Hacidenda Alsacia – Starbucks Coffee Farm
Costa Rica has six active volcanoes, including the majestic Poás Volcano. Nestled on the fertile slopes of this volcano is the Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia, a coffee farm with a stunning location that significantly influences the flavor profile of the coffee beans grown there.
A visit to Starbucks Hacienda Alsacia is a must in Costa Rica. This open-air gem is more than just a coffee farm—it’s a destination. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a tranquil spot to savor a cup of coffee, the farm’s unique location, innovative practices, and stunning surroundings make it an unforgettable experience. Even if you don’t want to read the rest of this post, you should at least look at the pictures. KWIM?
The nutrient-rich volcanic soil, combined with the region’s ideal climate, enhances the beans’ quality, resulting in a distinctive and exceptional taste.
The café serves a selection of classic coffee drinks, light entrees, and pastries, perfect for a leisurely meal or snack.
The on-site shop offers a variety of coffee-related souvenirs, including exclusive Starbucks coffee blends that are only available at Hacienda Alsacia. Visitors can take home a piece of their experience, whether a bag of freshly roasted coffee beans or unique Costa Rican handicrafts.
Starbucks (corporation) acquired Hacienda Alsacia in 2013, marking its first and only coffee farm. Since then, it has become a center of innovation, particularly in developing new Arabica coffee tree varieties. These varieties are specifically engineered to resist devastating diseases like coffee rust, ensuring coffee production’s future sustainability and resilience.
Visitors to Hacienda Alsacia can dive deep into the world of coffee by booking a coffee experience tour. For $30 per adult and $20 for locals, guests explore the farm, learn about sustainable coffee practices, and see the coffee-making process from start to finish.
However, even if you choose not to take the tour, you can still enjoy your favorite Starbucks coffee at the open-air café, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Costa Rican landscape.
When To Visit
Anytime would be a great time to visit! However, be aware that Costa Rica has a rainy season, typically from the beginning of May until the end of November. (We went in March 2024 and it was perfect!)
How To Get There
This is a great question and one that I cannot answer. We booked a driver through Go Jaco Shuttle and were picked up at our hotel in Alajuela and driven to the Starbucks plantation as well as La Fortuna. The roads are curvy and quite intimidating to a lot of us gringos. It was worth the expense of hiring a pro.
Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast eager to learn more about the cultivation process or simply looking for a serene spot to enjoy a delicious brew, Hacienda Alsacia should definitely be on your wish list when visiting Costa Rica.
Resources
- Paos Volcano – Smithsonian Institute | Global Volcanism Program
- Starbucks – Hacienda Alsacia
- Go Jaco Shuttle – This is who we used to take us to Starbucks, Manuel Antonio, and back to Alajuela.
