Whether it was Starbucks, from the supermarket, or at your local coffee shop, it's sure you have tried Costa Rican coffee at least once in your life before. Costa Rican coffee is world famous for its quality, and with good reason. With ideal growing conditions and a strong coffee culture, Costa Rica produces some of the finest Arabica beans in the world. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a connoisseur, discovering Costa Rican coffee is an experience worth savoring. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Costa Rican coffee exceptional, the best regions for production, and where to find the best brands in the country.
What makes Costa Rican Coffee special?
Costa Rica’s reputation for high-quality coffee isn’t just luck—it’s a combination of strict regulations, rich volcanic soil, and ideal climate conditions. The country exclusively grows Arabica beans, ensuring a smooth, flavorful coffee with bright acidity and a well-balanced profile.
Here are a few reasons why Costa Rican coffee is so highly regarded:
- Exclusive Arabica Beans – Since 1989, the government has prohibited the cultivation of lower-quality Robusta beans, ensuring that only the best beans make it to market.
- Ideal Climate and Elevation – Coffee is grown at high altitudes (between 1,200 and 1,800 meters), allowing the beans to develop rich flavors.
- Sustainable Farming Practices – Many farms in Costa Rica focus on eco-friendly and organic farming techniques, preserving the environment while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Meticulous Processing Methods – From hand-picking only the ripest cherries to using innovative drying methods, Costa Rican coffee farmers prioritize quality at every stage.
Best coffee regions in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has several well-known coffee-growing regions, each producing beans with distinct flavor profiles. Here are some of the top areas:
- Tarrazú: Known for its bright acidity, full body, and chocolatey notes, Tarrazú coffee is one of the most sought-after in Costa Rica.
- Central Valley: With a balanced flavor, hints of fruit, and a smooth finish, this region produces coffee with great complexity.
- Tres Ríos: Sometimes called the “Bordeaux of Costa Rica,” Tres Ríos coffee has a refined acidity and sweet, nutty flavors.
- Brunca: Producing coffee with floral and citrus notes, this lesser-known region offers a unique tasting experience.
- Turrialba: A region that offers a milder, smoother cup of coffee, ideal for those who prefer a more delicate profile.
Where to find the best Costa Rican Coffee?
Costa Rica is home to exceptional coffee, from small-batch roasters to internationally recognized brands. Whether you're looking for the perfect cup while visiting or want to bring some home as a souvenir, here are the best options.
Best Costa Rican Coffee Brands
Local Coffee Roasters & Specialty Brands
If you're in Costa Rica and want to taste the finest coffee, these brands are highly recommended:
- Café Milagro (Manuel Antonio) – A beloved local brand known for its commitment to sustainability and high-quality, small-batch coffee.
- Bonding Coffee (Quepos) – A specialty coffee shop and roastery offering rich, flavorful beans from Costa Rica’s top coffee-growing regions.
- Caribeans Coffee (Puerto Viejo) – A fantastic choice on the Caribbean coast, offering organic, fair-trade coffee with unique tasting notes.
- Café Britt – One of Costa Rica’s most famous coffee brands, known for its gourmet selections, gift-worthy packaging, and wide availability.
- Doka Estate Coffee (Alajuela) – A historic coffee farm producing award-winning coffee. They also offer guided tours of their plantation and processing facilities.
Costa Rican Coffee Available in the U.S.
If you want to enjoy Costa Rican coffee at home, here are some popular brands or coffee type that can be found in the U.S.:
- Café 1820 – A household staple in Costa Rica, known for its rich and balanced flavor.
- Café Rey – A favorite alternative to Café 1820, popular among locals.
- Café Volio – A budget-friendly coffee commonly found in Costa Rican homes.
- Café Montaña – Widely available and on the more affordable side.
- Café Naranjo – One of the best coffees from Alajuela province, known for its smooth, high-quality taste.
- Café Britt – A premium Costa Rican coffee brand available internationally and often sold in airports.
Where to buy High-Quality Coffee in Costa Rica?
For the highest-quality coffee, we recommend taking a Costa Rica coffee tour and purchasing directly from local plantations. Many farms sell exclusive, premium-grade beans that are not available in stores.
