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Cafe Britt CoffeeTour

(506) 2277-1500

Learn about Coffee in a fun and enchanting way. The CoffeeTour at Café Britt runs year-round, seven days a week. From December 15 to April 30, tours run at 9:00 AM, 11:00AM and 3:00 PM during the rest of the year tours run at 11:00AM only. We provide transportation from convenient pick-up points in San José. We are located in Heredia, from the National University continue up the hill then, follow to the right the CoffeeTour signs on the road towards the village of Barva.

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Café Britt was founded in 1985 as the first gourmet coffee roaster in Costa Rica. Before Café Britt, it was virtually impossible to find a memorable cup of coffee in Costa Rica, even though we were growing some of the world’s most outstanding coffee beans. The simple fact was that the best coffee was exported.

Since 1991, our Coffee Tour has educated and entertained nearly 1 million coffee lovers through a colorful and original journey from the plantation to the roasting plant.

During this unique journey, our visitors enjoy:

• Extensive green areas and colorful gardens
• A masquerade exhibition featuring Costa Rican legends
• An entertaining presentation on the history and culture of coffee in Costa Rica
• A coffee seedling nursery
• Our sustainable coffee plantation
• Our roasting plant
• A demonstration of our coffee cupping
• An entertaining tour through the country’s coffee-growing regions
• A tasting session of our coffee and chocolates

CONTACT INFORMATION

[email protected]

www.offeetour.com

Britt Coffee Tour, Heredia, Costa Rica

Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

A Classic Costa Rican Coffee Tour at Cafe Britt

• Jenn and Matt

15 Comments

When our friend Lauren (a.k.a. the Altecocker ) was visiting Costa Rica on her 55th home exchange last year, we knew that we had to make the trip to San José to see her. But with only a couple of days to explore together, we wondered what we could do close to the city. Wanting some kind of cultural activity, we quickly decided on a tour of Cafe Britt, one of the country’s gourmet coffee producers.  Costa Rica has lots of choices for coffee tours and this post will give you a recap of our visit to Cafe Britt to help you decide if it’s right for you. 

Cafe Britt has been growing and roasting coffee in Costa Rica since 1985. They were one of the first producers in the country that saw the value in keeping a portion of their best quality beans in Costa Rica, instead of selling them all abroad. Since then, they have developed a reputation, and their products are now found at many of Costa Rica’s best hotels, restaurants, and even the airport gift shops.

The Cafe Britt Tour

Cafe Britt offers two tours, the Classic Coffee Tour and a longer Coffee and Nature Tour. We were coming for the coffee and weren’t interested in going to an ecological park, so we opted for the Classic Tour.

A Theatrical Spin

The tour started like any coffee tour would with an introduction about how the beans are grown. We learned about the lifecycle of the coffee plant, some of the work that goes into growing and maintaining the crop, and then walked around a small coffee field to see the red berries for ourselves.

It didn’t take much time for us to figure out that this wouldn’t be any ordinary coffee tour. In between details about the growing process, our two guides, who were dressed in traditional attire, constantly cracked jokes, playing off of one another in a very theatrical way. It was clear that their act had been well polished, but we were still laughing at the hokey Tico humor. They were really quite funny.

Afterwards, we all headed into a large theater to watch a short movie about the history of Costa Rica’s coffee industry and to learn about the different regions where coffee is grown. Like the outdoor portion of the tour, this part was also theatrical. The guides would jump on stage and interact with the movie, throwing oversized burlap bags of coffee into a miniature coffee truck. It was a little corny like the previous skit outside, but funny, and kept the whole audience entertained, including the kids.

After the show, our guides brought up some volunteers and had them help brew coffee the traditional way using a wooden contraption and cotton sock called a chorreador . They also taught us about French Press methods and the drawbacks of regular old drip coffee pots, including some of the science behind it all.

Tasting the Glorious Coffee

After having smelled coffee for what seemed like an eternity, we moved to the main building (and gift shop) where we got to taste some freshly brewed java. Inside, all of Cafe Britt’s coffee varieties were spaced out along the walls beside thermoses and tasting cups. Conveniently, bags of coffee and chocolates were available for purchase as well. Some of our favorite blends were the Tres Ríos (Three Rivers) from the Irazú Volcano region and the Fair Trade dark roast from the mountainous Brunca region in the Southern Zone.

