Coco Loco Gallery Spotlights Costa Rica's Indigenous Art

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Back in 2000 while researching my fourth edition of Moon Costa Rica, I chanced upon a true gem of a store that had newly opened in the boondocks of the then still relatively unknown northern lowlands. Located just east of Chachagua hamlet, about seven miles southeast of La Fortuna, Coco Loco Art Gallery & Cafe struck me as one-of-a-kind.

Costa Rica abounds with quality arts and crafts. And with quality craft stores.

But Coco Loco boasts some of the most stunning arts and crafts in the country. It is well worth going out of your way to visit.

One thing I appreciate about the German owners, Alfons Kweton and Ruth Deiseroth-Kweton, is their commitment to fair trade practices. Most of the pieces are made by Costa Rica's indigenous artists. All items on sale are bought directly from the artist at a fair price for their work. They even have a mola gallery of striking appliqué fabrics by Panama's Kuna peoples.

In fact, I was so mesmerized by the quality of the Boruca masks that I bought the most prized piece in the store.

Ruth's own stunning artwork is also on sale. In fact, Ruth has decorated the Santa Fe-style store-café with mosaics and other delightful artistic touches.

You can even stay here in one of the most exquisite cottages in Costa Rica. Although known as Hummingbird Cottage B&B, it has only one room. But what a room! Stunning artwork abounds. And you get access to trails into a 22-acre private forest reserve full of monkeys and toucans.

For further information about travel in Costa Rica, buy Moon Costa Rica

Copyright © Christopher P. Baker