Coffee Tour Britt | Heredia

The Coffee Tour Britt is one of the most popular and immersive coffee tours in Costa Rica, offering visitors an in-depth look at the coffee production process, from the farm to the cup. The tour is hosted by Café Britt, a Costa Rican coffee company known for its high-quality, award-winning coffee. The tour takes visitors through the coffee plantation, showcasing the entire journey of coffee beans, from cultivation to roasting and brewing.

Overview:

• Name: Coffee Tour Britt (Café Britt Coffee Tour)
• Location: The tour is conducted at Café Britt’s headquarters in Barva, Heredia Province, located just about 30 minutes north of San José.
• Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
• Established: Café Britt was founded in 1985, and the coffee tours have been a key part of their operations for many years, becoming a popular tourist attraction for coffee lovers.
• Focus: The tour educates visitors about the history, culture, and process of coffee production in Costa Rica, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices and local craftsmanship.

Key Features of the Coffee Tour Britt:

1. Coffee Plantation and Fields:

Visitors are guided through lush coffee fields, where they learn about the growing conditions of Arabica coffee in Costa Rica’s highland regions. The coffee plants are cultivated in the volcanic soil of the Central Valley, which provides the ideal environment for coffee production.

• Coffee Planting: Visitors see the different stages of coffee plant growth, from young saplings to mature plants. The guide explains the importance of altitude, climate, and soil composition in producing high-quality coffee beans.
• Harvesting: The tour explains how coffee cherries are harvested, either by hand-picking or through mechanical harvesting, depending on the farm's practices. Visitors can even participate in picking coffee cherries during the harvest season (usually between October and March).

2. Coffee Processing:

After harvesting, the coffee cherries must undergo a series of steps to turn them into the beans that are roasted and brewed. The Coffee Tour Britt explains the various methods of coffee processing, including:

• Wet Process: The tour shows how the pulp of the cherries is removed, and the beans are fermented, washed, and dried.
• Dry Process: In some cases, the whole cherries are dried with the beans still inside, a traditional method often used in dry climate regions.

Visitors learn about the importance of time and temperature in each stage of the processing to ensure high-quality beans.

3. Roasting Process:

One of the highlights of the tour is the visit to Café Britt’s roasting facility, where visitors can watch as the coffee beans are roasted to perfection. The process of roasting is critical in developing the flavor profiles of the coffee, and Café Britt emphasizes the art and science behind the process.

• Roasting Demonstration: Guests observe how beans are roasted in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. The guide explains the role of roasting in creating different coffee flavors, such as light, medium, or dark roasts.
• Aromatic Experience: The roasting process creates a rich aroma that visitors can enjoy while learning how various roasting techniques influence the final taste of the coffee.

4. Tasting and Brewing:

At the end of the tour, visitors are treated to a coffee tasting session (also known as a cupping session), where they get to try a variety of Café Britt coffees brewed in different styles. This is an opportunity to experience the unique flavors of Costa Rican coffee and appreciate the subtle differences in taste profiles based on the region, varietal, and processing method.

• Tasting Stations: The tasting section allows visitors to sample different types of coffee and learn how to taste and evaluate coffee, understanding characteristics like acidity, body, and flavor notes.
• Brewing Demonstration: A professional barista demonstrates how to brew the perfect cup of coffee using various methods, such as pour-over, French press, and espresso, allowing visitors to see the brewing techniques in action.

5. Cultural and Educational Experience:

The Coffee Tour Britt is not only about coffee but also offers a glimpse into the culture and history of coffee in Costa Rica. The tour highlights:

• Coffee’s Role in Costa Rican Society: Coffee has played a significant role in the history and economy of Costa Rica, and the tour educates visitors about the legacy of coffee cultivation in the country.
• Sustainability: Café Britt emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices in coffee farming, focusing on eco-friendly methods and fair trade principles that support local farmers and protect the environment.

Additional Highlights:

• Coffee Shop and Souvenir Store: At the end of the tour, visitors can enjoy a coffee at the Café Britt café, where they can relax and take in the surroundings. The gift shop sells various coffee-related products, including whole bean coffee, coffee accessories, and Costa Rican souvenirs.
• Corporate Coffee Gifts: Café Britt also offers a variety of corporate gift options, including gift baskets, which can be personalized with the company’s branding.

Practical Information:

Location:

The Coffee Tour Britt is located in Barva, Heredia, about 30 minutes from San José. It is easily accessible by car or taxi. The tour is also close to other popular attractions like Poás Volcano National Park and La Paz Waterfall Gardens, so it’s a great addition to a day trip.

How to Get There:

• By Car: The Coffee Tour Britt is easily reachable by car from San José, following Route 1 (Inter-American Highway) north. There are signs along the way directing visitors to Café Britt.
• Public Transportation: Public buses to Heredia pass near the tour location, but the easiest way to visit is by private car or taxi.
• Tour Packages: Many hotels and tour operators in San José offer transportation and guided tours to the Coffee Tour Britt, which may include additional stops at nearby attractions.

Admission Fees:

The cost of the tour varies depending on the time of year and the type of package (e.g., group or private tours). Prices typically range from $30 to $40 USD per person. It’s recommended to check the official website for current pricing and to book tickets in advance.

Tour Hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed (unless by special arrangement)

Best Time to Visit:

The tour operates year-round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (from December to April), when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. However, the tour is an excellent experience at any time of the year.

Why Visit Coffee Tour Britt?

For coffee enthusiasts or anyone interested in Costa Rica’s coffee culture, the Coffee Tour Britt offers a unique and educational experience. It provides an opportunity to explore the complete coffee production process, from the plantation to the roasting process. It is also a great way to learn about sustainability in coffee farming and gain insights into Costa Rica’s rich agricultural history. Whether you're looking to taste freshly brewed coffee, learn from expert guides, or enjoy the scenic surroundings of the coffee farm, this tour is a must-do activity for any visitor to Costa Rica.