If you're looking for souvenirs, you'll find plenty of beach towels, beachwear, and handmade jewelry in a variety of small shops in Quepos and at impromptu stalls down near the national park. For a good selection, try La Buena Nota (tel. 2777-1002), which is on the road to Manuel Antonio, right near the Karahé hotel. The shop is jampacked with all sorts of beachwear, souvenirs, used books, and U.S. magazines and newspapers. It also has a few basic rooms located above the store; if you'd like to find out about renting a house, ask here.
For higher-end gifts, check out L'Aventura Boutique (tel. 2777-1019), on Avenida Central in Quepos. This small shop has a nice collection of woodwork by Barry Biesanz, banana-fabric works by Lil Mena, and pottery by Cecilia "Pefi" Figueres. The Hotel Sí Como No's Regálame (www.regalameart.com) gift shop is also pretty well stocked. Finally, one of my favorite shops from Jacó has opened a branch in Manuel Antonio. Look for handmade batik and tie-dye clothing at Guacamole (tel. 2777-2071) in the small Plaza Yara shopping center.
