“A Sip of Paradise: Coffee Tourism in Costa Rica”
By Matthew D.
Once upon a sun-kissed morning in San Jose, Maria, an expat retiree and an avid coffee enthusiast, embarked on a journey to explore the heart of Costa Rica’s coffee culture. Her itinerary promised a blend of caffeine-induced excitement, wellness, and beachside relaxation.
Tio Jose Coffee & More Farm
Maria’s first stop was the Tio Jose Coffee & More Farm near the Poas Volcano. As she wandered through the slopes of the volcano, she marveled at the family-owned estate that had been thriving since the 1920s. The air was thick with the scent of coffee blossoms, and Maria learned about the meticulous process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee beans. She savored a mug of freshly brewed coffee, its warmth unfurling within her veins like the delicate dawn.
Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia
Next, Maria ventured to the Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia, a place where global coffee meets local charm. Here, she explored the vast coffee fields, their emerald leaves shimmering in the sunlight. Knowledgeable guides shared stories about sustainable farming practices and the journey from bean to cup. Maria immersed herself in the act of plucking ripe coffee cherries, sensing the intimate link between the soil and the eventual brew.
Hacienda Doka: A Symphony of Aromas
At Hacienda Doka, Maria immersed herself in the symphony of coffee aromas. The tour led her through the entire process: from pulping the cherries to sun-drying the beans. She watched as skilled artisans roasted the beans to perfection, their laughter echoing in the rustic courtyard. Maria took a sip of Doka’s signature brew, its flavor pirouetting across her taste buds like a gentle tropical rain shower.
Wellness Retreat in the Cloud Forest
Yearning for tranquility, Maria escaped to a wellness retreat nestled in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Surrounded by mist-shrouded trees, she practiced yoga on a wooden deck, her breath syncing with the forest’s rhythm. The retreat’s spa offered coffee-infused treatments, and Maria indulged in a rejuvenating coffee scrub. With eyes gently shut, she envisioned coffee beans murmuring ancient forest secrets.
Guanacaste’s Golden Sands
Finally, Maria’s journey led her to the sun-kissed beaches of Guanacaste. She dipped her toes into the Pacific Ocean, the waves carrying away any remnants of stress. With a cup of iced coffee in hand, she watched the sunset—a canvas of oranges and pinks—while the salty breeze tousled her hair. The coffee, akin to a steadfast companion, accompanied her as the day dissolved into a night adorned with twinkling stars.
And so, Maria’s coffee tourism adventure in Costa Rica wove together the earthy richness of coffee, the serenity of wellness, and the salty embrace of the sea. As she returned to her home in San Jose, she carried not just memories of the beautiful country she now calls home, but also a newfound appreciation for the magic that happens when beans meet passion.