Key coffee Regions in Costa Rica

Bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica straddles both the Caribbean Sea to its east and the North Pacific Ocean to its west. In the central regions of the country, higher elevations bring diversity to the country’s climate and weather patterns.

Costa Rica is known for its natural diversity in both geography and wildlife. The country’s more than 60 volcanoes impart richness and minerals to the soil, which has a marked influence on the quality of coffee grown in the country.

It’s no surprise, then, that Costa Rica’s prime coffee regions can be found in these highland volcanic areas with morning sunshine and light afternoon rains. There are eight principal coffee regions in the country:

• Central Valley: The most populated area in Costa Rica, and the heart of its coffee industry can also be found here. The combination of drastic weather changes, distinct dry and rainy seasons, frequent rains, and volcanic soil within the area make for hard, excellent-quality beans. Characteristics of a Central Valley brew include a balanced body and tastes of fruit, with subtle notes of chocolate and a trace of honey in its aroma.
• West Valley: Accounting for nearly a quarter of Costa Rica’s total coffee production, the West Valley is home to several microclimates and subregions all dedicated to cultivation of HB, GHB, and SHB coffee (Hard Bean, Good Hard Bean, and Strictly Hard Bean). Elevation ranges from 1,200 to 1,700 meters and the main varieties grown are Caturra and Catuaí. The West Valley is also home to Naranjo, so named for its orange groves and now well-known for its superb coffee. A coffee bean from here has won the Cup of Excellence for four years. The flavor of a West Valley-grown coffee is diverse and varied, from simple, classic chocolate to more nuanced flavor profiles that include fruit like peach and orange, vanilla, and/or honey.
• Tres Rios: As with the Central Valley region, the Irazu Volcano enriches the soils of Tres Rios, a region just east of San José. Tres Rios stands out due to its weather patterns and two distinct seasons, which positively affects the quality of the resulting coffee beans. Despite being Costa Rica’s smallest coffee region, many Tres Rios coffees are considered among the best in the world. Coffees grown in Tres Rios are mild and have a bright, tempered acidity and sweet taste.
• Tarrazú: Costa Rica’s largest and most famous coffee region is nestled within the country’s inner mountains and accounts for nearly 35% of the total production. Tarrazú grows refined, highly acidic coffees with nuanced aromas and equally complex, rich flavor profiles of dried fruit, vanilla, and chocolate. SHB-quality Caturra is the main variety grown on the region’s mostly small farms. The purity of Tarrazú coffee is thanks to the innovative coffee cultivation and processing methods/technology that the region utilizes.
• Brunca: Accounting for about one-fifth of the country’s total production, Brunca is a mid-elevation region that cultivates coffee from altitudes of 800 to 1,200 meters. Most of the crops grown here are of the acceptable HB quality, but decent-quality specialty coffee can be found in Brunca’s highest elevations.
• Turrialba, Orosi, and Guanacaste: About five percent of Costa Rica’s coffee production is split among these three remaining regions. Coffees here are grown at lower elevations – at around 600 to 900 meters – and are thus milder, being less acidic and lighter in body.

While most other countries identify their coffee based on the region from which it came, Costa Rica usually labels its coffee either by the beneficio (processing facility) where it was processed or the farm (finca) or estate on which it was grown. Most consumers don’t know this info unless it’s a big-name estate.

La Minita Estate coffee: It’s not the world’s most premium coffee, but the coffee grown on this small Tarrazú estate represents some of Latin America’s best coffee, and the best in Costa Rica. As a single-origin coffee with strict quality standards, it’s revered for a consistency not found with blends. Labels vary, but the coffee is often marketed as La Minita Tarrazú or Costa Rica La Minita.

Bella Vista: Along with La Minita, this coffee estate also grows some of Costa Rica’s most renowned coffee. However, it’s only been available from Starbucks in recent times.

Jungle Coffee’s Howler Monkey Dark Roast: This is a very dark-roasted, single origin blend hailing from the Turrialba region. Tasting notes include dark chocolate, roasted nuts, caramelized sugar cane and smoky overtones. It’s got a deep aroma, full body, and although it’s strong, it’s got a mild acidity.

Doka Estate: This estate, located in the Central Valley’s Alajuela province, has been cultivating coffee for over 100 years. A consumer favorite is the estate’s Peaberry blend, which boasts a bright acidity, intense aroma, and a sweet flavor with hints of lime.

Cafe Britt’s Costa Rican Dark Roast: Cafe Britt, one of Costa Rica’s most popular coffee brands, combines the Central Valley’s acidic, sweeter beans with the dense beans of the West Valley, yielding a well-balanced and full-bodied brew. This dark roast blend is chocolatey in both aroma and flavor with notes of dried fruits and fig.

Tarrazú [Dota]: As coffees from Costa Rica’s Tarrazú region rate highly right off the bat, coffee grown in the rich volcanic mountain peak of the Dota subregion represents the best of the best. Flavor notes include strong fruity, chocolatey, caramel, and brown sugar tones.

Local Favorites

Café 1820: Named after the year it debuted, Café 1820 is one of the most popular local brands of Costa Rican coffee, being a staple in households and eateries across the country.

Café Rey: Another popular local brand, favorites include their Tarrazú blend and their traditional ground coffee, made with 100% SHB beans grown in the West Valley and boasting a solid body and chocolatey taste.

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