Costa Rica’s coffee culture is deeply woven into the country’s history, economy, daily rituals, and national identity. Long before coffee became one of the world’s most traded commodities, it was already shaping the landscape and lifestyle of this small Central American nation. Today, coffee in Costa Rica is not simply a beverage—it is a tradition, a livelihood, and a symbol of pride passed down through generations.
The Journey of Coffee to Costa Rica
Coffee did not originate in the Americas. Its journey began in Ethiopia and Arabia, where the coffee plant was first cultivated and consumed centuries ago. European powers—the Spanish, French, and Portuguese—eventually brought coffee seeds to the New World during the colonial era. These seeds found their way to Central America, including Costa Rica, in the early 1800s.
When coffee was first planted in Costa Rica, it was not intended for large-scale agriculture. Instead, the plant was valued for its beauty. With glossy dark green leaves, delicate white flowers resembling snow, and bright red berries, coffee plants were grown as ornamental decorations in courtyards and patios. Families admired their elegance without realizing the economic future those plants would soon represent.
A Government Vision That Changed the Nation
Costa Rica’s government quickly recognized the potential of coffee as an export crop. In an unprecedented move, officials encouraged—some say required—every family to plant at least two coffee plants in their yard. To support this initiative, the government distributed free coffee plants and granted land to families willing to cultivate them.
This bold agricultural experiment paid off. Costa Rica’s rich volcanic soil, combined with its cool mountain climate, proved ideal for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. The plants thrived, producing beans with exceptional flavor, balance, and aroma. What began as a small experiment soon became a national economic engine.
By 1840, coffee had become big business. By 1850, it had transformed Costa Rica’s economy, creating wealth and helping to build infrastructure, schools, and cities. Coffee truly became the backbone of the nation.
Oxcarts, Mountains, and Global Trade
In the mid-19th century, transporting coffee beans was no easy task. Before railroads and modern highways, coffee was carried across rugged terrain using oxcarts pulled by teams of oxen. These carts traveled over steep mountain passes to reach the Pacific port of Puntarenas, where the beans were loaded onto ships bound for Europe.
These colorful oxcarts later became a national symbol of Costa Rica, representing hard work, perseverance, and rural tradition. Today, they are celebrated as part of Costa Rica’s cultural heritage, a reminder of how coffee helped connect the country to the global economy.
How Coffee Is Grown
Coffee cultivation in Costa Rica follows a careful and time-honored process. Coffee plants begin life in nurseries, where they are protected and nurtured for about one year. Once strong enough, they are transplanted into open fields on mountain slopes.
After planting, it takes approximately two years for a coffee plant to begin producing berries. Once mature, a single plant can continue bearing fruit for many years if properly cared for. The coffee plant’s life cycle reflects patience and dedication—qualities deeply ingrained in Costa Rican coffee culture.
The Harvest: A Seasonal Tradition
Coffee harvesting in Costa Rica takes place between November and January, during the dry season. Unlike many countries that rely on machine harvesting, Costa Rica still values hand-picked coffee. Only ripe red berries are selected, ensuring the highest quality beans.
During harvest season, thousands of workers—many from neighboring Nicaragua—travel to Costa Rica to pick coffee. This seasonal migration has become an essential part of the coffee industry. The workers earn income during the harvest and return home afterward, making coffee not only an agricultural product but also a regional economic lifeline.
Where Coffee Grows Best in Costa Rica
Coffee thrives in cooler temperatures and higher elevations, which is why plantations are found primarily in Costa Rica’s mountainous regions. The most renowned coffee-growing areas include:
- Poás Volcano region
- Barva de Heredia
- Tres Ríos
- Tarrazu
Each region produces coffee with unique characteristics influenced by altitude, soil composition, rainfall, and microclimate. Tarrazu, for example, is internationally famous for producing some of Costa Rica’s finest and most complex coffees.
Experiencing Coffee Culture Through Tours
One of the best ways to understand Costa Rica’s coffee culture is by visiting a working plantation. Coffee tours offer insight into every stage of production, from planting and harvesting to processing and exporting.
The Britt Coffee Tour
Just one kilometer north of the hillside town of Heredia, visitors can experience the renowned Britt Coffee Tour. This interactive tour walks guests through the entire coffee process while providing historical and cultural context. Visitors learn how coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and graded—and, of course, they get to taste several varieties of Britt Coffee, widely regarded as among the best in Costa Rica.
The Britt Coffee Tour blends education with entertainment, making it accessible and enjoyable for travelers of all ages.
Doka Four Generations Coffee Tour
Another exceptional experience awaits just six miles north of Alajuela, along the road toward the Poás Volcano. Here lies the Doka Four Generations Coffee Estate, owned and operated by the Vargas-Ruiz family, who have grown coffee on this land for four generations.
This tour offers a deeper look into traditional coffee farming, emphasizing family heritage and sustainability. Visitors walk among coffee fields, observe processing methods, and sample four distinct coffee varieties. The pride and passion of a family dedicated to coffee for over a century are evident in every detail.
Coffee as a Daily Ritual
Costa Rica is unquestionably a coffee culture. Coffee is not reserved for special occasions—it is part of daily life. Even children often drink coffee, typically mixed with milk, especially at breakfast.
One of the most cherished traditions occurs every afternoon at 3:00 p.m., when Costa Ricans pause for coffee and sweet cakes. This ritual is a time to relax, socialize, and connect with family or coworkers. Coffee is not rushed; it is savored.
Where to Find the Best Coffee Experiences
Many travelers claim that some of the best Costa Rican coffee can be found not in large cities, but in small roadside cafés near plantations. Along the road to Poás Volcano, approximately six miles outside Alajuela, there is a charming coffee shop where tourists regularly stop to sample fresh Doka coffee.
Paired with homemade desserts—especially carrot cake and cheesecake—this coffee becomes unforgettable. The surrounding views of rolling coffee fields provide perfect photo opportunities and a peaceful break from travel.
Even Poás Volcano National Park itself features a wonderful coffee shop, offering excellent Costa Rican coffee alongside a tempting selection of sweets such as cakes, buns, and cupcakes. Enjoying a warm cup of coffee in the cool mountain air, with volcanic landscapes nearby, is an experience that perfectly captures Costa Rica’s essence.
Coffee and Sustainability
Costa Rica’s coffee culture is increasingly tied to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many farms emphasize shade-grown coffee, organic practices, and water conservation. These efforts protect biodiversity while maintaining the high quality for which Costa Rican coffee is known.
As one of the world’s leaders in environmental conservation, Costa Rica has successfully balanced coffee production with ecological preservation, ensuring that future generations can continue this proud tradition.
A Culture Brewed Over Centuries
From snow-white blossoms to vibrant red berries, coffee’s journey in Costa Rica mirrors the country’s own development. It helped shape the economy, build infrastructure, and define cultural traditions. Today, Costa Rican coffee is respected worldwide for its quality, flavor, and ethical production.
To sip a cup of Costa Rican coffee is to taste history, tradition, and a deep connection to the land. Whether enjoyed during a plantation tour, at a roadside café, or during the beloved 3 p.m. coffee break, each cup tells a story of patience, pride, and passion.
Yes—Costa Rica is, without question, a coffee culture. And for visitors, discovering that culture is one of the richest and most rewarding experiences the country has to offer.