381-Hectare Sixth-Generation Coffee Estate in Heredia

Purabá / Zetillal

Description

This exceptional coffee plantation represents one of Costa Rica's most storied agricultural estates, spanning 381 hectares across two distinct farms in the volcanic highlands of Heredia Province, northeast of San José. The property comprises Farm 1 (250 hectares) and Farm 2 (131 hectares), each independently viable and saleable, complete with a fully equipped, first-class coffee processing facility. HERITAGE AND TRADITION The farms are rooted in remarkable family heritage, with coffee cultivation dating back to 1876 when a family member planted the first coffee tree by hand. Now in the hands of the sixth generation, the estate maintains the same commitment to excellence that defined its origins. These are not merely commercial operations—they are living monuments to Costa Rica's coffee legacy, cultivated by families whose expertise and dedication span generations. COFFEE QUALITY AND TERROIR The plantations produce premium SHB (Strictly Hard Bean) estate arabica coffee, renowned for its exceptional cup quality. The elevation of 1,250 to 1,600 meters above sea level creates ideal growing conditions: the high altitude ensures a slow ripening process that allows beans to develop complex acidity, full body, and distinctive sweet aroma. The region's volcanic soils are deep and mineral-rich, providing optimal nutrition for coffee plants. Cool temperatures (18–23°C) and ideal rainfall patterns (2,200 mm annually) create a microclimate that rivals the world's finest coffee regions. COFFEE VARIETIES The estates are planted primarily with Caturra and Catuai varieties, both recognized for outstanding cup quality. The family has also introduced rust-resistant varieties such as Obatá and Catiguá to modernize the plantation while maintaining quality standards. This forward-thinking approach balances tradition with agricultural innovation. PROCESSING EXCELLENCE The on-site processing plant employs the wet method, the gold standard for preserving coffee quality. The process begins with hand-picking ripe cherries, followed by careful pulping that separates flesh from beans while preserving the parchment layer. Beans are then dried in mechanical cylindrical dryers (Guardiolas) to precisely 12% moisture, rested for eight weeks, and finally hulled, screened, graded, and sorted for export. Every step is meticulously monitored to ensure quality is never compromised. SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP The estate operates with a profound commitment to environmental preservation. Coffee is planted in contour lines following natural terrain to prevent soil erosion and protect watersheds. Processing waste is fully recycled: cherry pulp becomes organic fertilizer, parchment waste fuels the dryers, and all processing water is treated, purified, and responsibly released. This holistic sustainability model demonstrates that premium coffee production and environmental integrity are not merely compatible—they are inseparable. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The owners prioritize the well-being of farm workers and their families, providing free housing, utilities, and access to medical services, education, and sports facilities. Workers earn some of the highest wages in the global coffee industry, reflecting the estate's recognition that quality coffee is built on the dignity and security of those who cultivate and process it. LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY Located in the heart of Heredia's prestigious coffee region, the property benefits from proximity to Costa Rica's capital while remaining nestled in pristine mountain terrain. The volcanic highlands provide both natural beauty and agricultural superiority, making this an investment in land that has proven its value over more than a century. This is more than a coffee plantation—it is a legacy property that combines agricultural excellence, environmental responsibility, cultural heritage, and investment potential in one of the world's most respected coffee-growing destinations.