Tamarindo, a stunning coastal town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, has a lot to offer visitors. From beautiful beaches to rich cultural experiences, it’s a destination that has it all. But one practical aspect of any trip is grocery shopping. Fortunately, Tamarindo provides various supermarket options to cater to different needs and preferences. In this blog post, we’ll take a practical look at grocery shopping in Tamarindo Costa Rica, helping you make informed choices during your stay.
Main Grocery Stores in Tamarindo:
Auto Mercado
Auto Mercado is the largest supermarket in Tamarindo. The brand was the first big box supermarket in the country. For our North American friends, think of it as similar to a Kroger or Publix.
It has a wide variety of products, including imported and local foods, as well as household goods and souvenirs making it a convenient choice for grocery shopping in Tamarindo Costa Rica. The store is located just outside of Tamarindo town, on the road to Villareal in the Tamarindo Heights complex. It is open from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week and is open late on Friday and Saturday.
Auto Mercado is a good place to find everything you need for your vacation, from groceries to beach towels. They have a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as a large selection of imported foods. They also have a good selection of household goods and souvenirs.
Auto Mercado is a bit more expensive than some of the smaller supermarkets in Tamarindo, but it is a convenient place to shop and they have a wide selection of products. If you are looking for a one-stop shop for your vacation needs on your way to La Perla, for example, Auto Mercado is a good option.
Auto Mercado is a great place to stock up on groceries and supplies for your vacation. They have a wide selection of products to choose from and they are open seven days a week.
Super Compro
Super Compro is a smaller supermarket located in the center of Tamarindo town, an easy walk to our rental properties at Pueblo del Mar. It has a good selection of groceries, as well as fresh produce and meats,. Super Compro is a good option for those looking for a more convenient location. The store is open from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week meaning it’s a reliable choice for grocery shopping in Tamarindo Costa Rica.
Super Compro is a bit smaller than Auto Mercado, but it has a good selection of the essentials. You can find fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy products, bread, and snacks. They also have a small selection of household goods and souvenirs.
Super Compro is a great place to pick up some groceries for your vacation. They have a good selection of the essentials and they are open late.
Here are some of the pros and cons of Super Compro:
Pros:
- Convenient location
- Good selection of groceries
- Affordable prices
Cons:
- Smaller selection than Auto Mercado
- Not as many imported foods
Overall, Super Compro is a good option for those looking for a convenient and affordable supermarket in Tamarindo.
The Vindi
The Vindi is a small market located in Tamarindo town. It is a good place to find fresh, local produce and other food items.
The Vindi is a great place to support local farmers and get fresh, seasonal produce. They also have a good selection of other food items, such as bread, cheese, and meats.
If you are looking for a unique and authentic shopping experience, The Vindi is a great option. However, it is important to note that the market is only open for a few hours each day, so you may need to plan your visit accordingly.
Pros:
- Fresh, local produce
- Unique and authentic shopping experience
Cons:
- Only open for a few hours each day
- Not as convenient as Auto Mercado
But there are not only these supermarkets in Tamarindo, if you like to support local people, there are the famous “pulperias or smally supermarket” where you will find a variety of merchandise at a better cost.
Pura Vida Supermarket:
Pura Vida Supermarket is the largest supermarket located in downtown Tamarindo. Aside from the typical supermarket items, we also offer a large selection of liquor and wine, and a hardware section with tools, household items, and automotive supplies.
Siempre Fresco SuperMarket:
Always fresh Super market, it is another accessible option if you are entering Tamarindo. Many times we forget to buy something and we are already going to Tamarindo, don’t worry. Always Fresh is an accessible option for you to buy everything from a fruit to a refreshing beer.
Tamaliko Supermarket:
Located at the Tamarindo roundabout is Tamaliko supermarket, your best option for shopping at night.
Its hours are from 10:00 am to 12 midnight.
It is designed for all the people who like to spend some time at night in Tamarindo, an excellent option to wait while your club fills up and have a drink while your friends arrive.
It has a wide hallway with different beverage and snack chambers to suit your taste.
Conclusion:🛒🥐🫐🍎🕶️👙
In Tamarindo, grocery shopping is a part of the experience. Each supermarket offers something unique, from convenience to authenticity. Whether you’re planning a beach picnic, looking for ingredients for your meals, or just grabbing some necessities, Tamarindo’s supermarkets have what you need. So, enjoy the diversity, explore the flavors, and make the most of your time in this beautiful coastal town. Happy shopping and enjoy your stay!
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