Costa Rica for coffee and chocolate lovers: Must-try activities

If coffee jumpstarts your mornings or you can't resist a bite of chocolate, Costa Rica should be on your travel wish list. 

This vibrant country is a paradise for coffee and chocolate enthusiasts, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From lush rainforests and towering volcanoes to pristine beaches and cascading waterfalls, Costa Rica is a destination that captivates every traveller. 

For those craving a taste of Costa Rica's coffee and cacao heritage, there's no better place on earth to explore the origins of these coveted flavours. Here's why Costa Rica deserves to be on your radar if you love coffee, chocolate, or unforgettable experiences. 

A coffee and chocolate lover's paradise  

Costa Rica has a deep-rooted history in coffee and cacao production, with traditions still alive today. Exploring these industries reveals the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind two of the country's major exports.  

Cacao beans have played a significant role in the region's history. Indigenous cultures use them in rituals, as currency, and even as medicine. Today, many places preserve Costa Rica's chocolate history by focusing on making high-quality chocolate with local ingredients.   

The country's climate and soil provide ideal conditions for growing cacao and producing top-quality, locally made chocolates. Many producers also emphasize fair trade practices and sustainable harvesting methods.  

When it comes to coffee, Costa Rica knows what it is doing. Thanks to its high altitude and perfect weather conditions, Costa Rica produces some of the world's best coffee beans. First introduced in the 1700s, coffee is a way of life for Costa Ricans.     

Coffee is highly regulated, ensuring the country produces the best beans and coffee possible. Arabica beans are mainly grown, as robusta beans were banned until recently due to pests and diseases. Plus, coffee beans are typically planted and harvested by hand, allowing growers to produce quality coffees with unique flavours.    

Must-visit places for coffee and chocolate enthusiasts 

Whether you're eager to savour fresh brews or indulge in artisan chocolate, Costa Rica offers a range of locations where you can immerse yourself in the world of coffee and cacao. 

La Fortuna 

Located northwest of San Jose, La Fortuna is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Here, you'll find natural hot springs, waterfalls, and the Arenal Volcano National Park. The high altitude and mix of sun and rain make it perfect for growing coffee and cacao beans, and the volcanic soil is a bonus.  

La Fortuna has plenty of coffee plantations and roasteries you can visit and tour. You can get a feel for the process of harvesting and roasting coffee beans and learn all about coffee culture.  

La Fortuna also has something for chocolate lovers, as the area has perfect conditions for growing Cacao beans. Learn about the chocolate-making process and sample it with specialty ingredients. Explore La Fortuna with Collete's A World of Nature tour. While in La Fortuna, enjoy a chocolate-making demonstration and sample fresh cacao while visiting a local plantation. 

San Isidro de Heredia 

Located just 30 minutes north of San Jose, you'll find San Isidro de Heredia. This charming community in Costa Rica's countryside is near Braulio Carrillo National Park, where you'll find trails that allow you to see flora and fauna from different altitudes throughout the conversation area.  

The Heredia region is known for producing high-quality coffee, so whether you're savouring a cup at a local cafe or embarking on a coffee tour, you can trust you're enjoying something exceptional. 

A stop you won't want to miss in San Isidro de Heredia is a tasting tour at the Sibo Chocolate restaurant and workshop. Sibo Chocolate is an award-winning artisanal chocolate brand with a commitment to sustainability. They focus on sourcing high-quality local cacao and preserving the history and traditions of chocolate-making in Costa Rica.  

Sibo Chocolate supports its local communities and uses environmentally friendly practices. During your tour, you'll meet with the master chocolatier, taste chocolates and Indigenous hot chocolates, and learn about cacao's history and cultural significance.  

Poas 

Famous for the Poas Volcano, one of Costa Rica's most active and iconic volcanoes, Poas is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Standing at an impressive 2,708 meters, this stratovolcano is the centrepiece of Poas Volcano National Park, a haven of rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes. 

The park offers a unique opportunity to explore Costa Rica's vibrant flora and fauna within its diverse ecosystem. Beyond its natural beauty, Poas boasts fertile volcanic soil and a favourable climate, making it a hub for cultivating some of the world’s finest coffee beans. 

For coffee lovers, a trip to the renowned Doka Estate is a must. Here, tradition and craftsmanship come together in a captivating coffee tour. Learn about Costa Rica’s rich coffee heritage, discover the variety of coffee plants, and explore the fascinating history of coffee production. The tour even includes a visit to Costa Rica’s oldest wet mill, offering a glimpse into the meticulous process that has made Costa Rican coffee famous worldwide. 

Naranjo de Alajuela

Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's Alajuela region lies Naranjo, a charming capital surrounded by lush forests and pristine nature reserves. Once named for the orange trees that blanketed its landscape, Naranjo is now celebrated worldwide for its award-winning coffee beans.  

Aside from coffee, the Alajuela province produces quality cacao beans. Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica's Alajuela region, Naranjo is a picturesque town surrounded by lush forests and pristine nature reserves. Once named for the orange trees that once blanketed its landscape, Naranjo is now renowned worldwide for its exceptional coffee beans.  

Alajuela also produces high-quality cacao. Visitors can delve into the region’s rich chocolate heritage by joining one of the many immersive chocolate tours. These tours offer a fascinating blend of history and hands-on learning, all set against the vibrant backdrops of Costa Rica's stunning landscapes.  

Perched at a high elevation, Naranjo enjoys cooler temperatures year-round, making it an ideal environment for cultivating coffee. Coffee farming plays a vital role in the local economy, and visitors can experience this industry firsthand. Whether sipping a freshly brewed cup at a cozy cafe or touring a coffee plantation, you'll taste the passion and craftsmanship in every sip.  

To truly immerse yourself in Naranjo’s coffee culture, the Espiritu Santo Coffee tour is a must. This guided experience takes you deep into the region’s lush landscapes, where you’ll learn how Costa Rican coffee is grown, harvested, and roasted using sustainable practices. Cap off the tour with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a deeper appreciation for Naranjo's rich coffee heritage.  

Coffee, chocolate, Costa Rica, and CAA 

Ready to discover the world of coffee and chocolate in Costa Rica? Speak with a trusted CAA Travel Consultant to plan your ultimate Costa Rica getaway.