Hiking through Costa Rica, you’ll stumble upon pulperías—little neighborhood stores that are a whole lot more than just shops. They’re your local hangouts, your go-to spot for everything from a cold drink to a friendly chat.
Inside, you’ll find a colorful mix of stuff: sodas, ice cream, eggs, fresh fruit, and maybe a TV tuned to a soccer match. It’s like a tiny grocery store, a convenience store, and a community center all rolled into one.
Do pulperias accept cash? Pulperias accept Costa Rican colones, US dollars and credit cards.

So, where does the name “pulpería” come from? Well, one fun theory is that it’s linked to the Spanish word for octopus, pulpo. Picture a busy shopkeeper reaching behind the counter, grabbing stuff with both hands—it kinda looks like an octopus, right?
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