Golden Bean Coffee, Scenic Drive & Lunch

OVERVIEW

Venture into the lush mountains of Turrialba for a full-day immersion into Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee culture. Your journey begins with a scenic drive through rolling hills and valleys before arriving at Aquiares Estate, the country’s longest-running coffee plantation, founded in the late 19th century. Take a guided walk through the plantation to see coffee plants at various stages of growth, learn about traditional cultivation techniques, and enjoy sweeping views of the valley from the scenic lookout point. Continue with a fascinating tour of the estate’s historic coffee mill, where you’ll watch the drying, processing, and roasting of premium beans destined for coffee lovers worldwide. After your tour, savor a fresh cup of coffee and shop for estate-grown beans and blends to take home. Your visit concludes with a short walk to the nearby Aquiares community hall, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch in a serene mountain setting before returning to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel through the scenic Turrialba Valley, one of Costa Rica’s most famous coffee-growing regions.
• Explore Costa Rica’s longest-running coffee estate and see how coffee is cultivated and processed.
• Visit the estate’s historic mill to watch coffee beans dried, milled, and roasted.
• Sample freshly brewed coffee and purchase premium beans to take home.
• Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch in the heart of a charming mountain community.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes; the plantation includes dirt trails and uneven terrain.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and water for the walk.
• The hike to the scenic lookout involves approximately 200 steps but is optional.