Farmer's Market — Local services in San Isidro de El General

Review of Feria Del Agricultor, Grecia, Alajuela, Costa RicaVisiting the Feria Del Agricultor in Grecia, Alajuela, is like stepping into the vibrant heart of Costa Rican culture. Held every Friday from 8 a.m. to around 8 p.m. and Saturday until noon, this sprawling market opposite Rojas y Monge LTDA is a sensory delight. The sheer variety of fresh produce is jaw-dropping—think ripe pineapples, creamy papayas, exotic chayotes, and jocotes you won’t find in any supermarket. Everything is farm-fresh, often organic, and sold at prices that make you want to fill your bags (pineapples for $1.50, bananas at $0.05 each!). Beyond fruits and vegetables, vendors offer fresh fish, meats, cheeses, and baked goods like Costa Rica’s best bagels, though you’d better arrive early Friday to snag them.The market’s lively atmosphere is infectious, with the music of the people filling the air and friendly farmers eager to share samples or explain how to prepare unfamiliar produce. Small sodas (open-air cafes) serve affordable casados, perfect for a quick, authentic meal. Stalls also feature crafts, flowers, and locally roasted coffee—Gabriel’s is a must-try. While some note vendor redundancy, the quality and community vibe make it a must-visit. Bring cash, reusable bags, and an appetite...

This is the most amazing market! Most prices are posted, so no fear of special "gringo prices". However, some of the "crafted goods" are the same as you'll find at the beach and in local shops, so they're not actually produced locally. The fruit & veggies are the best you'll ever find, though! Also, locally made juices and baked goods. The market is patrolled occasionally by the local police on bikes, and they're friendly, but keep a close eye on any of the "sketchy" folks (panhandlers, etc). Almost all business...

It has been almost a year since we visited the Feria, and I'm happy to see that it seems to have recovered from it's forced COVID-19 shutdown rather nicely.

They were perhaps a little lighter on the range of selection of produce available. But lots of vendors have most things, and certainly all the basics, covered nicely. And happily the quality and prices remain as good as I remembered. Bring your own bags, good nature, be willing to barter a bit on price, and you'll have a good...