San Jose Shopping

San José’s sheer size and tourist following make buying anything from basic necessities to souvenirs easier—and sometimes cheaper—than in other Costa Rican towns. You’ll find the best selection of Costa Rican art, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, hammocks, and other souvenirs in a strip of vendors on Av. Central/2, C. 13/15 near the Plaza de la Democracia. (Most vendors open M-Sa 8am-6pm, some open Su.) Another option is La Casona, C. Central, Av. Central/1, which offers a collection of many souvenir stores under one roof. (Most stores open daily M-Sa 9:30am-6:30pm, some open Su.) Serious art collectors should check out San José’s wonderful art galleries, many along Av. 1 between C. 5 and 13. Las Arcadas, with an entrance on C. 3 between Av. Central/2, and on Av. 2 between C. 3/5, houses clothing stores, beauty salons, an ICT office, and Internet/laundry facilities in a two-story plaza. For a standard Western selection of clothing and sportswear (not to mention food courts), take a San Pedro-bound bus to Mall San Pedro or Outlet Mall. (Both open daily 10am-8pm.)

Galería Namu, Av. 7, C. 5/7 (☎2256 3412; www.galerianamu.com). For authentic crafts, visit the only fair-trade gallery in Costa Rica. Namu purchases works from all 8 native tribes and from folk artists. Check out the carved wood masks (from US$120), colorful tiles (US$20), and paintings (US$140). Each piece comes with a page on its origins. Ships internationally. Open M-Sa 9am-6:30pm, Su 1:15-4:30pm. MC/V.

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