Costa Rica Beer and Breweries: Local Beer and Craft Beer

Costa Rica is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and adventure-filled experiences—but there’s another side to this tropical paradise that travelers are increasingly discovering: its craft beer scene. Whether you’re a backpacker exploring on a budget, a solo traveler seeking local experiences, or a family seeking fun activities, visiting Costa Rica's breweries is a delicious way to immerse yourself in the country’s culture.

From traditional lagers to innovative craft beers infused with tropical fruits, Costa Rican beer has something for everyone. This guide will help you navigate the best breweries, what to try, and tips for making your brewery-hopping experience unforgettable.

Why Costa Rica Beer is Worth Trying?

Historically, Costa Rica has been associated with mainstream lagers like Imperial and Pilsen. But over the last decade, a new wave of craft brewers has emerged, creating beers that are as vibrant and diverse as the country itself. These brewers are experimenting with local ingredients such as cacao, coffee, tropical fruits, and even spices, offering unique flavor profiles that you won’t find anywhere else.

Trying local beers isn’t just about quenching your thirst—it’s about tasting Costa Rican culture in a glass. Many breweries pride themselves on small-batch brewing and sustainable practices, giving visitors insight into the country’s artisanal craft traditions.

Costa Rica’s Mainstream Beers

Before diving into the craft scene, it’s worth knowing the classic beers beloved by locals:

Imperial

The most iconic Costa Rican beer—often called the national beer.Crisp, smooth, and easy to drink, Imperial was inspired by German brewing traditions and is the go-to option at beaches, BBQs, and fútbol games.

Pilsen

A popular pale lager with a slightly stronger hop profile than Imperial. It’s marketed as “La Rubia” (the blonde).

Bavaria

A favorite among locals looking for something different.Comes in variations like:

• Bavaria Gold (pale lager)

• Bavaria Dark (dark lager)

• Bavaria Light

These mainstream beers are a great introduction to Costa Rican drinking culture, but the real adventure begins with the country’s growing craft scene.

Popular Types of Costa Rica Beer:

• Lagers & Pilsners: Crisp, light, and refreshing—the perfect choice after a hot day at the beach.

• IPAs & Pale Ales: Hoppy and flavorful, sometimes infused with local fruits like mango, pineapple, or passionfruit.

• Stouts & Porters: Rich, dark, and sometimes paired with Costa Rican coffee or chocolate.

• Seasonal & Specialty Beers: Creative limited editions that highlight tropical ingredients or experimental brewing techniques.

  
  

Top Costa Rica Breweries You Should Visit

Costa Rica’s brewery scene is growing, and visiting Costa Rica's breweries can be a fun adventure in itself. Here are some of the must-visit spots:

Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Co.

• Based in Ciudad Colón (San José area).

• One of the largest and most established craft breweries in the country.

• Popular beers:

  • Libertas – tropical golden ale

  • Segua – smooth, flavorful red ale

  • 506 Pale Ale

  • 5 Colones (American strong ale)

  • Wheat beer with organic honey

  • Seasonal stouts and Belgian styles

• This brewery has a broad distribution, so you’ll find their beers in restaurants, bars, and supermarkets throughout Costa Rica.

Lake Arenal Brewery (Tilarán)

• Costa Rica’s first microbrewery, located near the stunning Lake Arenal region.

• Perfect for pairing with hiking, lake views, and windsurfing.

Numu Brewing Company

• Based in Liberia, Guanacaste.

• Their taproom and bistro in Playas del Coco make a great stop after a day of snorkeling or sunset cruising.

• Loved by locals and travelers for its tropical IPA flavors and beach-town vibe.

• Recommended beer:

  • Chorotega IPA – repeatedly praised online for its balanced flavor

Volcano Brewing Company

• Located in Tamarindo, Guanacaste.

• A legendary surf-town brewery dating back to 2011.

• This brewery has been around for a while and offers a beach / surf-town brewery vibe.

• Expect relaxed vibes, ocean views, and easy-drinking craft beers that pair perfectly with Tamarindo’s nightlife.

La Selva Cerveza Artesanal

• Located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Cabuya, near Cabo Blanco National Park—ideal for nature lovers.

• A small artisanal brewery emphasizing sustainability and “living ales.”

PuddleFish Brewery

• Located in Jacó (Central Pacific Coast)

  • Microbrewery + gastropub just steps from the beach

  • Known for rotating craft beers, beer flights, and a relaxed surf-town vibe

  • Offers a full food menu and often hosts live music and events

  • Great spot to unwind after surfing or exploring Jacó

Whale Tail Brewery

• Located in Uvita (Southern Pacific coast)

• A microbrewery and gastropub known for its fun atmosphere. Expect:

  • A spacious beer garden

  • Live music

  • Tasty pub-style food

• This is a great stop for anyone visiting the famous Whale Tail beach in Marino Ballena National Park

Fuego Brewing Co.

