Audio Guide of Coffee Estates

Most estates are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We recommend contacting the specific estate you want to visit directly, such as CafeTourCostaRica.com, to confirm opening hours. San Marcos is 2 hours from San Jose via the road to Los Santos.

Tours cost between $25 and $40 USD per adult (2024 prices) and include a coffee tasting and guided tour. Some estates, such as Finca Rosa Blanca, offer premium packages. Children pay a reduced rate (please check each case).

Between 2 and 3 hours on average. This includes: plantation tour (45 min), processing stage (30 min), roasting (20 min), and tasting (40 min). Some estates offer extended tours with a traditional lunch.

San Marcos lies in the heart of the Tarrazu region, famous for high-altitude coffees with chocolate notes and bright acidity. The estates here have been producing coffee sustainably since 1850, playing a key role in the local economy and Costa Rican cultural heritage.

Harvest season (between December and March): you will see the full process in full activity. From April to November there is less tourism, but the landscapes are greener. Any day: arrive early (before 10 am) to avoid afternoon rain.

Some estates, such as Doka Estate, have paved paths. However, many plantations have uneven terrain. Contact +506 2547-0000 directly (Los Santos Tourism Office) for specific recommendations.

We recommend: 1) Coffee Museum in Santa Maria (20 min) museodelcafe.org, 2) Los Quetzales National Park (45 min), 3) Tenedores Viewpoint with views of Cerro de la Muerte, and 4) the Saturday farmers market in San Marcos.

Essential: closed non-slip shoes, a light rain jacket, and cash to buy fresh coffee (many do not accept cards). Optional: camera (for photos in the plantations), sunscreen, and an insulated bag if you buy beans (some estates vacuum-seal them for you).