Although bananas are the main export of Costa Rica, most people are far more interested in the country’s second-most-important export crop: coffee. Café Britt is one of the leading brands here, and the company has put together an interesting tour and stage production at its farm, which is 20 minutes outside of San José. Here, you’ll see how coffee is grown. You’ll also visit the roasting and processing plant to learn how a coffee “cherry” is turned into a delicious roasted bean. Tasting sessions are offered for visitors to experience the different qualities of coffee.
There is also a restaurant and a store where you can buy coffee and coffee-related gift items. The entire tour, including transportation, takes about 3 to 4 hours. Allow some extra time and an extra $10 for a visit to their nearby working plantation and mill. You can even strap on a basket and go out coffee picking during harvest time. The folks here offer several full-day options that combine a visit to the Britt Farm with a stop at Poás Volcano, the Butterfly Farm , or the Rain Forest Aerial Tram Caribbean. They’ve also begun offering mountain bike tours in the Heredia hills above their farm, ending with lunch or refreshments at their restaurant.