Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica, or maybe already there? One question always comes up:
What should I bring home for my loved ones?
To help you out, here’s a list of 10 popular Costa Rican souvenirs, from tasty treats to traditional handicrafts.
As souvenirs, I like to bring two things: The ones, that stay longer and can be used more often, and the ones that you enjoy just once, but they are very delicious. I have made a little list for you, about what I recommend you to take:
1) Costa Rican Coffee
Costa Rican coffee is considered some of the best in the world. It’s grown mainly in cooler mountain regions such as Orosí or Monteverde.
At San José’s Central Market, you can sample and buy freshly ground beans, sealed for freshness.
Tip: Store them in the freezer at home to preserve the aroma longer.
2) Chocolate & Cocoa
Cocoa has been a treasured product in Costa Rica for centuries.
Today, you can find high-quality chocolate from the Caribbean region, often blended with fruits, spices, or coffee.
A perfect gift – sometimes even 2 in 1: chocolate with coffee.
3) Chorreador - Traditional Coffee Maker
A Chorreador is a traditional Costa Rican coffee filter.
It consists of a wooden stand and a cloth filter where ground coffee is poured and hot water flows directly into your cup.
- Authentic
- Practical
- A unique souvenir for home
4) Traditional Handicrafts
Markets offer a wide range of typical Costa Rican handicrafts:
- Colorful embroidered bags
- Hand-painted wooden cups
- Masks and decorations
- Items with the famous phrase "Pura Vida"
Browsing is part of the fun, and every piece is unique.
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5) Platanitos & Yuquitas
A great snack for the flight or later at home:
Platanitos (plantain chips) or Yuquitas (yuca chips) – lightly salted or flavored with BBQ or sour cream.
6) Beach Towels with Costa Rica Motifs
Practical and lightweight: beach towels featuring toucans, sloths, turtles, or monkeys.
They bring a piece of Costa Rica back home with you.
7) Salsa Lizano
The iconic Costa Rican sauce.
It’s used in Gallo Pinto (rice & beans) and meat or yuca dishes.
A small bottle fits perfectly in your luggage.
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8) Wooden Jewelry
Locals craft wooden earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, often featuring parrots, dolphins, or monkeys.
9) Tapa de Dulce
Tapa de Dulce is solidified sugarcane juice – a traditional Costa Rican treat.
Used for drinks like Agua Dulce, it can be enhanced with lime and ginger.
Available as:
- solid blocks
- small pieces
- powder
10) Costa Rica National Team T-Shirt
Costa Ricans love football! During matches, streets are often empty as everyone watches.
A national team T-shirt is easy to find and makes a proud souvenir.
What not to bring (NO-GOs)
- Fresh fruits & vegetables
- Meat & cheese
These items cannot pass customs.
Conclusion: Costa Rican Souvenirs
Costa Rica can be expensive, so plan your souvenir budget carefully.
The most valuable souvenirs are always your experiences and memories.
Bring home a few typical gifts – but most importantly, enjoy your time in this Central American paradise.