After the coffee tasting, we headed into the open-air room next door for lunch. We usually don’t opt for lunch on tours because they tend to be mediocre and overpriced, but figured it was convenient and would give us a chance to spend more time with Lauren. Admittedly, we had very low expectations for this part, but ended up being impressed with the buffet. Over nicely prepared typical food like rice and beans, a choice of meats, sides and salads, and some rice pudding, we chatted with Lauren. As usual, she shared some of her hilarious stories of traveling the world. With a lifetime of swapping her house for places in Australia, Poland, Spain, and of course the one here in Costa Rica, she always has some fascinating stories to tell .

We weren’t quite sure what to expect on the Cafe Britt tour, but really enjoyed it and would recommend it to others. The tour isn’t as intimate and personal as ones we’ve done with smaller growers, but has a much broader appeal. It’s the type of tour that is good for anyone, from younger kids to older adults.

Classic Coffee Tour (1.5 hours): $22 per person or $37 with lunch. Tours are offered four times a day at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m., and 3:15 p.m. Coffee and Nature Tour (4 hours, includes visit to INBioparque): $68 per person, includes lunch. 11:00 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only.

For more information and directions, visit CoffeeTour.com .

(Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are connected to affiliate programs we have joined. If you make a purchase using one of the links, we get a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and helps us keep providing information on this website for free. Thanks for your support!)

Have you taken the Cafe Britt tour? We’d love to hear about your experience. Leave us a comment below.

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A visit to Café Britt gives you an idea of how the modern-day coffee industry operates. The finca grows the country’s best-known brand and is the most important exporter of Costa Rican coffee to the world at large. Guides take you through the history of coffee growing in Costa Rica, demonstrating how crucial this export crop was to the development of the country, with a rather polished presentation and thorough descriptions of the processes involved in harvesting and selecting the beans. Once you’ve enjoyed a tour of the plantation, roasting factory and drying patios, it’s back for a coffee-cupping demo and, of course, the inevitable stop in the gift shop. There are also extended “Coffee Lovers”, “Coffee and Adventure” and “Coffee and Waterfalls” tours.

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This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

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Escape to Arenal for volcanoes, waterfalls and wildlife reserves. Enjoy gentle hikes or partake in adrenaline-fuelled river rafting. Then journey down to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific for some sand and surf fringed by dense forest that’s teeming with wildlife.

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Quick Facts

• Location : Barva, Heredia
• Altitude : 3,845 feet above sea level
• Area : 6 acres
• Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
• Telephone : 2277-1600
• Entrance Fee : $20-$35; reservations recommended

Founded in 1985, Cafe Britt is Costa Rica's first gourmet coffee roasting business. The company purchases high quality beans from the country's best plantations, then roasts the coffee in their own mills under the watchful eyes of experienced roasters. The result is a nationwide cooperative designed to produce bold, rich coffees that are both environmentally friendly and available locally, as well as on the international market.

Coffee Tours: 

Become one of more than 500,000 visitors to Cafe Britt in Barva de Heredia, a small town just seven miles north of San Jose. Since Cafe Britt is a coffee roaster, not grower, the grounds are a replica coffee plantation, reproducing the elements of authentic fields, a coffee mill, and a roaster. Part education, part entertainment, the tour employs professional actors to inject humor and theater at every turn.

The tour begins with a greeting from Don Prospero, the plantation's fictional owner. Leading guests to the coffee nursery, Don Prospero and his assistants – his knowledgeable family members – delve into the lifecycle of a coffee bean. If the plants are ripe, visitors are invited to taste raw coffee cherries while tour guides explain why Costa Rica's unique climate, volcanic soil, and shade-bearing trees produce such high quality coffee beans. 

Progressing through the green-and-red fields, guests are introduced to the harvesting process. Armed with just two hands and a large, woven basket, a guide demonstrates the cherry-picking process – and explains why handpicked fruits are far superior to machine harvested. Lured by the scents of delicious java roasts, the next stop is at Britt's roasting headquarters. Here, visitors watch the five-step roasting process: bean selection, peeling, soaking, drying and roasting. 

