Costa Rica — Tesoros Volcánicos

Coffee has been part of Costa Rica’s identity for more than two centuries. First planted in the late 1700s, coffee became central to the nation’s agricultural economy by the 1820s. Early and consistent investment in infrastructure helped Costa Rica establish itself as a powerhouse in both quality and exports, setting the stage for its reputation in specialty coffee today.

The country is home to eight primary growing regions: Central Valley, West Valley, Guanacaste, Tres Ríos, Turrialba, Orosí, Brunca, and Tarrazú. Each carries distinct characteristics, though Costa Rican coffees are often recognized for being bright, lemony, mild-bodied, and easy to drink. In recent years, producers have increasingly distinguished themselves through microlots, innovative varieties, and experimental processing, including honey processing, which was first developed in Costa Rica.

Tesoros Volcánicos (“Volcanic Treasures”) is a regional blend that brings together the harvests of smallholder farmers across the West Valley, Brunca, and Tarrazú regions. By combining lots from multiple producers, the blend achieves a balanced representation of Costa Rica’s hallmark cup profile, with added complexity and depth.

Cultivated at elevations between 1,200-1,800 meters, the coffee is primarily Caturra and Catuai, two classic Central American varieties well suited to the country’s volcanic soils. The result is a coffee that embodies the rich tradition of Costa Rican cultivation while highlighting the collective efforts of its smallholder producers.

Like coffees from neighboring Guatemala and Honduras, Costa Rican lots often show a balance of brightness and approachability, but what sets Costa Rica apart is its long-standing emphasis on quality infrastructure and innovation at the farm level, making it one of the most consistent origins in Central America.

Profile

• Roast: Light-Medium

• Region: West Valley, Brunca, Tarrazú

• Farm: Regional smallholder producers

• Process: Washed

• Elevation: 1,200-1,800m

• Varieties: Caturra, Catuai

• Cup: Cinnamon, Roasted Pine Nut, Granny Smith Apple