About Us

We are a family that found in Costa Rica far more than a place to live: we found a home, an identity, and a source of inspiration. The Suarez family arrived in this country and, from the very first day, fell in love with its culture, its people, and its authentic way of life. Costa Rica won our hearts, and from that love, Congo was born.

Our story began in November 2001 with the opening of our first store in Multiplaza Escazú. Since then, our mission has been clear: to rescue, honor, and share the talent of Costa Rican artists, artisans, and designers, in an environment that reflects our image of service, quality, and human warmth. Every piece that arrives at Congo reflects Costa Rican idiosyncrasy, its nature, and the tradition passed down from generation to generation.

With more than two decades of history, we are proud to have brought together a select group of more than 60 artisans and artists from all over the country. Many of them have been with us since the beginning; others found in Congo a space to reinvent themselves; and some, sadly, were forced to leave their craft behind due to lack of resources after the pandemic. To us, none of them are suppliers: they are part of our extended family, and their wellbeing is an essential part of our purpose.

Over the years, Congo has had a presence in different locations across San José, Guanacaste, Heredia, Alajuela, Limón, and Puntarenas. Each store has been a small ambassador of Costa Rican culture, a place where our customers could discover unique pieces that tell a story. We have always sought to make a difference, serving as a bridge between artisan tradition and local talent and for those visiting Costa Rica who wish to take home a genuine piece of our great little country.

We are Congo. We are family, we are Costa Rican art and design. We keep moving forward, with our hearts set on our artisans and on the future we will build together.

Thank you for visiting us and hope you enjoy our wide variety of carefully selected products made from different materials. To list some of our exceptional pieces:

• Costa Rican exotic woods (rosewood, sapwood, tigerwood, Pejibaye palm, others)
• Colorful hand-painted ceramics
• Oil and acrylic paintings
• Stained glass
• Semiprecious stones and silver jewelry
• Green and other recycled materials
• Gourmet coffee, chocolates
  

and many more Costa Rican gifts, handicrafts and souvenirs.