Javi the Frog shopping Britt Coffee bags
If you're like me, you love a good cup of coffee! There is just something comforting about sipping on some java, and Costa Rica is home to the best gourmet blends in the world in my humble opinion. While there are several coffee tours that teach you about harvesting and the process of getting the bean into your cup, one of my favorites is the Britt Coffee Tour that takes place just north of downtown Heredia. Since 1991, nearly 1 million visitors have toured the working plantation and roastery. As the original Costa Rican coffee tour, there's no better place in Costa Rica to visit if you're a caffeine fiend! I had so much fun during my experience at the coffee plantation - I just couldn't wait to share my story with you.
A bit of background
Founded in 1985, Cafe Britt brought the world of gourmet coffee to Costa Rica. Because of the ideal Costa Rica weather in the region and perfect soil, the coffee beans grown here were some of the best in the world. But the folks at Cafe Britt wanted to also make sure that they were creating blends with top-notch equipment while still being environmentally responsible.
Javi the Frog with Cafe Britt bags
And the tour begins
For anywhere from one and a half to four hours, you'll get to explore the wonderful world of coffee. Just stepping on the land, you can smell the sweet scent of coffee! The people here are passionate about what goes into the cup, and they treat it as an art form which is one reason why Cafe Britt is considered to be one of the finest places (especially aromatically) around.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person
During my visit, I got to see the coffee bush nursery and toured the entire sustainable coffee plantation. Then, the tour goes through the roastery where you might just feel like you get a caffeine jolt from the scent in the air. After learning about the wet mill process that takes place, you'll finally be able to sip some of the scrumptious blends created here at a professional cupping, or coffee tasting.
If you are a diehard coffee fan, the coffee lover's tour is the way to go! You get to learn some of the best practices for brewing the perfect cup in your own home from professional baristas you'll never look at a cup of Joe the same again! But if you are in the mood for a full day of nature and coffee, you should check out the combination tour that takes you through the magnificent butterfly gardens before the coffee plantation tour.
Cafe Britt has harvested and brewed organic coffee since the beginning, and each bag of coffee now has the official label of organic and fair trade, which is great news for animals like me!
Javi the Frog doing professional coffee tasting, Heredia
Don't forget the coffee Bar
Once you're done with your tour, you must stop in the factory store and coffee bar where you can purchase factory-priced coffee and enjoy the beautiful gardens that surround it. The expert baristas will create a unique design in your latte, and then you can sit outside and enjoy the pleasant breeze while listening to traditional Costa Rican music. If you are traveling through Costa Rica and don't want to lug around your coffee for the trip, they will ship it right to your doorstep.
Bring the whole family
You may think that a coffee plantation is no place for children, but it's actually a great family-friendly excursion. The folks at Britt put on a giant puppet show that depicts ancient Costa Rican folklore, as well as a quirky skit about the history and culture of the country.
Javi the Frog at the begining of the tour at Cafe Britt Coffee Tour, Heredia