If you can’t visit a plantation, look for "calidad de exportación" (export quality) on the packaging when shopping at specialty souvenir stores or higher-end supermarkets. Some local farms now sell their export-grade coffee in Costa Rican supermarkets, making it more accessible to locals and visitors alike.
Buying Costa Rican Coffee as a Souvenir
Coffee is one of the best souvenirs from Costa Rica—widely available and reasonably priced.
The two most popular brands to bring home are:
- Café 1820 – A more affordable, everyday coffee, costing around 2,500 CRC (~$5 USD) for 500 grams.
- Café Britt – A gourmet option, priced at 6,000 CRC (~$12 USD) for a 380-gram bag.
Other Costa Rican coffee brands commonly found in supermarkets include Café Rey, Dorado, Peaberry by Doka, French Roast by Doka, Tarrazú by Café Rey, San Luis, and 1820. For the Villas Jacquelina hotel, I offer 1820 coffee to my guests every morning for breakfast, and they love it. (It's the one we drink at home, too.)
Costa Rican Chorreadors: The Traditional Coffee Maker
A unique part of Costa Rican coffee culture is the chorreador, the traditional coffee maker. A chorreador consists of a wooden stand and a cloth “sock” filter, which brews a richer, more flavorful coffee compared to plastic filters.
Although most people now use modern coffee makers, the chorreador remains a cherished tradition. It also makes for a great souvenir—hand-painted chorreadors range from 10,000-20,000 CRC (~$20-40 USD). If you don’t have time to shop, you can find them at Britt souvenir stores in Costa Rica’s airports.
Conclusion
Costa Rican coffee is more than just a morning ritual—it’s a reflection of the country’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and tradition. Whether you’re sipping on a cup from a renowned region like Tarrazú or enjoying a locally roasted blend from a small café in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rican coffee offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Next time you visit, be sure to explore these incredible coffee brands and take home a taste of Costa Rica’s rich coffee culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Costa Rican coffee is renowned for its high quality, thanks to the country's ideal growing conditions—volcanic soil, high altitudes, and a tropical climate. The country also exclusively grows 100% Arabica coffee, which is known for its smooth, balanced flavors and bright acidity. Costa Rica has strict coffee regulations to maintain quality, making its beans some of the best in the world.
Some of the best coffee to buy in Costa Rica comes from regions like Tarrazú, Central Valley, and Tres Ríos, which produce high-altitude, specialty-grade beans. Popular brands include Café Britt, Doka Estate, Volcanica Coffee, and Café 1820. If you want a true local experience, look for single-origin beans from small farms (fincas) or micro-lots for unique flavors.
Costa Ricans typically drink smooth, medium-bodied Arabica coffee with a balanced acidity. Traditional brewing methods include the chorreador, a simple drip method using a cloth filter. Ticos usually enjoy their coffee black or with milk and often pair it with local pastries like gallo pinto for breakfast.
Costa Rican coffee is known for its bright acidity, fruity and floral notes, and clean, balanced taste. Depending on the region, flavors can range from citrus and honey (Tarrazú) to chocolatey and nutty (Central Valley). The washed (wet) processing method is commonly used, which enhances its crisp and vibrant flavor profile.
Costa Rican coffee is more expensive due to high production standards, hand-picked harvesting, and government regulations that ensure quality. The country also pays fair wages to coffee farmers and promotes sustainable, eco-friendly farming. Additionally, many beans are specialty-grade, meaning they meet the highest quality standards.
While coffee is an essential part of Costa Rican culture, the official national drink is Guaro Sour, a cocktail made with Cacique Guaro, a sugarcane-based liquor. However, coffee is often considered Costa Rica’s unofficial national drink because of its deep-rooted cultural significance.
Yes! Starbucks sources coffee from Costa Rica and even has its own coffee farm, Hacienda Alsacia, located in the Alajuela province. This farm serves as a research and development center for sustainable coffee production. Many Costa Rican beans are also used in Starbucks’ specialty and reserve coffee blends.
Costa Rica has a unique coffee law (Law 2762) that mandates the production of only 100% Arabica coffee, which is considered the highest-quality coffee variety. The law also promotes fair trade, protects small farmers, and regulates coffee prices to maintain a sustainable industry.
If you’re referring to COSTA Coffee, the international coffee chain, it primarily sources its beans from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. However, some blends include Costa Rican coffee, especially in their single-origin or specialty selections.
