Coffee is more than just a beverage in Costa Rica—it is history, culture, tradition, and national pride poured into a cup. Long before Costa Rica became famous for eco-tourism, rainforests, and adventure travel, coffee was the crop that shaped the nation’s economy, social structure, and international identity. Even today, Costa Rican coffee remains among the finest in the world, and one important reason for its exceptional quality is simple but labor-intensive: Coffee in Costa Rica must be picked by hand.
Why Coffee Must Be Hand Picked
Coffee cherries cannot be harvested by machines in Costa Rica without damaging their quality. Unlike some large-scale coffee-producing countries that rely on flat terrain and mechanical harvesters, Costa Rica’s coffee farms are often located on steep hillsides and mountainous terrain. But geography is only part of the story.
The real reason coffee must be picked by hand is quality control.
Coffee cherries do not ripen all at once. On a single branch, you may see:
- Green (unripe) cherries
- Yellow (nearly ripe) cherries
- Bright red (perfectly ripe) cherries
Machines cannot distinguish between these stages. They strip everything from the branch—ripe and unripe alike—often smashing and bruising the cherries, which damages the beans inside. This results in bitter, inconsistent coffee.
Hand picking allows workers to:
- Select only the perfectly ripe red cherries
- Leave unripe cherries to mature
- Protect the integrity of the coffee bean
This careful process is one of the main reasons Costa Rican coffee is consistently smooth, aromatic, and well-balanced.
Coffee: Costa Rica’s Number One Export Crop
For generations, coffee has been Costa Rica’s most important agricultural export. Long before tourism became the country’s top industry, coffee was the backbone of the national economy.
Revenue from coffee helped fund:
- Roads and infrastructure
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and public services
Unlike many neighboring countries, Costa Rica developed a strong middle class early on, in part because coffee farming was dominated by small family-owned farms rather than massive plantations.
Even today, coffee remains a source of national pride. Costa Rica has strict laws regulating coffee production, including:
- Prohibitions on growing low-quality coffee varieties
- Emphasis on high-altitude Arabica beans only
- Strong environmental protections
A Favorite Experience for Tourists
Tourists who vacation in Costa Rica love visiting coffee plantations. These tours combine:
- Stunning scenery
- Cool mountain climates
- Rich history
- And, of course, coffee tasting
Seeing how coffee goes from a red cherry on a branch to a steaming cup is both fascinating and delicious. The Central Valley, with its volcanic soil and ideal altitude, is the heart of Costa Rican coffee country—and home to some of the best coffee tours in the nation.
Two Famous Coffee Tours in Costa Rica
1. Doka Estate Coffee Tour – Alajuela
One of the most respected coffee tours in Costa Rica is located six miles north of Alajuela, the second-largest city in the country and close to the international airport.
Doka Estate is owned and operated by the Vargas Family, who have grown coffee here for four generations. This historic plantation sits on fertile volcanic soil near the Poás Volcano, making it an ideal location for premium coffee production.
What makes the Doka Estate Tour special:
- Guided tours offered four times a day
- Affordable pricing (around $20 per adult, subject to change)
- Walk through active coffee fields
- Learn how coffee is hand picked, washed, dried, roasted, and packaged
- Taste four different coffee blends
- Opportunity to purchase fresh coffee to take home
The tour is educational but relaxed, making it perfect for first-time visitors to Costa Rica.
You can read more about this tour here:
👉 http://dokaestate.com/
2. Britt Coffee Tour – Heredia
Another iconic experience is the Britt Coffee Tour, located in the Central Valley just outside San José, in the town of Santa Domingo de Heredia.
This tour is known for its theatrical presentation, combining education with humor and storytelling. Set on a scenic plantation with cool, brisk mountain air, the Britt Coffee Tour is both entertaining and informative.
Highlights of the Britt Coffee Tour:
- Half-day experience
- Professional guides and engaging performances
- Walk through coffee fields and processing areas
- Learn about Costa Rican coffee history and culture
- Coffee tasting session featuring multiple blends
- Well-stocked gift shop
While slightly more expensive (around $30–35 per adult), the Britt tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a polished, interactive experience.
Learn more here:
👉 http://www.coffeetour.com/
Coffee Was Not Native to Costa Rica
It may surprise many visitors to learn that coffee is not indigenous to Costa Rica.
Coffee plants were first introduced in the late 1700s, initially planted as ornamental shrubs. People admired the glossy green leaves and bright red berries, unaware that these plants would soon transform the nation.
By the early 1800s, farmers discovered that coffee thrived at elevations of around 4,000 feet in the cool climate of the Central Valley. The volcanic soil, consistent rainfall, and moderate temperatures created perfect growing conditions.
By 1840, coffee had become Costa Rica’s dominant crop.
The Oxcart and the Rise of a Nation
In the 19th century, there were no highways, trucks, or railroads. Coffee was transported:
- By oxcart
- Over rugged mountain passes
- To the port city of Puntarenas
- Then shipped by boat to Europe
The oxcart became such an important symbol of Costa Rican life that it is now a national icon, celebrated in art, festivals, and museums.
The wealth generated by coffee exports helped Costa Rica invest heavily in education and democracy, shaping the peaceful nation it is today.
The People Behind the Coffee
Hand-picking coffee is physically demanding work. During harvest season (typically November through February), thousands of workers—many from neighboring Nicaragua—arrive to help pick coffee cherries.
Pickers are paid by the basket or weight, encouraging careful selection of ripe cherries. Entire families often participate, passing down skills from generation to generation.
This human element is essential to Costa Rican coffee. Each cup represents:
- Skilled labor
- Agricultural knowledge
- Respect for tradition
Environmental Responsibility
Modern Costa Rican coffee farming places strong emphasis on sustainability. Many plantations practice:
- Shade-grown coffee methods
- Reduced pesticide use
- Water recycling in processing plants
- Wildlife-friendly farming
These practices help protect birds, insects, and surrounding ecosystems while maintaining high coffee quality.
Why Costa Rican Coffee Tastes So Good
Several factors combine to make Costa Rican coffee exceptional:
- High-altitude Arabica beans only
- Volcanic soil
- Hand-picked cherries
- Careful processing
- Strict quality standards
The result is coffee known for:
- Bright acidity
- Clean flavor
- Smooth finish
- Subtle notes of chocolate, citrus, or fruit
Final Thoughts
Coffee in Costa Rica is far more than a crop—it is a story of perseverance, family tradition, and national identity. The fact that coffee must be picked by hand is not a limitation; it is a commitment to excellence.
When you sip a cup of Costa Rican coffee, you are tasting:
- Volcanic soil
- Mountain air
- Generations of expertise
- And thousands of careful human hands
If you visit Costa Rica, make time for a coffee tour. Walk the fields, watch the picking process, inhale the aroma of roasting beans, and savor the flavors that helped build a nation.
In Costa Rica, coffee isn’t rushed—and neither should you be. ☕