Important note before you read
All prices on this page are reference ranges verified from active CNP (Consejo Nacional de Producción) weekly bulletins, Monumental.co.cr (April 17, 2026), and live price data from Walmart.co.cr and Masxmenos.cr (April 22, 2026). Feria prices fluctuate throughout the day - vendors typically start high and lower prices toward closing time. Prices at individual stalls may vary. Always confirm directly with the vendor.
Pro tip: Arrive 30–60 minutes before closing for the best deals. Arrive at opening for the best selection. Both strategies work - it depends on what matters more to you.
The Ferias del Agricultor are the heartbeat of food shopping in Costa Rica. Every week, across the Greater Metropolitan Area, thousands of families and expats fill their bags with fresh, locally grown produce - often at prices 40 to 60% below what you'd pay at a supermarket. But navigating a feria takes a little know-how: prices aren't fixed, they shift from the moment the market opens until the last vendor packs up.
In this guide we break down the opening and closing prices for the main products at the six key GAM ferias, flag which products have gone up compared to recent weeks (CNP data, April 17, 2026), cover the Feria Verde organic market in Aranjuez, and complete the picture with real dairy, egg and meat prices across the major supermarket chains and butcher shops in the metropolitan area.
1. GAM Ferias del Agricultor - Schedule & Locations
Six main ferias serving the Greater Metropolitan Area. Each has a different character, clientele and price level.
| Location | Main Day(s) | Hours | Best time to arrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| San José - Zapote | Sunday | 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | 5–7 a.m. (selection) or 1–2 p.m. (deals) |
| San José - Plaza Víquez | Saturday | 5:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | 5–7 a.m. (selection) or 12–1 p.m. (deals) |
| Pavas | Saturday | 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 5–7 a.m. (selection) or 11:30 a.m. (deals) |
| Heredia - La Perla | Saturday | 5:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | 5–7 a.m. (selection) or 2–3 p.m. (deals) |
| Alajuela - Plaza Ferias | Friday / Saturday | Fri: 1:00 p.m. – Sat: 2:00 p.m. | Sat 6–8 a.m. (selection) or Sat noon (deals) |
| Desamparados - Villa Olímpica | Sunday | 5:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | 5–7 a.m. (selection) or 11:30 a.m. (deals) |
2. Opening vs. Closing Prices - April 2026 Comparison
The same products can cost 20–40% less at closing time. Here is what the CNP data and field reports show for April 2026.
| Product | Unit | Opening (₡) | Closing (₡) | Savings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato (Primera) | Kilo | ₡1,750 | ₡1,200 | –31% | ▲ UP +28% |
| White Potato | Kilo | ₡1,430 | ₡1,100 | –23% | = STABLE |
| Yellow Onion (dry) | Kilo | ₡1,430 | ₡1,000 | –30% | = STABLE |
| Carrot | Kilo | ₡590 | ₡400 | –32% | = STABLE |
| Sweet Pepper (Primera) | Unit | ₡470 | ₡330 | –30% | ▲ UP +26% |
| Cucumber | Kilo | ₡360 | ₡250 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Beetroot | Unit | ₡355 | ₡200 | –44% | = STABLE |
| Green Cabbage | Kilo | ₡665 | ₡450 | –32% | = STABLE |
| Chayote (tender) | Kilo | ₡450 | ₡270 | –40% | = STABLE |
| Green beans (Vainicas) | Kilo | ₡950 | ₡680 | –28% | = STABLE |
| Zucchini (Ayote tierno) | Kilo | ₡600 | ₡400 | –33% | = STABLE |
| Product | Unit | Opening (₡) | Closing (₡) | Savings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hass Avocado (National) | Kilo | ₡2,370 | ₡1,800 | –24% | ▼ DOWN –3% |
