Costa Rica Coffee Lab & Field Experience 2027
21- 28 February 2027
Experience Costa Rica's coffee scene like never before with Grounds Coffees.
Over the course of the trip, you’ll visit coffee farms, micro-mills, and local producers, learning firsthand about the journey from cherry to cup.
This trip includes a 2-day hands-on coffee production training: you’ll get your hands dirty alongside pickers, explore fermentation and drying techniques, and taste coffees straight from the source.
CULTURAL BACKGROUND
The history of coffee in Costa Rica dates back to the late 1700s, when it was first introduced from the Caribbean. By the early 1800s, the government actively encouraged coffee production by giving away land and seeds to farmers. This decision shaped the country’s future.
By the mid-19th century, coffee had become Costa Rica’s leading export, generating wealth that funded infrastructure such as roads, railways, and even cultural landmarks like the National Theater.
Unlike many other countries, Costa Rica developed a system centered around small and medium-sized farms rather than large plantations, which helped create a strong and relatively equitable middle class.
During our origin trip, we re-visit the history of the country in order to understand the coffee industry in Costa Rica is built.
HANDS ON COFFEE TRAINING
Imagine spending two full days at Don Alexis Coffee, not just watching, but rolling up your sleeves and experiencing every stage of the coffee harvest. That’s exactly what our Origin Trip training offers: from tending and nurturing the plants, to picking cherries, drying beans, and preparing them for export. You’ll see the entire journey of a coffee bean firsthand, and gain a new appreciation for the care, skill, and patience that goes into every cup.
During the training, you’ll confront the realities of coffee harvesting: the hard work, the precision, and the effort required at every step and understand why fair recognition and sustainable practices for farmers are so important. This immersive experience goes beyond theory, giving you direct insight into the human, environmental, and economic story behind each bean.
By the end of the two days, you won’t just know about coffee you’ll have lived it, strengthened connections with producers, and developed a deeper respect for the craft.
Join us on the Origin Trip, and discover the story, the skill, and the remarkable coffees that come from true hands-on dedication.
Don Alexis is renowned for their expertise in fermentation processes and is also exploring F-1 Hybrid varieties.
This is a unique opportunity to understand the craft and dedication behind specialty coffee, while connecting with the people who make it possible.
DRY MILLING
At the heart of every great coffee is careful handling after harvest, and Tesoros del Café Dry Mill is where the journey nears its final chapter. Here, the freshly dried coffee beans undergo meticulous cleaning, hulling, sorting, and grading, the final steps that ensure only the highest-quality beans are ready for export.
This stage is more than just processing; it’s where attention to detail preserves the unique flavors and character developed on the farm. Every bean is handled with precision, ensuring that the story of the farmer, the land, and the harvest reaches the cup exactly as it was meant to.
From farm to dry mill to shipment, Tesoros del Café represents the last touchpoint before coffee begins its journey to roasters around the world, making it a crucial step in delivering excellence in every cup.
Tarrazú
Travel to the Tarrazú Region (so called the Champagne coffee region of Costa Rica)
We're traveling to Finca Las Mercedes, another real coffee experience. We will stay at typical coffee farm house "casona" from the 1900's. The farm has been producing coffee for more than 90 years. They now use what they call productive shadow on their plantations, also cultivating avocado which generates more that 50% of the income of the farm.
cafe la cumbre
Visit Café La Cumbre farms, 4th generation coffee producers. In 2021 they built their own processing plant. Minor and Nancy now run the farm and in 2023 have just started to build direct trade relationships with their micro-lots through Grounds.
Café La Cumbre owns their own wet and dry-mill, having control over the whole process and therefore ensuring the highest quality!
After the Origin Trip, the adventure doesn’t have to end. Participants are free to travel back at their own pace or continue exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. From misty volcanoes and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and charming towns, there’s plenty of time to soak in the beauty, culture, and coffee-growing regions that make this country so extraordinary!
What our fellow travelers say
This was an incredibly beautiful and, above all, special trip that I had the privilege to experience, thanks to Annelise. I gained so much more appreciation that I carry with me every day to my work. Everything was so well organized that each day felt like a new adventure! The overnight accommodations were beautiful and also very adventurous.
For anyone who works with coffee every day, this is something you should see, feel, and experience. A true eye-opener!
-Jolien Wijnmalen- Spot On Coffee Roasters
Join the Journey: Pricing Details
€1.900 p/p
Taste, Explore, Learn, Enjoy
The Full Coffee Adventure
Join us for an unforgettable coffee adventure in Costa Rica, where every detail is designed to immerse you in the world of specialty coffee:
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Accommodation- 7 nights (sometimes individual and sometimes shared rooms)
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All main meals
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Internal Travel. We have rented a mini-van and will be traveling through 2 different coffee regions in Costa Rica
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Entree tickets when necessary
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Translators (We speak Spanish-English-Dutch)
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Guides through different plantations - see the differences from one farm to the other
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Training and all educational material – learn directly from experts
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Coffee farm visits – meet the farmers and see production firsthand
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Hands-on practicals – from picking to processing
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Cuppings (get your spoon ready!)– taste coffees straight from the source, for beginners or experts
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Local guides & cultural visits – learn the Costa Rican coffee culture
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Great coffee, local culture, and fun along the way!
Please note:
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Flights to and from Costa Rica are not included, this gives everyone flexibility to vacation before or after our organized trip.
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The final day-to-day itinerary will be shared shortly before the trip.
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We do not profit from organizing this trip, our goal is to connect roasters to origin, make it as smooth, fun, and educational as possible. And of course Annelise has all the local cultural knowledge she's happy to share with you!
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Space is limited to 8 people, a true small-group experience.
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Having your own travel insurance is required.
Want to join us? Send an email to: annelise@groundscoffees.com