• Located in Uvita as well

  • Multi-level brewery and restaurant with jungle + ocean views

  • Known for creative, small-batch craft beers brewed on-site

  • Features an eclectic menu, rooftop seating, and occasional live events

  • Popular stop for travelers visiting Marino Ballena National Park or the Whale Tail beach

Costa Rica Meadery

• Based in Heredia, Costa Rica.

• Not exactly beer—but absolutely worth mentioning.Costa Rica’s first meadery produces:

  • Botanical beers

  • Flower-infused meads

  • Herbal and fruit blends

  • Honey-based beverages with Costa Rican flavors

Perfect for travelers looking for a truly unique tasting experience.

Bora Brewing Co.

• Located in San José, and produces dark beers and pale ales.

• Their origin ties to “La Búho” – the stout “Búho” was part of a brand dispute; Búho Cervecería changed its name to Bora.

Tips for Exploring Costa Rica Breweries

Visiting Costa Rica breweries is a fun and safe experience if you plan:

• Plan your route carefully: Some breweries are in cities, others are in remote towns. Renting a car or booking a guided tour helps you reach multiple locations safely.

• Check opening hours: Smaller craft breweries may have limited hours, especially on weekdays.

• Drink responsibly: If you plan to taste multiple beers, consider hiring a local tour or using public transport.

• Pair your beer with local food: Many breweries offer snacks and tapas featuring Costa Rican specialties like gallo pinto, ceviche, or empanadas.

  
  

Combining Brewery Visits with Travel Adventures

Costa Rica is a country built for adventure, and you don’t have to choose between sightseeing and tasting craft beers—you can do both! Here are some ways to combine brewery visits with other activities:

• San José & Central Valley: Explore museums, markets, and colonial architecture, then visit nearby breweries for tastings.

• Pacific Coast (Tamarindo, Jaco, Manuel Antonio): Surf, hike, or relax on the beach during the day, and enjoy local craft beers in the evening.

• Arenal & Monteverde: Explore waterfalls, volcanoes, cloud forests—and reward yourself with a cold craft beer afterward.

• Coffee & Beer Tours: Some breweries partner with coffee plantations to offer combined tours, giving visitors a double dose of Costa Rican flavor.

  
  

The Future of Costa Rica Beer

With more travelers seeking unique experiences and local flavors, Costa Rica's craft beer scene is poised to grow further. From small, family-run breweries to innovative experimental labs, there’s always something new to discover. Exploring Costa Rica breweries isn’t just a way to quench your thirst—it’s a way to connect with the local culture, meet passionate brewers, and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re enjoying a cold lager on a sunny beach, sipping a fruity IPA in a mountain town, or discovering a coffee-infused stout in Cartago, Costa Rica beer offers a refreshing taste of the country’s creativity and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

What beer is most popular in Costa Rica?

The most popular beer in Costa Rica is Imperial, a light, refreshing lager that you’ll find everywhere—from supermarkets and bars to beach shacks and local festivals.

What is the national beer of Costa Rica? / What is the official beer of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s national beer is Imperial. It’s often referred to as the country’s “official beer” and is one of the most recognized brands nationwide.

What is Costa Rica's signature drink?

Costa Rica doesn’t have just one famous drink, but some of the most iconic include:

• Guaro (a sugarcane spirit, often mixed as a guaro sour)

• Imperial beer

• Café chorreado (traditional Costa Rican coffee)For cocktails, the Guaro Sour is considered a signature classic.

What are the best bars for beer in Costa Rica?

Some of the top places to enjoy beer in Costa Rica include:

• Stiefel Pub (San José) – wide craft beer selection

• Wilk Craft Beer (San José) – local craft beer taproom

• Lupulus Beer Shop (Escazú) – huge bottle and tap list

• PuddleFish Brewery (Jacó) – craft beer + beach vibes

• Fuego Brewing Co. (Uvita) – jungle rooftop brewery

• Volcano Brewing (Tamarindo) – legendary surf-town brewery

These spots are great for trying both local craft beers and international selections.

What’s the difference between Imperial and Imperial Silver?

Imperial:

• 4.5% ABV

• Classic Costa Rican lager

• Smooth, light, and slightly malty

Imperial Silver:

• 4.0%–4.2% ABV

• Even lighter and more refreshing

• Designed for easy drinking in hot weather

Imperial Silver is basically a lighter version of the original Imperial.

Why is Imperial beer all over Costa Rica?

Imperial dominates the market because it’s produced by Florida Ice & Farm Co. (FIFCO)—the country’s largest beverage company.It has:

• Decades of brand loyalty

• Nationwide distribution

• A flavor profile that fits Costa Rica’s tropical climate

It’s inexpensive, refreshing, and deeply rooted in local culture, which is why you see it everywhere.

Is it legal to drink beer in public in Costa Rica?

Technically, public drinking is not legal, especially in streets, parks, and public transportation.However, enforcement varies. At beaches and outdoor areas, locals and tourists often enjoy drinks casually, but it’s best to be discreet and respectful. Always avoid drinking near police stations, bus stops, or busy public areas.