Day Tripping from Atenas: Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
- Dennis J. Easters
- Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
- +506-8854-7721
Once you’ve settled into your new life in Atenas, it won’t take long before you’re ready to explore everything this dynamic little town and its surroundings have to offer. And believe me — you’ll quickly become the envy of friends and family back home.
Since we first moved to Atenas in 2007, Gerardo and I have hosted countless guests from around the world. Costa Rica may be small, but it’s a country overflowing with incredible day-trip options. That said, after your tenth or twentieth visit to the same favorite destinations, even the most seasoned hosts start looking for something new — a fresh adventure to share.
This past summer, after back-to-back visits from friends and clients, we found ourselves in that very position. Then we remembered the Hacienda Alsacia Coffee Farm — Starbucks’ global research and development center located near Alajuela. Many of our clients had raved about it since it opened in 2013–2014. To be honest, I had been hesitant; if you know me, you know I tend to shy away from anything corporate or overly commercial. But, running low on new ideas, we decided to give it a try.
To my surprise, the experience was authentic, educational, and beautifully presented. Our tour guides were local experts whose knowledge ran deep — not a single question seemed to stump them. The tour begins with a fascinating overview of the history of coffee in Costa Rica and the coffee “belt” that circles the globe. Starbucks’ focus here is sustainability: funding research and supporting local farmers to ensure the future of coffee production and inspire the next generation to continue the craft.
The walking tour leads you through the life cycle of coffee, from seed to mature plant. You’ll stroll along the plantation trails, learn about different varieties under cultivation, and — if you visit during harvest season — even have the chance to pick ripe cherries straight from the branch and taste their natural sweetness. (Fun fact: the coffee we drink is actually the roasted seed of that cherry.)
Along the way, guides explain the labor-intensive process of harvesting, the people behind the work, and how Starbucks provides fair support to its laborers. After a stop at a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the valley and plantation below, you’ll continue downhill to learn about how coffee is measured (in cajuelas and fanegas), processed, and dried.
Traditionally, beans were sun-dried on open terraces, turned frequently throughout the day — a process still used today, though many producers now employ wood-fired or electric dryers to achieve precise moisture levels. Once dried, beans are sorted, graded, and either roasted on-site or sold as green beans to larger roasters.
The tour concludes at the Hacienda Alsacia Café, a stunning open-air pavilion overlooking the plantation, waterfall, and mountains beyond. Here, you’ll witness the roasting process firsthand before settling in for a professional tasting session. Your guide will lead you through a “cupping” experience — explaining the aromas, flavor notes, and texture of different roasts, and how to taste coffee properly on the palate.
The café also features a beautiful coffee bar and gift shop, offering both local souvenirs and Starbucks Reserve blends, all within an atmosphere that feels relaxed yet sophisticated. The entire experience takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours — and our guests, like us, were thoroughly impressed.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the official website:
👉 www.starbuckscoffeefarm.com
And for those who prefer something a little closer to home — and more locally grounded — stay tuned for my upcoming article on El Toledo Coffee Tour, an organic, family-run operation right here in Atenas. You can learn more at cafeateniense.blogspot.com.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re searching for a retirement retreat, a vacation villa, or an investment opportunity, our team is here to make your Costa Rica real estate journey seamless.
Explore our luxury property listings to find your dream home in the world’s best climate and start living the lifestyle you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Dennis Easters
Real Estate Broker
+506-8854-7721
Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
