4 Best Shopping in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Delicate coconut carvings and sophisticated, one-of-a-kind jewelry made with polished amber, turquoise, and orange spondylus shells are the specialty of Carlos, a skilled local artisan. You'll find him in his workshop, 9 to 7:30 daily, on Sámara's main street into town. Carlos and his wife, Simon, also make lovely papier-mâché globe lamps, along with a range of coconut-oil soaps and lotions.

At the far-north end of Santa Teresa, the gift shop in this yoga-centered retreat sells exquisite jewelry from Bali, Guatemala, and local Costa Rican artisans. Delicate filigree silver armlets, headbands, and bracelets are made with freshwater pearls, abalone, amethyst, and other semiprecious stones.

Follow the smell of incense into this elegant jewelry store, with beautiful handmade pieces from local artists as well as sophisticated resort wear. There are also unusual, high-quality handcrafted gifts, art, and one-of-a-kind curios, locally made and from around the world.