First the coffee beans are green, then they turn a bright red color.
Coffee, coffee, coffee—Costa Rica grows great coffee, and it is much more than a beverage here. Coffee is a way of life, a cultural symbol, and a proud part of Costa Rica’s national identity. It prompts social activity, stimulates friendships and conversation, and should never be enjoyed alone. In Costa Rica, coffee is meant to be shared.
If you are traveling to Costa Rica, take every opportunity to enjoy a truly excellent cup of coffee. Whether it’s offered in a small roadside soda, a family kitchen, or a high-end café in the Central Valley, coffee in Costa Rica is always prepared with care and pride.
Coffee: The “Gold” of Costa Rica
Coffee has often been referred to as the “gold” of Costa Rica, and for good reason. Long before tourism became the country’s main economic engine, coffee was the crop that transformed Costa Rica from a poor agricultural society into a nation with stability, education, and infrastructure.
Coffee production made many Costa Rican families wealthy and helped create an elite class whose children were educated in North America and Europe. The profits from coffee exports funded schools, roads, hospitals, and cultural institutions—including the magnificent National Theater in San José, built in the late 19th century with money generated from coffee taxes.
Unlike other Central American countries, Costa Rica never developed large coffee plantations controlled by foreign companies. Instead, coffee farming remained largely in the hands of small and medium-sized family farms, which helped shape Costa Rica’s strong middle class and relatively equal social structure.
Where Coffee Is Grown in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s geography and climate are perfectly suited for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. The best coffee-growing regions are found in the Central Valley and surrounding highlands, including:
- San José
- Alajuela
- Grecia
- Heredia
- Cartago
- Tarrazú
- Naranjo
- Tres Ríos
If you visit these areas, especially during the harvest season, you will see rolling hills covered in deep green coffee plants dotted with bright red berries—called coffee cherries—ready to be picked.
Coffee in Costa Rica is grown at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 meters (4,000 to 6,000 feet) above sea level. These higher elevations provide cooler temperatures, rich volcanic soil, and frequent rainfall, all of which contribute to the coffee’s complex flavor and bright acidity.
From Green to Red: The Life of a Coffee Bean
Coffee beans begin their life as green cherries, slowly maturing over several months. When they are fully ripe, they turn a vibrant red color, indicating they are ready to be harvested.
Harvest season typically runs from November through January, although it can extend into February in higher elevations. During this time, coffee cherries are picked by hand, ensuring only the ripest fruit is selected. This careful hand-picking process is one of the reasons Costa Rican coffee is so highly regarded worldwide.
Much of the harvesting is done by seasonal workers from Nicaragua, who travel to Costa Rica during the coffee harvest to work on the farms. This seasonal migration has been part of Costa Rica’s coffee industry for decades.
Shade-Grown Coffee and Sustainability
One unique feature of Costa Rican coffee farming is the emphasis on shade-grown coffee. Coffee plants are often shaded by banana trees or other native plants. These shade trees serve several important purposes:
- They protect coffee plants from harsh sunlight
- They help regulate soil moisture
- They enhance biodiversity
- They improve the sweetness and flavor of the coffee beans
Banana trees are especially common, and you will often see bananas growing alongside coffee plants. The bananas are used for local consumption, while the shade they provide improves the quality of the coffee—an excellent example of sustainable agriculture.
Costa Rica is also a global leader in eco-friendly and sustainable coffee production, with many farms using organic methods, water conservation systems, and renewable energy during processing.
Processing the Coffee: From Cherry to Cup
Once the coffee cherries are harvested, they are taken to a beneficio (coffee mill), where they are processed. Costa Rica is famous for its washed (wet) processing method, which produces a clean, bright cup of coffee.
The process includes:
- Removing the outer pulp of the cherry
- Fermenting the beans to remove remaining sugars
- Washing and drying the beans
- Sorting and grading
- Roasting to desired levels
Only 100% Arabica beans are legally allowed to be grown in Costa Rica, which ensures consistently high quality.
Coffee Culture in Everyday Costa Rican Life
Coffee is deeply woven into Costa Rican daily life. It is not just a morning drink—it is a reason to pause, connect, and share.
Coffee is often prepared using the traditional chorreador, a simple wooden stand with a cloth filter. Hot water is poured slowly over the ground coffee, producing a rich and aromatic brew. This slow method encourages conversation and reflection.
Costa Ricans drink coffee throughout the day, often accompanied by:
- Fresh bread
- Cheese
- Pastries
- Homemade snacks
And true to local belief, coffee should never be enjoyed alone.
Coffee Tours: A Must-Do Experience
If you are visiting Costa Rica, a coffee tour is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences you can have. Several excellent tours are offered in the Central Valley, where you can walk among coffee plants, learn about harvesting and processing, and sample freshly brewed coffee.
Highly recommended tours include:
Britt Coffee Tour
Located near Heredia, the Britt Coffee Tour offers an entertaining and educational experience. Guides explain the entire coffee-making process with humor and passion, making it perfect for families and first-time visitors.
Doka Estate Coffee Tour
Located on the slopes of Poás Volcano, Doka Estate is one of Costa Rica’s oldest coffee plantations. The tour combines coffee history, traditional machinery, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
👉 Learn more at www.dokaestates.com
Three Generations Coffee Tour
This family-run tour near the Central Valley focuses on traditional methods passed down through generations, offering a more intimate and authentic experience.
You can also learn more about coffee tours at:
👉 www.coffeetour.com
Costa Rican Coffee on the World Stage
Costa Rican coffee is prized internationally for its:
- Bright acidity
- Clean finish
- Balanced flavor
- Notes of citrus, chocolate, honey, and fruit
It is exported to the United States, Europe, and Asia, where it is often sold as premium specialty coffee.
Despite global competition, Costa Rica continues to stand out by focusing on quality over quantity, sustainability, and innovation.
Final Thoughts: A Cup Full of Costa Rica
Coffee is not just a crop in Costa Rica—it is history, culture, community, and pride poured into a cup. From the fertile volcanic soil to the careful hands that harvest each cherry, Costa Rican coffee reflects the spirit of the country itself.
So when you travel to Costa Rica, slow down. Accept that cup of coffee. Sit with friends, family, or strangers. Share stories. Laugh. And remember—coffee is not meant to be rushed or enjoyed alone.
☕ Coffee, coffee, coffee—Costa Rica truly grows great coffee.