If you find yourself cruising along the road from Liberia International Airport to Playas del Coco in Guanacaste, you can’t miss the sprawling retail hub known as Pacifico Retail Center. It’s home to one of Costa Rica’s trusted supermarket chains, Auto Mercado. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this supermarket makes grocery shopping feel less like a chore and more like a mini adventure.
A Taste of Excellence in Every Aisle
Auto Mercado isn’t your average grocery store. It’s famous around Costa Rica for offering a premium shopping experience with high-quality products, a wide variety of national and international goods, and an environment that keeps things cool, thanks to air conditioning, which is a blessing in Guanacaste’s sunny tropical climate.
It boasts an impressive selection of fresh produce, gourmet items, and specialty foods that you might not easily find anywhere else in the region. Plus, the supermarket partners with other service providers, so it’s common to find sections dedicated to drugstores, optics, and even dry cleaning within the same premises, making Auto Mercado a convenient one-stop shop.
Location and Convenience
Located at the Pacifico Retail Center, the Auto Mercado is perfectly placed for both residents and tourists heading to the popular beach towns. The exact address is LIR to Playas Del, Provincia de Guanacaste, Coco, Costa Rica. It’s just about a 5-minute drive outside Tamarindo on the road to Villareal, making it easily accessible.
The store balances quality and convenience, ensuring that Guanacaste gets a supermarket experience on par with Costa Rica’s bigger cities like San José and Heredia.
Business Hours to Know
Shopping at Auto Mercado fits well within a busy schedule since the store opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to avoid the rush and shop at your own pace. Whether you’re an early bird stocking up for the day or a night owl grabbing last-minute ingredients, Auto Mercado has your back.
Why Shop at Auto Mercado?
Besides the obvious—high-quality products and a well-curated selection—Auto Mercado takes food safety seriously. The chain made history in Costa Rica by introducing the country’s first self-service supermarket back in the 1960s. Today, they continue to prioritize food safety education for their customers through campaigns and informative materials that teach how to handle food safely at home. This focus makes your shopping experience more than just buying groceries; it is about empowering you to keep your family safe and healthy.
Though Auto Mercado’s prices can be a little higher compared to smaller local stores, especially in high-tourist areas, many customers willingly pay for the convenience, quality, and variety, including those familiar American products that make expats feel right at home.
The Allure of Living in Guanacaste
Imagine starting your day with a quick trip to Auto Mercado, grabbing your morning coffee from a local café nearby, then heading out to the beach or hiking trails. Guanacaste is more than just a place to visit—it’s a place to live well. With beautiful beaches, warm weather all year round, and a friendly community vibe, it’s no surprise that more people are choosing to make this region their home.
Living here means you get the best of both worlds: easy access to good-quality shopping like Auto Mercado and the natural beauty that defines Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. If you’re craving a lifestyle that combines convenience with outdoor fun, Guanacaste might just be your next address. Plus, having a trusted supermarket so close by makes settling into the area even easier and stress-free.
Experience Quality and Convenience at Auto Mercado in Guanacaste
For anyone living in or visiting Guanacaste, shopping at Auto Mercado in the Pacifico Retail Center offers a stylish and reliable grocery option—a place where variety meets quality and service meets convenience.
Whether stocking up on fresh produce, grabbing international ingredients for your favorite recipes, or just picking up everyday essentials, Auto Mercado ensures a smooth shopping experience in a clean, comfortable setting. Located at LIR to Playas Del, Provincia de Guanacaste, Coco, Costa Rica, it keeps its doors open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, ready to serve the needs of locals and travelers alike.
So next time you are in Guanacaste, don’t just settle for the usual shopping stops. Make Auto Mercado your destination for groceries and more—a decision that combines ease, variety, and quality all in one place.
Source: automercado.cr
Header Image Source: Auto Mercado – GMB
