Rica is through its markets. In Guanacaste, local markets are more than just shopping spots. They are gathering places filled with color, flavor, and stories. From handmade crafts to farm-fresh produce, each market stall reflects the creativity and culture of the people who live here.
If you are traveling through Brasilito, Playa Flamingo, or nearby towns, make time to explore. Here’s what to look for and bring home from Guanacaste’s artisan markets.
Fresh Tropical Produce
Costa Rica is blessed with an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables. At the markets, you will find everything from sweet mangoes and juicy pineapples to exotic fruits like rambutan, starfruit, and guanábana.
Take some with you for a beach picnic, or try a smoothie made right at the stall. Buying produce here supports local farmers and gives you the freshest taste of the land.
Handwoven Goods
Artisans in Guanacaste create beautiful handwoven baskets, hats, and mats using natural fibers. These pieces are both functional and decorative, making them easy to pack as souvenirs. They also represent a tradition of craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
Pottery from Guaitil
The village of Guaitil, near Santa Cruz, is famous for Chorotega pottery. These clay pieces are hand-shaped and decorated with designs inspired by pre-Columbian traditions. Each piece is unique and reflects the deep Indigenous roots of Guanacaste. A bowl, vase, or mug from Guaitil is not just a souvenir but a piece of history.
Jewelry and Handmade Accessories
Markets often feature jewelry made from seeds, shells, volcanic stone, or reclaimed metals. These items carry the textures and colors of Costa Rica’s landscapes. Look for necklaces and bracelets that tell the story of the ocean and the forest through natural materials.
Local Coffee and Chocolate
Costa Rica is known for its coffee, and Guanacaste has plenty of small producers offering high-quality beans. For something different, add chocolate to your shopping list. At Blue Valley Chocolate, you can buy award-winning bars, cacao nibs, and drinking cacao crafted just a short drive from Brasilito. They make perfect gifts that taste like Costa Rica.
Natural Beauty Products
Many markets feature soaps, lotions, and scrubs made with tropical ingredients such as coconut oil, cacao butter, and aloe vera. These natural products are gentle on the skin and carry the scents of the rainforest. They also make easy-to-carry gifts.
Street Food and Snacks
Don’t just shop, taste. Markets are some of the best places to try Costa Rican favorites like tamales, chorreadas (corn pancakes), or fresh empanadas. Sharing a snack at a crowded stall gives you an authentic glimpse into everyday life.
Tips for Visiting Markets in Guanacaste
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Bring cash in small bills, as many vendors do not accept cards.
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Go early in the morning for the freshest produce.
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Take your time to chat with artisans about their craft.
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Bring a reusable bag to cut down on plastic use.
Local markets in Guanacaste are windows into the region’s culture. Each purchase supports a family, a tradition, or a piece of the land itself. From pottery and jewelry to fruit and chocolate, the treasures you bring home carry more than beauty. They carry a story.
At Blue Valley Chocolate, we are proud to be part of this network of local makers. Whether you visit our shop or a village market, you will find that Guanacaste’s greatest souvenirs are the ones that keep you connected to its people and its spirit.