Central American Pride: Costa Rica Costa Rica is famous for producing some of the world's finest coffees. This small Central American nation also has one of the widest ranges of micro-climates due to the drastic change in altitude and climate changes over relatively short distances. These differences allow visitors to experience and understand how these climatic factors attribute to flavor differences in the final cup. Visit large scale cooperative farms, single owner plantations and mills in the country known as "the Switzerland of Central America". A country where coffee has been a cornerstone of the democratic stability and economic growth for over a century. Experience the impact of coffee in a country with the highest ratio of coffee produced per citizen. Enjoy the natural splendor of this tropical paradise while gaining a new perspective about coffee.

During the trip we will visit and experience:

• Several well known and historic coffee estates including the Poas, Tarrazu and Tres Rios growing regions.
• A diversity of microclimates in the region and their effect on growing conditions, processing techniques and quality issues.
• Costa Rica's largest coffee cooperative with over 2,300 associates.
• Miramar, home of one of two solar powered coffee dryers in existence.
• Coffee Kids project in conjunction with the Coocafe Coffee Cooperative the north western province of Guanacaste.
• Small organic style farming, "eco-beneficio" (eco-mill) technology.
• Cuppings of coffees from the regions visited.
• Famous La Lucha coffee bag industry, from plantation to factory.
• The award-winning Coffee tour de Cafe Britt - a lively multi-media presentation following coffee's history in Costa Rica and around the world.

  Special Informative Sessions to include:

• A presentation by officials from the Center of Investigations of the
• Institute for Coffee to learn about current developments in the area of hybrids and disease control, from what is considered to be a top investigative resource in coffee cultivation.
• Grading and classifications of Costa Rican coffees.
• A discussion of government and industry roles in certification, promotion and quality control of Costa Rican coffees.
• Optional meeting with representatives from equipment manufacturers Bendig and Pinhalense.