Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
Starbucks' only owned coffee farm, offering a 'seed to cup' experience with stunning views and research innovation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Starbucks' only owned coffee farm, offering a 'seed to cup' experience with stunning views and research innovation.
"This is more than just a Starbucks — it’s a destination worth visiting. "
Book Tours Online
Tours are reservation-only. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred language. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The farm is hilly! Be prepared for inclines and declines on your exploration. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Seed to Cup' Tour
Visitor Center
Witness the entire coffee-making process, from bean to brew, with expert insights and a tasting session.
The Scenic Starbucks Cafe
Hillside overlooking the farm
Enjoy world-class coffee with breathtaking views of the lush coffee plantation and a waterfall.
Coffee Nursery and Research Center
Farm grounds
See where Starbucks innovates and researches coffee agronomy to ensure a sustainable future for coffee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tours Online
Tours are reservation-only. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred language. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The farm is hilly! Be prepared for inclines and declines on your exploration. :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Views
The scenery is stunning! Take time to soak in the plantation views from the cafe.
Try the Local Coffee
Savor coffee made from beans grown right on the farm – it's a unique experience! :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tours Online
Tours are reservation-only. Book in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred language. :ticket:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The farm is hilly! Be prepared for inclines and declines on your exploration. :athletic_shoe:
Enjoy the Views
The scenery is stunning! Take time to soak in the plantation views from the cafe.
Try the Local Coffee
Savor coffee made from beans grown right on the farm – it's a unique experience! :coffee:
Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. Explore the farm, enjoy a coffee, and appreciate the surroundings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hacienda Alsacia for its educational 'seed to cup' tours, knowledgeable guides, and the unique experience of tasting coffee grown on-site. The stunning scenery, particularly the waterfall and the hillside Starbucks cafe, is a major highlight, offering a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. While some note the hilly terrain, the overall consensus is that it's a highly recommended destination for coffee lovers and anyone visiting Costa Rica.
"This was the best tour ever !! I learned so much, loved our guide, she was super nice and knowledgeable. It was beyond my expectations, loved the experience a lot, I highly recommend ! We had drinks at the end of the tour and there’s a souvenir shop. Perfect place for a Starbucks fan 🤩"
Rachel Therrien
"Starbucks Alsacia is Starbucks’ first and only coffee farm in Costa Rica, serving as its global hub for research, development, and innovation. This working farm features a visitor center, a coffee nursery, and a research facility, offering a “seed to cup” experience for visitors and training for Starbucks staff. Tours are available daily by reservation only through online booking, with sessions in Spanish and English at different times. Our expert guide, Daria, shared insights on coffee farming, harvesting, drying, and selecting premium beans, along with Starbucks’ efforts to support local farmers. The tour concludes with a coffee tasting. The site also hosts the most significant and unique Starbucks café in the country, providing a stunning view of the coffee farm, where you can buy coffee beans and enjoy a top-tier café experience—highly recommended when visiting Costa Rica!"
Patrick Min
"Hacienda Alsacia is surprisingly interesting for a Starbucks-owned coffee farm. You can see the full process up close – how the beans are washed, dried, sorted, and prepared – and at the end of the tour you can taste the coffee grown right there. The views from the hillside are great, and the café has an open, relaxed farm atmosphere. If you like places like this, our channel is called Spotlight To Me."
Mercedes Màrok
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hacienda Alsacia is located in Alajuela, Costa Rica, about 50 minutes from the SJO airport. Many visitors arrive by taxi or ride-sharing service. If driving, be aware the roads can be winding and hilly.
Public transport options might be limited and time-consuming. Renting a car or using a taxi/ride-share is generally more convenient for reaching the farm.
A taxi or a pre-booked shuttle is recommended for a direct and comfortable journey from San Jose. The drive typically takes around 50 minutes.
Yes, there are parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive to the farm.
The farm is quite hilly, which might pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the farm directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tours at Hacienda Alsacia are available by reservation only. It's highly recommended to book your tour online in advance to secure your spot.
The farm and visitor center are typically open daily, but specific hours for tours and the cafe can vary. It's best to check the official Starbucks Coffee Farm website for the most up-to-date information.
Tour prices can vary. The best way to get current pricing and book is through the official Hacienda Alsacia website.
Yes, tours are offered in both Spanish and English at different times throughout the day.
Yes, you can visit the Starbucks cafe to enjoy coffee and food with a view, even if you don't participate in a guided tour.
🎫 ☕ Coffee Experience
The 'seed to cup' experience involves learning about the entire coffee journey, from planting and harvesting to processing, roasting, and finally, tasting the coffee.
The tour typically concludes with a coffee tasting where you can sample the freshly brewed coffee from the farm, appreciating its unique flavors.
Yes, you can purchase exclusive coffee beans grown and processed at Hacienda Alsacia from the souvenir shop and cafe.
The coffee here is exceptionally fresh and often features unique roasts or single-origin beans from the farm, offering a distinct taste.
It's grown, processed, and roasted on-site, allowing for meticulous quality control and a direct connection to the origin of your cup.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Absolutely! The lush green plantation, the waterfall, and the scenic cafe offer numerous picturesque spots for photos.
The cafe area provides stunning panoramic views of the coffee fields. Many visitors also enjoy the vistas from various points along the walking paths.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged throughout the farm, allowing you to capture the beauty of the coffee cultivation process.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the greenery, while late afternoon offers softer light and potentially stunning sunsets over the hills.
The cafe is perched on a hillside, offering expansive views of the coffee plantation and a picturesque waterfall, making it a unique Starbucks location.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the tour, the scenic views and the unique Starbucks cafe offer a pleasant environment for everyone to relax. Pack snacks and drinks for little ones, though food and beverages are available for purchase. The souvenir shop also offers fun mementos.
☕ Coffee Aficionados
The 'seed to cup' tour is incredibly informative, detailing every step of the process, and the coffee tasting at the end is a highlight, allowing you to savor the farm's unique beans. Beyond the tour, the opportunity to purchase exclusive beans directly from the source is a major draw. Enjoying a meticulously prepared coffee at the scenic cafe, with views of the plantation, offers a unparalleled experience.
📸 Instagrammers & Photographers
Aim for morning or late afternoon light to get the best photographic results. The winding, hilly paths also offer interesting perspectives. Don't forget to get a shot of your coffee with the plantation as a backdrop!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Starbucks Innovation
Visitors can get a glimpse into this vital work, understanding the dedication Starbucks puts into sourcing and improving its coffee. This commitment extends to training Starbucks partners (employees) from around the globe, teaching them about coffee from its very origins. The farm is a living laboratory, constantly experimenting with new techniques and varietals to enhance the quality and sustainability of coffee.
It's a place where the company's passion for coffee is tangible, from the soil to the final cup. A 'Seed to Cup' Educational Journey
The 'seed to cup' experience offered through guided tours is a highlight for many. You'll follow the journey of a coffee bean, learning about everything from planting and nurturing seedlings in the coffee nursery to the meticulous processes of harvesting, washing, drying, and sorting the beans.
Beyond the Beans: Scenery and Serenity
The Starbucks cafe itself is a major draw, often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. Perched on a hillside, it provides breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling coffee plantation.
Practicalities for a Pleasant Visit
Visitors should be prepared for the hilly terrain of the farm. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll likely be navigating inclines and declines.
While tours require advance booking, enjoying the cafe and its views is often possible without a reservation, though it's always wise to check their official website for the latest information. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit