Costa Rica’s vibrant farmers markets (ferias) will give you a genuine slice of local life. These weekly gatherings showcase the country’s fresh produce and cultural traditions. From busy city markets to small beach town setups, each feria has its own character based on its location.
These markets are more than shopping spots – they’re community meeting places. Many people come to socialize and catch up with neighbors. For visitors, markets create a perfect chance to meet Costa Ricans vendors. You can practice Spanish, try regional foods, and enjoy the nearby natural destinations.
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Costa Rican markets stand out because they remain authentic and accessible. While markets in many countries cater mainly to tourists, most Costa Rican ferias still focus on serving local communities. This guide covers standout markets across the country – from beaches to mountain villages. We include practical details to help you add these cultural hotspots to your trip. Food lovers, photographers, and anyone curious about daily Costa Rican life will find these markets worth visiting.
Travel Tip: You don’t need to buy a SIM card when you land in Costa Rica to get data connection. With an eSIM, you’ll be able to configure your data connection before you depart for your vacation. I use the Saily eSIM in Costa Rica.
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Uvita Market: Weekend Beach Town Treasure
The Saturday market in Uvita ranks as one of the Pacific coast’s most busy ferias. It’s only minutes from the famous Whale’s Tail beach in Puntarenas Province. Both locals and travelers visit this market each weekend. Mountains rise in the background while the ocean is just a short walk away.
Uvita’s feria has a relaxed beach town feel unlike bigger city markets. Vendors sell everything from tropical fruits to handcrafted jewelry. The entire market operates under a large covered structure. It runs Saturday mornings from around 7 AM until early afternoon. For best selection, arrive before 10 AM.
Fresh produce is at the back of the market – pineapples, mangoes, papayas, and lesser-known tropical fruits. Local artisans have handmade crafts, natural products, and unique souvenirs. Several food vendors serve traditional Costa Rican snacks and fresh fruit smoothies.
Driving directions from the airport in San José, to Uvita. It’s a long drive but well paved.
How to Get to Uvita
The drive from San José to Uvita is about 220 kilometers (136 miles) and takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic. The route follows well maintained highways for the journey, and fairly straight forward. Most rental cars, including standard sedans, handle this trip easily during dry season (December-April). During rainy season (May-November), occasional heavy downpours might slow your progress.
For the most scenic experience, plan for a daytime drive to enjoy mountain and ocean views along the way. Several small towns between San José and Uvita have convenience stops with restaurants, gas stations, and restrooms. Most travelers make at least one brief stop, typically in Jacó or Quepos, to break up the journey.
What to Expect
Farmers will have colorful tables full of fresh produce at prices much lower than supermarkets. A pineapple costs around 500-1000 colones ($1-2) – about half what tourist area stores charge.
Many vendors speak some English, especially those catering to tourists. Basic Spanish phrases help with price discussions. Bring colones for better rates, though most vendors accept US dollars. Some vendors also accept Bitcoin as well.
Craft seekers will enjoy seeing handmade jewelry, wooden carvings, and natural skin care products. These items typically cost between 5,000-15,000 colones ($10-30) – much less than resort gift shops charge.
Alajuela Market: Capital Region’s Convenient Feria
The Saturday farmers market in Alajuela gives travelers a perfect taste of Costa Rican ferias close to the capital region. It’s just 20 minutes from San José International Airport (SJO), this market draws locals shopping for the week ahead. Its location near the airport makes it perfect for visitors on their first or last day in Costa Rica.
The market covers several blocks near town center. Vendors set up under a large covered structure that shields the sun and rain. Morning hours fill with activity as families look for weekly groceries. While some markets cater to tourists, Alajuela’s keeps its local character.
This market stands out for its diverse display of Costa Rica’s agriculture. The higher Central Valley climate grows different crops than coastal areas. You’ll find mountain grown coffee, strawberries, and vegetables alongside tropical fruits from lower elevations.
Alajuela is a short drive from the international airport. It could be your first market when you land for vacation.
