Junior and I set out on foot in San José to do our souvenir shopping during our last day in Costa Rica. The best concentration of Costa Rica themed items can be found in Mercardo Central (Central Market). Mercado Central takes up an entire city block bordered by Avenieda Central to the South, Avenieda 1 to the North, Calle 6 to the East and Calle 8 to the West.

Junior trying out for the Costa Rica Fuerza Publica Policia motorcycle squad and posing with pescado fresco (what's left of them) at Mercado Central in San José, Costa Rica.

As always, we purchased some fresh Costa Rica coffee for our café loving friends. Café Central (506-222-1769) located within Mercardo Central has an excellent selection of coffee that is roasted on site and available either as whole bean or freshly ground. Coffee varieties include: Café Caracolillo/Peaberry, Café Espresso, Café Tres Rios, Café Poas and others.

Roasting, grinding and buying coffee at Café Central in Mercado Centro, San José, Costa Rica

We purchased the Café Caracolillo Peaberry that is grown at altitudes in access of 5,100 feet in Santa Maria de Dota, Costa Rica on recommendation from the Café Central manager who said it is a local favorite due to its unique, almost chocolate aroma and light taste. If you're lucky enough to receive one, we had it packaged in the optional burlap bag displaying a Costa Rica flag and "Café de Costa Rica" wording - which is a nice added touch to the tasty coffee contents.