One of the very best things about vacationing in Costa Rica—aside from the beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife—is enjoying a truly excellent cup of Costa Rican coffee. For many travelers, coffee in Costa Rica becomes more than a morning habit; it becomes part of the travel experience itself. Long after the tan fades and the photos are sorted, the memory of that rich, smooth, aromatic coffee lingers.
If you are planning a vacation to Costa Rica, whether for adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, don’t miss the coffee. It is not just a beverage here—it is history, tradition, livelihood, and national pride poured into a cup.
Costa Rican Coffee: A National Treasure
Coffee has played a central role in Costa Rica’s development for nearly two centuries. The country’s geography and climate create ideal growing conditions, and generations of Costa Ricans have perfected the art of producing high-quality beans.
Coffee plants thrive best at elevations of around 4,000 feet above sea level, where temperatures are cooler and the days are warm but not hot. This is why the Central Valley, particularly the slopes of Poás Volcano, Barva Volcano, and surrounding highlands, provides such a perfect environment. Rich volcanic soil, regular rainfall, and ample sunshine combine to produce beans with a clean, bright flavor and balanced acidity.
“White Snow”: The Magic of Coffee Blossoms
The Ticos—Costa Ricans—have a poetic name for the coffee blossoms. In the month of May, when coffee plants burst into bloom, the fields are covered with delicate white flowers. Locals call this phenomenon “nieve blanca”, or white snow.
These blossoms release a sweet jasmine-like fragrance that fills the air and signals the beginning of a new coffee cycle. It is one of the most beautiful and lesser-known sights in Costa Rica, often missed by tourists who focus only on beaches and rainforests.
As the year progresses, the blossoms give way to green coffee cherries, which slowly ripen into bright red berries by November. This transformation—from flower to fruit—is a reminder of the patience and care required to produce a great cup of coffee.
From Ethiopia and Arabia to Costa Rica
Coffee did not originate in Costa Rica. The Spanish immigrants who settled the region brought coffee beans with them from Ethiopia and Arabia in the late 18th century. At first, coffee plants were grown primarily for ornamental purposes. Their glossy green leaves, fragrant white flowers, and colorful red berries made them ideal decorations for patios and courtyards.
It wasn’t long before people realized how well coffee grew in Costa Rica’s climate. The plants were hardy, productive, and well-suited to the land. Recognizing its potential, the Costa Rican government took an extraordinary step.
Government Support and the Rise of Coffee Culture
To encourage production, the government awarded free coffee plants and land grants to anyone willing to grow coffee. This policy helped spread coffee cultivation rapidly throughout the Central Valley and beyond.
By the early 1800s, coffee production had taken hold, and by 1840, coffee had become big business. Wealthy coffee growers—often referred to as coffee barons—rose to prominence, shaping the country’s economy, politics, and infrastructure. Profits from coffee helped fund roads, schools, and public buildings, laying the foundation for Costa Rica’s modern development.
Coffee didn’t just transform the economy; it helped shape Costa Rica’s relatively egalitarian society. Unlike other Latin American countries dominated by vast plantations and extreme inequality, Costa Rica developed a strong class of small and medium-sized coffee farmers.
Costa Rica Coffee Today
Today, coffee remains one of Costa Rica’s most important exports and a symbol of national identity. Costa Rica produces 100% Arabica beans, a distinction that reflects the country’s commitment to quality over quantity.
In fact, Costa Rica once passed laws prohibiting the cultivation of lower-quality Robusta beans (with limited exceptions in recent years). This focus on excellence ensures that even everyday coffee served in homes, cafés, and roadside sodas meets a high standard.
And yes—Costa Rican coffee is found all over the world. In just about every cup of Starbucks coffee, you’ll find beans that contain a percentage of Costa Rican coffee. Yet there is nothing quite like drinking it where it is grown.
Why Coffee Tastes Better in Costa Rica
Many visitors comment that coffee tastes better in Costa Rica than it does back home. There’s a simple reason for that: freshness.
In Costa Rica, the coffee bean is:
- Grown locally
- Harvested locally
- Processed locally
- Roasted locally
- Sold locally
The beans don’t sit on shelves for months or travel halfway around the world before reaching your cup. When you drink coffee in Costa Rica, you are tasting it close to its source, often just weeks after roasting.
I was fortunate enough to stay in Costa Rica for the entire month of July, and I drank Costa Rican coffee every single day. When I returned to the United States, I was shocked by how flat and lifeless my coffee tasted—even the expensive brands. Shelf life makes all the difference.
Tips for Bringing Costa Rican Coffee Home
If you want to enjoy Costa Rican coffee after your vacation, here are a few tips:
- Buy whole coffee beans, not ground coffee
- Grind the beans just before brewing
- Store beans in a tightly sealed bag
- Keep them in the freezer to preserve freshness
Many travelers ask, “What brand of coffee should I buy to take home?” The honest answer is: almost any brand you find in Costa Rica is good. Because it is fresh, quality is consistently high across grocery store shelves.
Popular brands like Britt are well-known, but lesser-known local brands are often just as excellent.
How Costa Ricans Drink Their Coffee
Coffee in Costa Rica is typically enjoyed strong but smooth, often served black or with a bit of hot milk or cream. One of the simplest and most delicious ways to drink it is:
A plain cup of coffee with frothed milk or cream
Of course, cappuccinos are also popular, especially in tourist areas and cafés. But many locals prefer simplicity, allowing the natural flavor of the coffee to shine.
Coffee is not rushed here. It is enjoyed slowly, often with breakfast, conversation, or a quiet moment to start the day.
Coffee Tours: A Must-Do Experience
If time permits during your vacation, taking a coffee tour is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences Costa Rica has to offer. These tours are primarily located in the Central Valley, near Alajuela and Heredia, where some of the country’s best coffee is grown.
On a coffee tour, you’ll learn:
- How coffee plants are grown and cared for
- How cherries are harvested
- How beans are processed and roasted
- How flavor profiles are developed
- How to properly taste and evaluate coffee
Doka Estate Coffee Tour
Located about 6 miles north of Alajuela on the road to Poás Volcano, Doka Estate is one of Costa Rica’s most respected coffee plantations. The tour provides a comprehensive look at the entire coffee-making process in a beautiful setting.
Learn more at: www.dokaestate.com
Café Britt Coffee Tour
Located near the town of Heredia, Café Britt offers a fun and educational tour that combines history, humor, and tasting. Britt is also known for its focus on quality and sustainability.
Learn more at: www.cafebritt.com
Coffee and the Costa Rican Way of Life
Coffee is deeply woven into Costa Rican daily life. It is shared with family, offered to guests, and enjoyed in both humble homes and elegant cafés. Coffee breaks are moments of connection, not just caffeine fixes.
In many ways, Costa Rican coffee reflects the country itself:
- Balanced, not bitter
- Rich, but not overwhelming
- Simple, yet refined
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Coffee
A vacation to Costa Rica offers countless unforgettable experiences—but Costa Rican coffee deserves special attention. It tells the story of the land, the people, and the history of a nation that values quality, tradition, and sustainability.
So when you come to Costa Rica, slow down. Sit on a porch overlooking green hills. Listen to birds in the morning. Watch the mist rise from the mountains. And enjoy a cup of coffee that truly tastes like paradise.
Come on down—the Costa Rican coffee is great.