| Ripe Banana | Unit | ₡50 | ₡30 | –40% | = STABLE |
| Papaya | Kilo | ₡585 | ₡400 | –32% | = STABLE |
| Large Pineapple | Unit | ₡1,415 | ₡1,000 | –29% | = STABLE |
| Watermelon | Kilo | ₡700 | ₡500 | –29% | = STABLE |
| Strawberry | Kilo | ₡2,980 | ₡2,200 | –26% | = STABLE |
| Cantaloupe Melon | Kilo | ₡850 | ₡600 | –29% | = STABLE |
| Orange | Unit | ₡135 | ₡90 | –33% | = STABLE |
| Passion Fruit | Kilo | ₡1,340 | ₡1,000 | –25% | = STABLE |
| Blackberry | Kilo | ₡2,480 | ₡1,800 | –27% | = STABLE |
| Mango Tommy (in season) | Kilo | ₡550 | ₡320 | –42% | ▼ DOWN –15% |
| Soursop (Guanábana) | Kilo | ₡1,600 | ₡1,100 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Guava (Guayaba) | Kilo | ₡750 | ₡520 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Limón Mesino | Unit | ₡120 | ₡80 | –33% | = STABLE |
| Cas | Kilo | ₡700 | ₡480 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Product | Unit | Opening (₡) | Closing (₡) | Savings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Culantro Castilla | Bunch | ₡105 | ₡75 | –29% | = STABLE |
| Iceberg Lettuce | Unit | ₡310 | ₡200 | –35% | = STABLE |
| Green Celery | Plant | ₡1,575 | ₡1,100 | –30% | = STABLE |
| Broccoli | Kilo | ₡1,150 | ₡800 | –30% | = STABLE |
| Cauliflower | Unit | ₡1,375 | ₡900 | –35% | = STABLE |
| Spinach (bunch) | Bunch | ₡680 | ₡480 | –29% | = STABLE |
| Green onion (Cebollín) | Bunch | ₡200 | ₡130 | –35% | = STABLE |
| Product | Unit | Opening (₡) | Closing (₡) | Savings | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cassava | Kilo | ₡725 | ₡500 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Sweet Potato | Kilo | ₡1,155 | ₡800 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Corn on the cob | Unit | ₡180 | ₡125 | –31% | = STABLE |
| Plantain | Unit | ₡245 | ₡180 | –27% | = STABLE |
| Eggs | Kilo | ₡1,250 | ₡1,100 | –12% | ▼ DOWN –2.7% |
*Opening = typical price at market start. Closing = discount prices in last 60–90 min before close. Trend = vs. prior week per CNP bulletin April 17, 2026.
- Tomato (Primera): up 28% to ₡1,753/kg at opening (CNP, April 17, 2026). Cause: seasonal supply reduction.
- Sweet pepper: up 26% to ₡470/unit at opening (CNP, April 17, 2026). Same regional supply cycle.
- National Hass avocado: down 3.1% - one of few products that eased this week.
- Eggs: down 2.7% to ₡1,501/kg (CNP, April 17, 2026).
| Product | Unit | Feria closing (₡) | Palí / Maxipalí (₡) | Auto Mercado est. (₡) | Best price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Kilo | ₡1,200 | ₡2,250 | ~₡3,000 | ✓ Feria –47% |
| White Potato | Kilo | ₡1,100 | ₡690 | ~₡1,200 | ⚠ Palí cheaper |
| Carrot | Kilo | ₡400 | ₡530 | ~₡750 | ✓ Feria –25% |
| Sweet Pepper | Unit | ₡330 | ₡298 | ~₡450 | ⚠ Palí cheaper |
| Green Cabbage | Kilo | ₡450 | ₡400 | ~₡600 | ⚠ Palí cheaper |
| Iceberg Lettuce | Unit | ₡200 | ₡200 | ~₡380 | ≈ Equal |
| Chayote | Kilo | ₡270 | ₡510 | ~₡700 | ✓ Feria –47% |
| Hass Avocado | Kilo | ₡1,800 | — | ~₡2,500 | ✓ Feria –28% |
| Papaya | Kilo | ₡400 | ₡390 | ~₡600 | ≈ Palí similar |
| Mango Tommy | Kilo | ₡320 | ₡340 | ~₡600 | ≈ Palí similar |
| Watermelon | Kilo | ₡500 | ₡323 | ~₡550 | ⚠ Palí cheaper |
| Plantain | Unit | ₡180 | ₡250 | ~₡300 | ✓ Feria –28% |
| Orange | Unit | ₡90 | ₡99 | ~₡160 | ≈ Palí similar |
| Garlic (malla 3) | Malla 3 uds | ₡180 | ₡200 | ~₡350 | ≈ Feria similar |
Palí/Maxipalí prices verified from maxipali.co.cr, April 27, 2026. Bold Palí prices are on promotional discount - regular prices may be higher. Auto Mercado prices are estimates (approx. +30–50% vs. Maxipalí). Always confirm before shopping.