The excursion ends at the Cafe Britt Theater, where the tour's guides don their theatrical finery and put on a humorous show to illustrate the history of coffee, particularly in Costa Rica. Diehard coffee connoisseurs will enjoy the four-hour Coffee Lovers Tour, which combines the Classic Coffee Tour with a visit to a working wet mill in San Rafael de Heredia, a presentation on how to select the best beans, and coffee brewing classes with a professional barista.

Cafe Britt's popular Classic Coffee Tour begins at 9:30 and 11 a.m. daily; there is an additional 3 p.m. tour December 15-April 30. The Coffee Lovers Tour begins at 11 a.m. daily. Roundtrip transportation and buffet lunches are optional add-ons.

Facilities: 

There is a large souvenir shop, coffee bar, and restaurant in Cafe Britt's main building. The Classic Coffee Tour navigates mostly paved trails, so closed footwear is not necessary. Hiking shoes are recommended for the Coffee Lovers Tour.

Typical daytime temperatures run 75 to 80°F. Take a raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season (May-November).

Getting There: 

Car: From the National University in downtown Heredia, follow Route 3 north until it ends at a T-intersection. Turn left, drive five blocks and make a right on Route 126. Pass the Auto Mercado supermarket on the right side and Barva castle on the left, and follow signs to Cafe Britt.

Cafe Britt in Pictures

Drying beans doka coffee estate - costa rica.

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Cafe Britt Coffee Tour

What to Expect

This fascinating tour is beyond the typical; just about 30 minutes from San Jose , guests arrive at the working farm in the middle highlands, of this lush tropical land to enjoy a renewing nature walk through verdant foliage, surrounded by tropical scents and sounds, capped with a lighthearted live stage play about working with coffee, the value of the crop, and life in Costa Rica.

Throughout the tour, visitors learn about the entire cycle; from a small, green bean, to your local coffee bar. A cupping demonstration lends enlightenment into what makes a coffee “gourmet” , and how to properly taste, detect and assess its characteristics.

Coffee means a lot to the people here, and is recognized as a major contributor to democracy of this nation, but more than that, it’s also a major thread through the cultural and economic tapestry of Costa Rica. This is all brought to life in a most enjoyable way throughout the tour, where visitors enjoy the unfolding story of two farm workers and how this precious bean has affected their lives. Like the Costa Rican people in general, these are warm, friendly people that are quick to share their pride-and story-with a dramatic flourish.

While it sounds like a lot of walking, this a leisurely-paced tour over easy terrain, and can easily be undertaken by anyone in good health. Families with children are not only welcome, but parents will appreciate the structure of the entire tour, as it easily entertains even those with short attention spans.

Available Tour Packages

The Classic Coffee Tour includes a leisurely, but educational guided walk through the farm, with discussion of growing, harvesting, sustainability practices, and more, and includes a stop at the aromatic roasting plant. Following the walk, guests enjoy a witty live play, and then lunch at Don Prospero, the lovely on-site buffet restaurant. After lunch, spend some time to wander a little or buy coffee & more in the gift shop. This tour lasts approximately 1 1/2 hours.

The Cappuccino Tour is the same as the classic, but with an espresso presentation and demonstration, with instruction in making that perfect cup of espresso. Add an hour for the demonstration, for a total time of 2 1/2 hours.

The Coffee Lover’s Tour is for those that hunger for even more knowledge and coffee experience. This tour combines the Cappuccino tour with a ride to Tiera Madre, where guests visit the wet mill and enjoy a “cupping”, or coffee tasting. The mill adds an hour to the total time, for a time total of about 3 1/2 hours.

The drama is scheduled daily at 11:00AM, every day, all year long. In high season, from December through April, the show also runs at 3:00PM. All tours, presentations and discussion are conducted simultaneously in English and Spanish. Cafe Britt offers transportation from all of Costa Rica’s hotels, or transportation can be arranged locally. Most cruise lines offer pre-arranged shore excursions that may be purchased onboard.

Helpful Tips

Naturally, given the tropical climate, participants will want to wear cool, light, breathable clothing and certainly good walking shoes. A hat and sunblock are always recommended in tropical climates, too.

