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. 777-1002), which is on the road to Manuel Antonio, right near the Karahé hotel. The shop is jam-packed 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.
If you're looking for higher-end gifts, check out L'Aventura Boutique (tel. 777-1019), 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 the new Guacamole (tel. 777-2071) in the small Plaza Yara shopping center.
One of my favorite hangouts has always been Café Milagro (tel. 777-1707; www.cafemilagro.com), a homey coffeehouse and gift shop with two locations in the area. The folks here roast their own beans and also have a mail-order service to keep you in Costa Rican coffee year-round. The menu includes a daily selection of freshly baked sweets, simple sandwiches and breakfast items, and a wide range of coffee drinks. You'll find local art for sale on the walls and a good selection of Cuban cigars and international newspapers, too. The original storefront, just over the bridge on your left as you enter Quepos, is now expanded and there's another branch on the main road to Manuel Antonio right across from the turnoff for Hotel La Mariposa.