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3. Feria Verde de Aranjuez - The Organic Market
The most well-known organic market in Costa Rica. Every Saturday in San José's Aranjuez neighborhood.
Feria Verde was founded in 2010 by AAMOR (Asociación Amantes de lo Orgánico) with support from the British Embassy and the UN Small Grants Programme. Today it hosts over 110 vendors from across the Greater Metropolitan Area and attracts around 2,000 visitors every Saturday. It is not just a market - it is a community experience with yoga classes, local artisans, live music and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
| Category | Examples | Price range vs. regular feria |
|---|---|---|
| Organic vegetables & fruits | Tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens, avocado, berries, exotic tropical fruits | +30 to +60% above regular feria |
| Artisan dairy | Goat milk, artisan cheeses, natural yogurt, kefir | Specialty - not in regular ferias |
| Free-range eggs | Free-range, organic certified | ₡2,000–₡3,000/kilo |
| Baked goods & processed food | Sourdough, gluten-free pasta, natural jams, kombucha, infusions | Specialty pricing |
| Organic wines, honey & spices | Homemade wines, raw honey, medicinal herbs | Specialty pricing |
| Non-food: crafts, cosmetics, clothing | Natural cosmetics, recycled jewelry, handmade textiles | Variable |
4. Dairy & Eggs - Supermarket Prices (April 2026)
Live prices verified from Walmart.co.cr and Masxmenos.cr on April 22, 2026. Brands: Dos Pinos, Monteverde, Coronado.
| Product | Presentation | Walmart / Mas x Menos (₡) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milk - Semi-skimmed (Dos Pinos) | 1 L | ₡1,030 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Milk - Deslactosada 6-pack (Coronado) | 6 × 1 L | ₡6,380 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Milk - Semi-skimmed gallon (Dos Pinos) | 3.785 L | ₡2,710 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Cream cheese (Dos Pinos) | 210 g | ₡1,370 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Fresh cheese tipo turrialba | 500 g | ₡2,650 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Zarcero fresh cheese (Dos Pinos) | 500 g | ₡2,300 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Mozzarella shredded (Monteverde) | 227 g | ₡2,450 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Mozzarella shredded large (Great Value) | 907 g | ₡5,130 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Eggs - feria (CNP data) | Kilo | ₡1,100 – ₡1,501 | CNP / Monumental Apr 17, 2026 |
5. Meat Prices - Supermarkets & Butcher Shops, GAM (April 2026)
Prices verified from Masxmenos.cr live listings, April 22, 2026. Butcher shop prices are GAM reference estimates.
| Cut | Brand | Price/kilo (₡) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken breast | Don Cristóbal | ₡2,320 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Boneless skinless fillet | Don Cristóbal | ₡4,500 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Chicken thigh (boneless) | Don Cristóbal | ₡3,850 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Chicken drumstick | Don Cristóbal | ₡2,800 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Fajita strips | Don Cristóbal | ₡4,900 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Cut | Brand | Price/kilo (₡) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground beef - premium 90% lean | Don Cristóbal | ₡4,010 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Ground beef - lean 95% | Don Cristóbal | ₡4,990 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Beef for stew (mechar) | Don Cristóbal | ₡5,550 | Masxmenos.cr |
| Beef ribs | Don Cristóbal | ₡3,800 | Masxmenos.cr (Apr 2026) |
| Vuelta lomo (sirloin steak) | Butcher shops / Masxmenos | ₡7,000 – ₡9,670 | Masxmenos: ₡9,670 | carnicería est. |
| Beef neck / soup bone | Don Cristóbal | ₡4,280 | Masxmenos.cr (Apr 2026) |
| Cut | Brand | Price/kilo (₡) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork loin | Don Cristóbal | ₡2,650 – ₡3,200 | Walmart.co.cr |
| Pork leg (posta) | Don Cristóbal | ₡2,900 | Masxmenos.cr (Apr 2026) |
| Pork ribs (spare) | Marketside / Walmart | ₡3,500 – ₡3,872 | Walmart.co.cr / PriceSmart ref. |
| Pork chops | Don Cristóbal | ₡3,360 | Masxmenos.cr (Apr 2026) |
Supermarket prices verified on Masxmenos.cr (Walmart Costa Rica), April 2026. Butcher shop prices are reference estimates - confirm with your local carniceria before purchasing.
