“Coffee, the favorite drink of the civilized world.”
Thomas Jefferson
Have you ever wondered what it really takes for us to have a cup of java in our hands?
Happiness in a cup Credit: Q99
I sure have! That is why I decided to find out by booking a coffee tour a few years ago.during my first visit to Tiquicia as the locals call this gem in Central America.
I invite you to come along and learn all about coffee at a plantation. Go on a Tour of Doka Estate in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Located about 45 minutes away from the Costa Rican capital, San José, the plantation is on the skirts of Poás Volcano. The ride there is quite lovely and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
Upon arrival, a guide greets visitors at the entrance
Entrance to the Estate
and then taken to the area where it all starts, the seedbeds.
Cool beans on the sidewalk
Seeds growing
Coffee plants ready to be moved to a parcel of land and grow
Did you know that some seeds are imported from Kenya and plants take around 4 to 5 years to grow?
Costa Rica has rich volcanic soil, different climates and altitudes which are important factors and determines how the coffee will taste.
After the plant has grown, it is then transplanted into the ground and nature takes care of the rest!
Our guide explained to us that when the coffee grains turn red they are ready to be picked manually. It is the sign that they are ripe and ready to move on to the next step.
Green and ripe coffee cherries
After the ripe grains have been harvested, they are taken to the coffee processing plant where they are washed in order to be classified, 1st or 2nd quality.
Coffee processing by hydraulic system
If they are first quality the grains will sink and if they are second they will float.
Coffee processing
Next they are brought outside to the Sun Drying station, where they will dry out naturally.
Tour guide & coffee expert
Then coffee beans are spread out in rows
Coffee beans in rows
and raked manually every few hours
Under the Costa Rican sun
After soaking up the sun for a few days, and up to a week, grains are stored indoors
Dried coffee in storage
Afterwards they are put in sacks and
they are ready to be peeled then roasted!
There is a roasting plant on site and it is called
Café Tres Generaciones
The final process can be observed and different roasts are available for sampling.
Credit: Doka Estate
Of course you are welcome to taste the products before you buy a bag or two or three that you can bring back!
Credit: Doka Estate
You can also buy a typical cup and cloth filter to have a “chorreado” or drip coffee right in the comfort of your own home!
Preparing a cup of coffee the old-fashioned way
Needless to say, I found it truly fascinating! I was ve happy and grateful to have learned so much about the history of coffee as well as going through entire process with the help of an expert guide.
If you ever go to Costa Rica I highly recommend a visit to a coffee plantation. It will definitely make you appreciate your daily cup of liquid gold so much more!
I hope you enjoyed the Tour of Doka Estate in Costa Rica!
Now I’m turning it over to you…
Tell us…
Would you ever go on a coffee tour?
Have you been on one?
Where was it?
If not, where would you like to go?
Tell us all about it in the comments below.
Until next time…
Many happy travels, felices viajes and stay caffeinated!
All the best,
Kay 😉
Traveller Soul 