How to Get to Alajuela
The drive from San José to Alajuela is only 20 kilometers (12 miles) and takes about 20 – 30 minutes depending on traffic. From the SJO International Airport, the trip is under 10 minutes by car. The route follows good city and suburban roads accessible by any vehicle.
Public buses connect San José to Alajuela throughout the day. Many visitors prefer taking a taxi or rideshare from their hotel, especially when buying items they’ll need to carry back. The market is within walking distance of Alajuela’s main plaza and cathedral if you’re staying nearby.
What to Expect
Alajuela’s market has fresh produce at prices much lower than supermarkets. Vendors have displays of fruits and vegetables priced by the kilo. Typical prices include:
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- Pineapples: 800-1,000 colones each ($1.60-2.00)
- Coffee: 2,000-4,000 colones per bag ($4-8) depending on quality
- Strawberries: 1,500 colones per basket ($3)
- Tomatoes: 600 colones/kilo ($1.20/kg)
- Avocados: 1,000 colones each ($2)
- Mangoes: 200-500 colones each (40¢-$1) depending on variety
The market feels lively but not crowded. Many vendors know basic English, especially those who often talk with tourists. Bring colones for better prices, most vendors take US dollars at less favorable rates. Most sales are cash only.
Beyond produce, you’ll find areas for meats, cheeses, baked goods, and prepared foods. Try traditional Costa Rican breakfast items like chorreadas (corn pancakes) or empanadas from food stalls. Coffee lovers should look for local growers selling fresh beans from nearby mountain farms.
The Alajuela market works perfectly for travelers wanting to stock vacation rentals with fresh fruit and local coffee. It’s also great for last minute gifts before flying home. The best selection appears between 7-9 AM, though the market stays active until early afternoon.
Bring a cooler backpack during your shopping trip to a local market in Costa Rica. Keep your fruits and veggies cool while you explore.
Cartago Market: Historic City’s Traditional Feria
The farmers market in Cartago combines tradition and practicality in one of Costa Rica’s oldest colonial cities. About 25 kilometers (15 miles) east of San José, Cartago was the country’s first capital and remains an important cultural center. The market is close to the historic downtown and draws residents from across the eastern Central Valley.
Unlike tourist focused markets, Cartago’s feria keeps a distinctly local atmosphere. The market uses a dedicated building with both indoor and outdoor sections, making shopping comfortable in any weather. Vendors display their products neatly with clear pricing, helpful even for visitors who speak limited Spanish.
This market’s special charm comes from its ties to Cartago’s farming heritage. The nearby farmland produces some of Costa Rica’s best potatoes, onions, and cool weather vegetables. You’ll also see tropical fruits from lower elevations, showing off the country’s diverse growing regions.
It’s a short distance from SJO to Cartago, which usually takes an hour of driving. But traffic can impact the drive, especially around 4pm.
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How to Get to Cartago
The drive from San José to Cartago spans about 25 kilometers (15 miles) and takes 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows Highway 2, a good road that passes through eastern San José suburbs before crossing mountain areas with valley views. All cars handle this drive easily.
Public buses run often between San José and Cartago for those without a car. The bus terminal in Cartago is located just a short walk from the market. Plan to arrive early in the morning when the market is busiest and before midday traffic builds for your return trip.
What to Expect
Cartago’s market has a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables at a great price. Fresh tomatoes cost about 500 colones per kilo ($1/kg), while large onions sell for 700-800 colones per kilo ($1.40-1.60/kg). The market excels in root vegetables like potatoes grown in the volcanic soil of nearby mountains.
Beyond produce, the market has sections for fresh meats, dairy products, and prepared foods. Small food stalls serve traditional Costa Rican breakfast and coffee. Don’t miss the cheese section with fresh handmade varieties.
After the market, visit Cartago’s impressive Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles just a short walk away. This important religious site plus the market makes Cartago an excellent day trip from San José. The market is busiest Saturday mornings, though some sections open throughout the week with shorter hours.
