The Coffee Shortlist: 9 San Jose Coffee Tours

1.Hacienda Doka Coffee Experience Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 315 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $35Our pick

At Doka Estate near San Jose, you’ll follow coffee from plant to packaged bean, learn old brewing methods, sample coffee and chocolate, and walk the natural trails and butterfly garden. The tour lasts about 75 minutes, costs $35, and may include a look at the sugar mill, though that portion is not always operating.

“Lovely plantation - we enjoyed the tour very much. Staff was very knowledgeable about the coffee process. We learned a lot!”

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2.Poás Volcano and Coffee Tour with Tasting and La Paz Falls

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 137 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $105

Travel from San José into Costa Rica’s cool mountain country for Poás Volcano, a Doka Estate coffee tour with tasting, and a short La Paz Falls stop. Guides such as Nela, Marcela, and Victor have been praised for local insight. Expect an early start, shared transport, changing weather, and plenty of time on the road.

“I definitely recommend this tour if you’re staying in San Jose. It’s a great way to see the volcanic crater, the waterfall, and so many local sites in one day. However, I would like to note, breakfast is NOT included in this tour, you must pay on your own. I didn’t take any stars away for they because it was a great experience, I just want future travelers to be prepared to spend no more than $10 per person on a nice local breakfast. Do go on this tour and enjoy, I recommend!”

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3.A taste of Aquiares – 2 hours Coffee Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $42Top rated

Spend two hours in Aquiares, 7 kilometers north of Turrialba, learning how coffee moves from seed to cup. Your guide leads you from the village church through the coffee fields and agronomy, then into the mill for roasting and cupping. Tours run at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., with tasting, tea, and entry fees included.

“It was very informative and fun. Learned a lot and the lunch was fabulous. I highly recommend this tour and we are not much on tours usually.”

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4.Britt Coffee Tour from San José

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $83

From San José, visit Britt Coffee for a guided look at seedlings, roasting, and coffee cupping. You’ll taste coffee and chocolate, help roast a sample, enjoy lunch, and browse the shop. Guides such as Luis, Apa, and Chos are known for lively presentations. Roundtrip hotel transport is included, with groups capped at 25.

“It was only us on the tour for pickup which was great. The tour guide/driver was very friendly. The tour was good they tried to translate for us the information, gave a tour of the factory and the process of coffee, gave samples of different coffee and we had lunch. The food was good.”

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5.Poas Volcano + Coffee tour + Waterfall tour day from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 52 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $149

Travel from San José into the cool highlands for Poás Volcano, coffee country, and a waterfall stop. You’ll see the crater, learn how coffee moves from nursery to roaster, and have lunch included. Hotel pickup, national park fees, bottled water, and a driver-guide are covered, with groups capped at 15.

“You get just enough time at the volcano and waterfall! The coffee tour was pretty cool, and the guide there was very informative.”

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6.Poas Volcano + Coffee Plantations & La Paz Waterfall Gardens Trip from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 50 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $199

Spend a full day above San Jose with a coffee lesson at Doka, a chance to view Poas Volcano, and four hours at La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Breakfast, buffet lunch, transport, and hotel pickup are included. Guides such as Edgar, Daniel, Fran, and Oscar are praised for their humor and care, but weather and traffic can change the day.

“We had a great time on this day tour from San Jose! Edgar was our guide and Daniel was our driver. Edgar was very entertaining and informative. Stayed with the group throughout each stop and ensured no one was ever left behind. The Doka coffee stop had delish coffee and was relaxing. We had a beautiful clear morning and had perfect views of the Volcano crater. We were actually higher than the clouds and that was awesome! We stopped at a strawberry place where we sampled some super fresh strawberries, wine and cheese. Amazing! Finally we went to the La Paz Waterfall Garden and that was breathtaking. FYI there are…”

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7.Horseback our Hacienda – 4 hours Coffee Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $65

Spend four hours in Aquiares, north of Turrialba, riding through coffee fields and forest with guides Andrew, Christian, or Wilman. Meet your horse, visit a waterfall and Ceibo Lookout, tour the coffee mill and church, then enjoy coffee and local fruit. The small group has a maximum of five people.

“Everything was as described the best part for me was the waterfall and the dinner but please note that the dinner isn’t included with the tour you’ll have to request it after tour but they do have drinks and fruits that you may have before and after your tour starts that’s included with tour they treated me like I was at home I really enjoyed it and would definitely come back.”

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8.Super Combo Tour: Waterfalls Gardens + Coffee Tour + Poás Volcano

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 39 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $199

Start early from San José for breakfast and a guided coffee tour at Doka Estate, then visit Poás Volcano before exploring La Paz Waterfall Gardens. You’ll see rescued wildlife, hummingbirds, five waterfalls, and enjoy lunch. Guides such as Erick, Daniel, Hayro, Gary, Adrian, and John have been praised for friendly, informative service.

“This was definitely one of the best tours I’ve been on. The guide was AMAZING, so full of knowledge and professional. He really made the trip spectacular. The sights were so beautiful!! I really enjoyed every minute. Well worth it and highly recommended.”

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9.Doka Coffee Tour, Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Day Trip from San Jose

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 35 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $184

Spend about 10 hours exploring three San José area highlights: a guided Doka coffee plantation visit, active Poás Volcano, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Hotel pickup, breakfast, buffet lunch, transport, and a guide are included. Guides such as Max, Martin, Rachel, Victor, and Erik have been praised for clear explanations and personal attention.

“I had a wonderful time The tour guide made it a great experience I would recommend this tour and tour guide”

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