Guests should plan to take group transportation, not only for safety, but also for economy and logistics, too. If visiting from a cruise ship, take the excursion offered onboard rather than planning to “go it alone”, as any mishaps could leave passengers stranded. In such circumstances, it is far better to have the cruise line solve the problem.

This tour captures what travel is all about; despite the acting, it introduces visitors to real people and real situations. Sure, it may be a bit campy, but its fun and its real, and if taken for a good time in the volcanic Costa Rican jungle, the Cafe Britt Coffee Tour is well worth the time-and coffee.

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Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

San José & Central Valley, Costa Rica

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The Gran Hotel Costa Rica is a historic hotel located in the heart of San José.

The hotel originally opened in 1930 and has been restored to preserve its historic charm while incorporating modern luxury and amenities.

This property is a great option to start your trip in Costa Rica in a prime location for exploring San José.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Photos of Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton

The rooms have a modern design in an urban style and feature complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar, flat screen TV, air conditioning and coffee making facilities.

The Gran Hotel Costa Rica is a historic hotel located in the heart of San José. This property overlooks the vibrant Plaza de la Cultura and is adjacent to the renowned National Theatre.

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The hotel boasts a rooftop restaurant and bar that provide panoramic views of the city.

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The Gran Hotel Costa Rica features a well-equipped gym.

Tour ideas in San José & Central Valley

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

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Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map, alternative places to stay nearby.

Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

Chayote Lodge

Finca Rosa Blanca

Hotel Grano de Oro

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Experiences while staying here.

The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.

Café Britt Coffee Excursion

Traditionally dressed guides will take you on an interactive tour around the six acres of coffee fields, tropical gardens and coffee processing facilities. The volcanic views from the plantation are spectacular along with those of the Central Valley.

Pacuare River Rafting

This heart-thumping trip takes you along the Pacuare River's grade III and IV rapids, which wind their way through stunning virgin rainforest where a huge diversity of animals, birds and butterflies can be seen along the river's edge.

Rain Forest Aerial Tram

The 2.6 km long ride lasts about 90 minutes and takes you on a fascinating journey through the canopy which is one of the most biologically diverse rainforests in Costa Rica.

San José & Central Valley and nearby places

San José & Central Valley

• El Silencio Lodge 25 miles away
• Turrialba 27 miles away
• San Ramón 29 miles away
• San Gerardo de Dota 32 miles away
• Central Pacific Coast 35 miles away
• Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui 37 miles away
• Manuel Antonio 39 miles away
• Esterillos 41 miles away
• Dominical 50 miles away
• Monteverde Cloud Forest 53 miles away

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COSTA RICAN ORGANIC COFFEE

Whole Bean / 12oz

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COSTA RICAN LIGHT ROAST COFFEE

COSTA RICAN POÁS TIERRA VOLCÁNICA COFFEE

COSTA RICAN TRES RIOS VALDIVIA COFFEE

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Our organic beans are given a medium roast at a level of 6, striking a balance that enhances the inherent flavors of the beans. This roast depth ensures a cup that resonates with all coffee lovers.

Altitude: 1,200 - 1,800 meters

Positioned between 1200 and 1800 meters above sea level, the elevation of the Brunca region offers a unique climate. This heightened altitude provides a slower maturation process for the coffee cherries, enriching the flavors and making each sip distinct.

Regions: Brunca

Cafe Britt's organic beans hail from the Brunca region of Costa Rica. Celebrated for its bountiful biological reserves and fertile volcanic soil, Brunca stands out for producing coffee with clean, complex, and robust flavors.

Flavor Notes: Apple, Laurel

With each cup of Costa Rican Organic Coffee, you’ll taste hints of apple and laurel. The full-bodied coffee also has a fresh-earth aroma that lingers in the mouth. Even the most discerning experts will find these sophisticated flavors an enjoyable drinking experience.

BEHIND THE CUP

What does Organic Certified mean?

When you see an "organic certified" label, such as the USDA Organic seal in the United States, it means that the product has met the strict standards of that certification body and has undergone inspection to verify compliance. Different countries have their own organic certifications, but many share similar principles.

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