Playas del Coco Market: Closest Market to Papagayo Peninsula Resorts
The Sunday market in Playas del Coco will give you relaxed shopping just minutes from Guanacaste’s popular resort areas. This small market is the closest regular feria to luxury resorts on Papagayo Peninsula, including Four Seasons, Andaz, and Planet Hollywood. Those staying at El Mangroove or Bahia Papagayo in Playa Panama can reach it with a 15 minute drive, perfect for a morning trip.
Unlike big Central Valley markets, Coco’s market stays small with several dozen vendors instead of hundreds. The setting matches its beach town location with a casual vibe. The market runs Sunday mornings until early afternoon, giving you a nice activity before or after beach time.
This market stands out by mixing local produce with tourist friendly crafts. The market is located in the hotel called La Puerta del Sol, which has a restaurant called Garden Bar. The restaurant is open during the market so you can grab lunch or a drink while you browse.
Driving route from the airport in Liberia to Playas del Coco. Easy trip in your rental car or airport transfer.
How to Get to Playas del Coco
The drive from Liberia International Airport to Playas del Coco is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) and takes 30 – 40 minutes. The route has good paved roads the entire way. From the Papagayo Peninsula resorts, the drive takes 30 – 45 minutes depending on where you start.
If you’re staying in Playas del Coco, the market is between the area of Las Palmas and the downtown strip. Some parking is available across the street from the hotel, or on street. You’ll find the entrance easily as there’ll be many cars lined up on the sides with people walking about.
The market in Coco is compact and a great place to spend the morning. It’s only a short walk to the beach.
What to Expect
The Coco market sells fresh produce, prepared foods, handcrafted items, and some clothing. Though smaller than inland markets, it has a good variety at lower prices than resort shops or supermarkets. Fresh pineapples cost about 1,000-1,500 colones ($2-3) each, while avocados and mangoes run 500-1,000 colones ($1-2) based on size.
The market attracts local residents, expats, and tourists. Many vendors know some English, especially those selling crafts or food. It’s best to purchase with colones, but you can use USD with a small exchange fee.
Food stalls sell breakfast items, fresh smoothies, and local snacks. Some vendors have specialty products like homemade kombucha, honey, and artisanal cheeses not found in regular stores.
Try to arrive early, around 8-9 AM, when selection is best and temperatures cooler. After shopping, you can walk to nearby cafés along Coco’s main street for breakfast or lunch. Most people will spend about 30 minutes to an hour here.
Pérez Zeledón Market: Central Valley’s Large-Scale Feria
The Wednesday farmers market in Pérez Zeledón is my favorite farmers market in all of Costa Rica. It fills the main town of Santa Isidro del General, stretching across multiple city blocks. Farmers come from all the surrounding mountains, bringing a diverse selection rarely found at smaller markets.
The layout follows a simple grid with wide aisles for easy navigation. Vendors cluster by product type – produce in one area, meats in another, with crafts and food stalls mixed throughout. The clean, organized space has covered areas to protect shoppers from sun and rain.
The drive from SJO to Pérez Zeledón will take you across the mountains which divide San Jose from the southern area.
How to Get to Pérez Zeledón
The drive from San José to Pérez Zeledón covers about 135 kilometers (84 miles) and takes 3 hours. The route goes through the incredible Cerro de la Muerte mountain pass. You’ll reach heights of over 3,000 meters before dropping into the Valley of El General.
The road is well paved, but fog often covers the mountain pass, making midday driving safer. The route has several viewpoints with amazing photo spots overlooking the valley and mountains.
What to Expect
This market has an impressive range of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. Farmers arrange neat piles of fruits and vegetables, often picked just hours earlier. Lookout for the exotic fruit vendor who usually has some very unique stuff. A typical price list includes:
- Tomatoes: 500 colones/kilo ($1/kg)
- Onions: 700 colones/kilo ($1.40/kg)
- Potatoes: 700 colones/kilo ($1.40/kg)
- Pineapples: 1,500 colones each ($3 each)
- Bananas: 300 colones/bunch (60¢/bunch)
- Eggs: 30 for 6,000 colones (30 for $12)
- Local cheese: 2,500-4,000 colones/ball ($5-8/ball)
- Coffee beans: 2,000-3,000 colones/bag ($4-6/bag)
This part of Costa Rica is less touched by tourism than the coasts, so not all the vendors will speak English. Knowing some basic Spanish will help with inquiring the costs of items. There is a small soda (local restaurant) inside the market which has some basic plates of hot food. If you’d like to find some gallo pinto or casado, there are many larger sodas just a short walk in town.
