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All 68 Tamarindo Attractions »

Guaitil Pottery Studio

The Circle | next to the restaurant La Caracola, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
506 2653 2005
Ranked #6 of 14 shopping in Tamarindo
5.0 of 5 stars 12 Reviews
Type: Shops
Traveler Description: When you walk in you find a huge choice of ceramics in traditional handmade shapes, sizes and designs from the area. Your first instinct is to touch... more »
Useful Information: Activities for older children, Stroller parking
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12 reviews from our community

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chicago, il
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW

We were fortunate enough to pay a visit to this small community of pottery shops on May 12th. We spent time with one of the shopkeepers/pottery makers, and learned that there is a problem in the village with the tours that come through their village. The tour guides focus on Willy and Susan's shops in exchange for a gratuity, while... More

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Oxford, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 4, 2012

I just couldn't resist going to the Guaitil Pottery Studio again when I returned to Costa Rica in February. I had such a wonderful few days there last year, and wanted to make something completely different this time. Arbin and Trishia were so welcoming, and seemed genuinely pleased to see a "returner". The experience was just as good - maybe... More

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northern Ontario
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 3, 2012

My wife and I have mixed feelings towards this review, we both felt as though it was something we were glad we did but also a little dissapointed with the attentiveness of the teacher. Upon arrival and during the initial day ( hr ) of lessons Arbin was very enthusiastic and seemed genuine about teaching us a little of his... More

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See 3 more reviews by northtraveler05 for Tamarindo
Arlington, Virginia
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

My friend Sara and I both agreed our pottery classes with Arbin were the highlight of our two weeks in Costa Rica. I had not done any pottery since I was in high school 15 years ago, and she friend had absolutely no prior experience but thanks to Arbin's instruction we both came away with beautiful pieces of art that... More

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new york, NY
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 17, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I spent about 2 weeks in Tamarindo and since I'm not much of a sport person, I chose to take a pottery class with Arbin Guevara in his studio. It was a great experience. Arbin is a great teacher, very generous with his knowledge and time and I learned a lot no only about pottery but traditions and life in... More

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See 5 more reviews by Icventure for Tamarindo
Denham Springs, Louisiana
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed July 1, 2011

I picked out several gifts from here and everyone loved them! I would have loved to have brought a large piece home with me but due to travel constrictions that was not possible. The owner is very nice and helpful. He makes the pottery that he sells and he offers classes wherein you can make your own piece to bring... More

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See 3 more reviews by DSLA51 for Tamarindo
Oxford, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 6, 2011
1
person found this review helpful

I did a course at the Guaitil Pottery studio with Arbin, his wife and his dog. I did four part-days, with gaps to explore the area while each stage dried. I enjoyed myself hugely, being taught the whole process from kneading the clay, through hand turning, painting, burnishing and firing. All techniques are traditional but not too difficult. The teacher... More

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Baton Rouge, Louisiana
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 18, 2011

We had such a great time making our authentic Mayan indian style pottery in the fashion of the ancient settlers of Costa Rica! Arbin was a great teacher and super-informative about local customs and history. Our class lasted for 3 sessions: 1- we made the pottery on a wheel with no electricity using a corn cob and leather, 2- we... More

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Washington DC, District of Columbia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2011

This is such a fun thing to do while in Tamarindo. The sun can get so hot - there is no way you can stay in it all day. The pottery class was a nice break. We went to 3 lessons for $60, and of course keep you pottery after. Each class is about an hour - hour and half,... More

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Quebec City, Canada
2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 15, 2011

The pottery lessons offered at Guaitil Pottery Studio are the best activity to do in Tamarindo if you need to take a break from surfing! Arbin, the shop owner, takes the time to teach you the traditional pottery making technique from the town of Guaitil. It's a multi-day activity (you need to let the clay dry, then after it's painted... More

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