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The Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the art of coffee production nestled within the scenic slopes of Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano. The 90-minute guided tour takes guests through the entire process, from seedling cultivation to meticulous roasting. With a stellar reputation and nearly universal acclaim, this immersive experience promises to captivate coffee enthusiasts and provide insights that may just change the way you savor your morning brew.
Key Points
- Hacienda Alsacia serves as Starbucks’ global agronomy headquarters, offering an immersive tour of sustainable coffee production from nursery to roasting.
- The tour includes hands-on exploration of the coffee-making process, including the wet mill, sun-drying patio, and roasting machine.
- Visitors can engage in educational activities, taste farm-fresh coffee, and purchase coffee beans during the 90-minute personalized tour experience.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows service animals, with convenient access to public transportation.
- The tour is rated 4.9 and recommended by 98% of travelers, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Costa Rica.
Overview of Hacienda Alsacia
Nestled on the slopes of the Poás Volcano in Alajuela, Costa Rica, the Hacienda Alsacia is Starbucks’ global agronomy headquarters.
This scenic 240-hectare coffee farm is less than an hour from San Jose and 15 km north of the Alajuela Justice Courts.
The Hacienda Alsacia serves as a hub for Starbucks’ coffee research and development, where they explore sustainable farming practices and innovative coffee-making techniques.
Starbucks’ global agronomy headquarters, the Hacienda Alsacia, is a hub for coffee research and development of sustainable farming and innovative techniques.
Visitors can enjoy the world of coffee production, from the nursery to the roasting machine, and gain a deeper appreciation for the journey from bean to cup.
Coffee Growing at Hacienda Alsacia
At Hacienda Alsacia, visitors can witness the meticulous process of coffee cultivation. The tour explores the farm’s nursery, where coffee seedlings are carefully tended. Guests then observe the wet mill, where harvested cherries are pulped, fermented, and washed. The drying patio showcases the next step, where beans are dried in the sun. Finally, the roasting machine demonstrates the final transformation into the fragrant coffee guests enjoy.
| Stage | Activity | Duration |
|——-|———-|———-|
| Nursery | Seedling cultivation | 6-12 months |
| Wet Mill | Pulping, fermentation, washing | 12-36 hours |
| Drying Patio | Sun-drying | 7-21 days |
| Roasting | Roasting beans | 15-30 minutes |
The tour provides an immersive look at the dedication and expertise required to produce the world-class coffee at Hacienda Alsacia.
The Coffee Production Process
The coffee production process at Hacienda Alsacia is a meticulously orchestrated endeavor, where each step is carefully executed to ensure the creation of the farm’s renowned coffee.
Visitors witness the journey from tree nursery to wet mill, where cherries are washed, pulped, and fermented.
The drying patio comes next, where beans are slowly dried under the sun.
Finally, the roasting machine transforms the beans into the fragrant coffee that’s served at the on-site cafe.
Through this immersive experience, guests gain a deep appreciation for the dedication and expertise behind every cup of Hacienda Alsacia coffee.
Visitor Experience and Highlights
Visitors to the Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour consistently rave about the informative and enjoyable experience.
The 4.9-rated tour, recommended by 98% of travelers, offers an educational deep dive into coffee production from bean to cup.
Guests highlight the engaging, hands-on exploration of the farm’s tree nursery, wet mill, drying patio, and roasting machine.
Coffee tastings and the option to purchase farm-fresh beans further enhance the unique experience.
Many describe it as a must-do activity for any visit to Costa Rica, praising the tour’s ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of the coffee-making process.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour is wheelchair accessible and allows service animals, making it an inclusive experience for all visitors.
It’s also conveniently located near public transportation, allowing easy access for travelers. Confirmation is received upon booking, but note that the activity is non-refundable upon cancellation.
Only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized tour experience. The 90-minute tour explores the coffee-making process, from the tree nursery to the roasting machine, with opportunities to taste the final product at the on-site cafe.
Truly a unique and accessible coffee adventure in Costa Rica.
Dining at the Hacienda Alsacia Cafe
What can visitors expect from the on-site cafe at Hacienda Alsacia?
The cafe serves a variety of coffee beverages crafted with the farm’s own beans, offering a unique dining experience alongside the tour.
The menu features classic Starbucks drinks as well as creative seasonal offerings not found in other locations.
Visitors can savor the flavors of the estate’s specialty coffees while taking in the scenic surroundings of the Poás Volcano.
The cafe provides a perfect opportunity to continue the educational experience and purchase bags of the farm’s expertly roasted coffee to enjoy at home.
Purchasing Coffee From the Tour
One of the highlights of the Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour is the opportunity to purchase the estate’s expertly roasted coffee beans.
Visitors can browse a selection of whole bean and ground offerings, including:
- Hacienda Alsacia Blend
- Single-Origin Poás Volcano
- Limited-Edition Micro-Lots
- Decaf Sustainably Sourced
- Espresso-Roast Whole Beans
The on-site cafe provides a convenient spot to stock up, with knowledgeable staff on hand to offer recommendations and guidance.
Guests can even have their purchases shipped worldwide, extending the Hacienda Alsacia experience long after their tour concludes.
Getting to Hacienda Alsacia
Reaching Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks’ global agronomy headquarters, is a straightforward journey. Located less than an hour from San Jose, the scenic 240-hectare coffee farm sits 15 KM north of Alajuela Justice Courts on the slopes of Poás Volcano.
| Getting There | |
| — | — |
| By Car | Just a short drive from Alajuela |
| By Bus | Multiple routes available from San Jose |
| By Shuttle | Convenient hotel pickup options |
Whether traveling by car, bus, or shuttle, visitors can easily access this unique Starbucks coffee experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush coffee country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times of Year to Visit the Tour?
The best times to visit the tour are during the dry season from December to April when the weather is mild and sunny. Visitors can enjoy the scenic grounds and coffee production process without the rain.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is allowed during the tour. Visitors are encouraged to take photos to capture the experience and scenic coffee farm throughout the 90-minute guided exploration of the coffee growing and making process.
Can Visitors Interact With the Coffee Farm Workers?
Visitors can interact with the coffee farm workers during the tour. They can ask questions and learn directly from the workers about the coffee production process and the farm’s operations.
Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Tour?
The tour has safety measures like accessible paths and guides to ensure visitors’ well-being. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and follow instructions to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Can Visitors Extend Their Stay After the Tour?
Yes, visitors can extend their stay after the tour. The cafe on-site offers a unique dining experience, and the scenic 240-hectare coffee farm provides opportunities for further exploration and relaxation.
The Sum Up
The Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Tour provides an immersive coffee experience set against the stunning backdrop of the Poás Volcano. Visitors can explore the entire coffee-making process, from seedling cultivation to roasting, while enjoying engaging tastings and educational insights. With a high traveler recommendation, the tour is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of the art of coffee production.
