... Costa Rica Shopping Malls ...
by infocostarica.com staff

Looking for a respite from the beaches, volcanoes and myriad jungle tours? Need to pickup some last minute item? Or maybe you’re looking for a spot to simply relax and spend time people-watching. Over the last decade or so, sprawling shopping centers and multi-level malls have sprung up across Costa Rica’s central valley offering shopping, entertainment and food all under one comfortable roof.
San José boasts a wide variety of stylish shopping centers and malls ideal for enjoying a luscious café latte, browsing among local arts and crafts, or purchasing the latest top selling novel.

East

Terra Mall

Touted as the largest mall in Central America, the Terra Mall is one of the newest malls on the Costa Rican shopping scene. Located off the highway to Cartago, the mall offers 125 shops including Guess, Kenneth Cole, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Payless and the mega department store Alyss. Fifteen movie theaters and a VIP viewing lounge offer the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Parking is available for 1500 vehicles and a large food court includes a variety of local and international fast-food chains such as Spoon, Rostipollos, Oliva Verde, Inka Grill, Quiznos, Subway, McDonalds, Hooligans and Pops ice cream. The mall is open everyday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Mall San Pedro

The first true mall in Costa Rica, this three level behemoth lies next to the San Pedro traffic circle and includes numerous specialty shops, boutiques, a two level food court, a ten-screen movie theater and a disco on the top floor. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Multiplaza del Este

Younger sibling to her sister in the west, this medium size mall offers upscale shops and boutiques, a food court, movie theaters and supermarket. Located on the road from Zapote to Curridabat. Open everyday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Outlet Mall

A three-level mall just up from the Mall San Pedro. Includes shops, small food court and movie theaters.

Plaza del Sol

Located in an exclusive section of Curridabat, this single level shopping center includes a small food court, 52 shops and a large supermarket.

West

Multiplaza Oeste

Located off the highway to Santa Ana, this upscale two level mall boasts 246 shops, a supermarket, movie theaters and a large food court. Department stores and shops include: Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Kenneth Cole and Cemaco. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Plaza Mayor

This two-module shopping center offers two move theaters, a large supermarket, small food court and a number of small shops. Located on the Romhoser Boulevard about a 20-minute walk from the U.S. Embassy. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Plaza Romhoser

This recently completed shopping center offers a wide variety of shops, food court, and supermarket. Located on the Pavas road about a half-mile west of the U.S. embassy.

Plaza Itskazú

A colonial-style strip mall with a hotel, a number of fine restaurants and upscale shops. Located across from The Multiplaza mall on the road to Santa Ana.

Plaza Colonial

Located on the old road to Santa Ana, this small shopping center includes fashionable boutiques, shops and two movie theaters.

South

Centro Comercial del Sur

One of the oldest shopping centers in the country, the Centro Comercial del Sur includes two levels of shops, supermarket and a several fine restaurants. Located near the Desamparados traffic circle.

Near Airport

Plaza Real Cariari

Located on the highway to the airport about 20 minutes from downtown San José. Includes three levels with movie theaters and large food court. Department stores include Alyss, Blooms and Brand Fashion. Open everyday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Mall International Alajuela

Located near the airport in Alajuela, this somewhat run down two-level mall includes a small food court, shops and a movie theater.

Other

Paséo de las Flores Mall

Located on the road to Heredia, the Paséo de las Flores Mall is the most recently built of Costa Rica’s malls. This two level mall includes shops such as Aeropostale, Nautica, Brusini, Levi’s and Dockers. Fast food restaurants include Taco Bell, Burger King, Quiznos, Hamburger Factory, Pizza Hut and KFC. Open from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Hipermás

This Wal-Mart type mega-supermarket has expanded to include everything from clothing and accessories to electrical appliances and gourmet foods. Three locations: San Sebastian, Heredia and on the road to Cartago.

PriceSmart

Modeled after Cosco in the U.S., offers wholesale groceries and home products for card-carrying members. Three locations: Zapote, Heredia, Escazú.