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When are farmers markets typically open in Costa Rica?
Most Costa Rican farmers markets (ferias) operate on weekends, typically starting Friday afternoons or early Saturday mornings and closing by early afternoon. The largest markets run on Saturdays from around 6-7 AM until 1-2 PM. Some larger towns have markets on multiple days, with Wednesday also being common. Each town has its own schedule, so check locally for specific hours. Markets start early, with the best selection available before 9 AM.
Are Costa Rican farmers markets cheaper than supermarkets?
Yes, farmers markets in Costa Rica typically offer prices 30-50% lower than supermarkets for fresh produce. A recent study by the National Production Council found some items cost up to 145% less at farmers markets. For example, tomatoes might cost 500 colones/kilo ($1/kg) at a market versus 2,000+ colones at supermarkets. The savings are especially significant on locally grown items like fruits, vegetables, and coffee. Tourist-area markets tend to have slightly higher prices than those in local communities.
Do vendors at Costa Rican markets accept US dollars?
Some vendors at Costa Rican markets accept US dollars, especially in tourist areas, but at less favorable exchange rates. For the best prices, bring colones (Costa Rican currency). Most vendors don’t accept credit cards, so cash is essential. ATMs near markets often offer better exchange rates than changing money at the market. Small bills (1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 colones) are most useful for market shopping.
What should I bring to a farmers market in Costa Rica?
Bring a reusable shopping bag or backpack, cash in colones (small bills), a water bottle, and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Basic Spanish phrases for numbers and food items help with transactions. Many shoppers bring small calculators or use phone calculators to confirm prices. Consider bringing a cooler bag if you plan to buy perishables and won’t return to your accommodation immediately. Most vendors provide plastic bags, but bringing your own is more environmentally friendly.
Can I bargain at Costa Rican farmers markets?
Unlike some countries, bargaining isn’t common practice at Costa Rican farmers markets, especially for produce. Prices are generally fair and already lower than stores. Some gentle negotiation might be possible when buying multiple items or with craft vendors, but aggressive bargaining is considered impolite. Paying cash sometimes results in small discounts of 5-10% at craft or prepared food stalls.
What are the best items to buy at Costa Rican markets?
The best purchases include tropical fruits (like mangoes, pineapples, and less common varieties like rambutan/mamón chino), local coffee directly from growers, fresh cheese (especially the string cheese called palmito), and handcrafted items from artisans. Costa Rican markets excel at seasonal produce, offering varieties not commonly found in North American or European markets. Fresh herbs, honey products, and homemade sauces also make excellent purchases. For visitors staying in accommodations with kitchens, the markets provide affordable, high-quality ingredients for cooking.
Are farmers markets in Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Yes, Costa Rican farmers markets are generally very safe for tourists. Most markets have security personnel and well-organized layouts. As with any crowded place, keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. Larger markets in cities like San José can get crowded, so a securable sling/cross-body bag is preferable to a backpack. Food safety standards are good, though it’s advisable to wash all produce before consuming. Many markets have bathroom facilities with hand washing stations (sometimes a fee of 300-500 colones).
How early should I arrive at a Costa Rican farmers market?
For the best experience, arrive between 7-9 AM. Early morning offers the freshest selection, coolest temperatures, and less crowded conditions. Farmers begin setting up before dawn, and many of the best products sell out by mid-morning. By noon, some vendors start packing up, and selection becomes limited. Tourist-area markets may start and end slightly later. Weekend markets are typically busiest between 9-11 AM when most locals do their shopping.
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