- Walmart / Maxi Palí - widest network, brands Don Cristóbal and Marketside. Best value for volume.
- Mas x Menos - premium tier, same parent company as Walmart CR. Freshest presentation.
- Auto Mercado - upscale, imported and premium national cuts. Highest prices, best quality range.
- PriceSmart - membership club, bulk packs. Competitive per-kilo prices for larger households.
- Carnes Don Fernando (Escazú, multiple GAM locations) - premium butcher with specialty and imported cuts.
- Grupo Tres Jotas (GAM distribution) - national producer-distributor for beef, pork, chicken and seafood.
6. Quick Reference: Feria vs. Supermarket - Where to Buy What
A practical guide for families and expats managing their weekly food budget in Costa Rica.
| Category | Best place to buy | Savings vs. supermarket | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh vegetables | Feria del Agricultor (closing time) | 40–60% cheaper | Best selection at opening. Best prices at closing. |
| Fresh fruits | Feria del Agricultor | 30–50% cheaper | Tropical fruits especially good value. |
| Organic produce | Feria Verde de Aranjuez | +30–60% vs. regular feria | Certified organic, pesticide-free, artisan. |
| Eggs | Feria or Maxi Palí | ₡1,100–₡1,501/kg | Slightly down this week (CNP April 17, 2026). |
| Dairy | Walmart / Mas x Menos / Maxi Palí | Competitive - ferias don't typically sell dairy | Dos Pinos & Coronado dominate. Artisan at Feria Verde. |
| Chicken | Walmart / Mas x Menos | ₡2,320–₡4,500/kg by cut | Don Cristóbal is the dominant national brand. |
| Beef | Mas x Menos / butcher shops | ₡4,010–₡7,970/kg by cut | Butcher shops cheaper for molida and mechar. |
| Pork | Walmart / Mas x Menos / PriceSmart | ₡2,650–₡3,872/kg by cut | Pork slightly down vs. year-start. PriceSmart good for bulk. |
| Premium / imported beef | Auto Mercado / Carnes Don Fernando | ₡7,000–₡15,000+/kg | For special occasions. Don Fernando: Wagyu, Angus, specialty imports. |
7. Practical Tips for Shopping in Costa Rica
-
Bring your own bags. Costa Rica's plastic bag law (since 2021) means single-use plastic bags are charged or unavailable at many vendors. Reusable bags are a must at every feria.
-
Cash is king - but bring small bills. Most feria vendors only accept cash. Bring ₡1,000, ₡2,000 and ₡5,000 bills. Some larger ferias have a few SINPE Móvil vendors, but don't count on it.
-
The best produce goes first. If you want the finest tomatoes, the freshest herbs or a specific avocado variety, arrive in the first hour. If you just want the best price, arrive in the last hour.
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Use the deferia.cr platform. Created by UCR students with FAO and CNP support, deferia.cr is the first digital directory of all ferias in the country - including prices, hours and locations.
-
Watch the CNP weekly bulletin. The CNP publishes weekly official feria price data at cnp.go.cr. This is the most reliable source for tracking price movements.
Sources: CNP - Consejo Nacional de Producción, weekly feria price bulletin (April 17, 2026); Monumental.co.cr (April 17, 2026) - based on CNP data; Masxmenos.cr / Walmart Costa Rica live listings (April 22-27, 2026) - all supermarket, meat, dairy and chicken prices; Maxipalí.co.cr live listings (April 27, 2026) - produce comparison section; Auto Mercado prices are estimates based on premium positioning vs. Maxipalí; vuelta lomo butcher shop range is a reference estimate; deferia.cr (UCR / FAO / CNP); feriaverde.org; biocorredores.org. All prices in Costa Rican colones (₡). Always confirm directly with vendors before purchasing decisions.
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