Costa Rica holds a pristine reputation when it comes to coffee. Costa Rican beans are considered to be some of the best to come out of Central America. Coffee from the Tarrazu region is particularly esteemed, thought by many to be some of the best in the world. Despite being a relatively small country, Costa Rica has a variety of distinct coffee growing regions. The common denominator? High elevations. Costa Rica is home to extensive and widespread mountain ranges. 

There are dozens of options out there for coffee from Tarrazu alone! With such variety, it can be tricky to know which beans are worth your time. Not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of our 6 best Costa Rican coffee brands to help you decide!

If you're struggling to pick, give Cumbres del Poas Coffee a try! 

We said before that Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee to come out Central America. This is a fairly bold statement, as the rest of Central American offers some seriously stiff competition.

Guatemala and Nicaragua produce a wide range of high quality beans, and Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is very frequently placed atop connoisseurs best coffee lists.

So what makes Central American coffee so good? There are of course, a number of factors that contribute to great coffee. 

One of the most notable things that Central America has going for it is climate. Central America sits just north of the equator, which means it is situated well within the ideal latitude range for coffee growth.

Another major contributing factor is elevation. Vast mountainous ranges spread throughout Central America allow for the growth of coffee to occur at high altitudes. High grown coffee benefits from a longer maturation process, leading to a more developed taste profile.

Following the Central American trend, Costa Rica is comprised of an extensive network of mountainous regions. The majority of Costa Rican specialty coffee is grown between 1200-1700 meters (4000 - 5600 feet).

Volcanoes offer a consistent source of nutrient rich soils. Factor in the healthy number of volcanoes in Costa Rica and you end up with some seriously top notch coffee growing conditions!

So we’ve established that Costa Rica is home to some ideal coffee growing conditions, it’s now time to take a look at some specific growing regions!

Tarrazu is the most well known growing region in Costa Rica and is considered to produce some of the best coffee in the world. Tarrazu is nestled within a mountain range that is elevated 1200 meters (4600 feet) at its lowest point!

The name Tarrazu has come to be associated with a high quality bean. As there are many different estates and farms within Tarrazu, there exists a large variance in coffee taste profile. There are also numerous Tarrazu coffee products to choose from. We’ve included a few Tarrazu beans in our list below!

Unfortunately, when it comes to Costa Rican coffee, the average consumer may only have heard of Tarrazu. Make no mistake, Tarrazu coffee is incredible and worthy of all of the praise that it receives. BUT there are a number of other regions that are very much worth your attention.

Some of these fine regions include Monteverde, Tres Rios and La Amistad. Each provides a distinct flavor profile that deserves to be given a chance to shine! Our 6 best Costa Rican Coffee brands list contains entries from several worthy areas beyond that of Tarrazu!

As previously mentioned, Costa Rican coffee taste profiles can be quite varied. That being said, you can expect at least a few of the following aspects to be present;

The history of coffee in Costa Rica is closely tied to the country's economic and social development. Coffee cultivation in Costa Rica began in the early 19th century and has played a significant role in shaping the nation's economy and culture.

Coffee was first introduced to Costa Rica in the late 18th century, but it was not until the early 19th century that commercial coffee production took off. The country's fertile volcanic soils, favorable climate, and suitable altitudes provided ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.

Coffee cultivation initially gained traction in the Central Valley region, particularly in areas such as Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago. The coffee plantations thrived, and Costa Rica soon became known for producing high-quality Arabica coffee.

The government played a crucial role in promoting coffee production and supporting the industry's growth. In 1821, Costa Rica gained independence from Spain, and coffee became an essential export commodity. The government offered incentives to farmers, including land grants, tax exemptions, and subsidies, which encouraged the expansion of coffee plantations.

Costa Rica's coffee industry experienced rapid development and saw a shift towards small-scale coffee farming. Unlike other countries where large plantations dominated, Costa Rica embraced a model of small landholdings, with many farmers cultivating coffee on modest plots of land.

The 19th century was a prosperous period for Costa Rican coffee. Coffee exports brought significant wealth to the country, allowing for the development of infrastructure, such as roads and railways, which facilitated transportation and trade. Coffee became the main source of revenue and contributed to the growth of cities like San José.

During this time, Costa Rica gained a reputation for producing high-quality coffee. The country's commitment to coffee quality led to the establishment of the Coffee Institute of Costa Rica (ICAFE) in 1933. ICAFE focused on research, improving production techniques, and promoting sustainability within the coffee industry.

In the late 20th century, Costa Rica faced challenges such as declining international coffee prices and competition from other coffee-producing countries. However, the country's commitment to quality and sustainability allowed it to maintain its status as a respected coffee producer.

Today, Costa Rica is known for its specialty coffee production. The country's diverse microclimates and growing regions contribute to the production of unique coffee flavors and profiles. Costa Rica continues to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in its coffee industry. Many farmers employ environmentally friendly practices, such as shade-grown coffee and organic farming methods.

Coffee tourism has also gained popularity in Costa Rica, with visitors having the opportunity to visit coffee farms, learn about the production process, and participate in coffee tastings. The country's coffee heritage remains an integral part of its culture, and coffee continues to be an important economic driver and source of pride for Costa Rica.

As promised, here are our 6 best Costa Rican coffee brands. We’ve included a good variety of beans from a range of origins. We believe that our list has something for everyone, take a look!

And there you have it. Hopefully one of these Costa Rican coffees has caught your interest!

What is your favorite Costa Rican coffee? Let us know!