cafes· Birding· Cloud Forest· Coffee
Aquiares
A community where culture, agriculture, and conservation are deeply intertwined
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Turrialba
A community where culture, agriculture, and conservation are deeply intertwined
Aquiares is a historic coffee destination nestled on the misty slopes of Turrialba Volcano, where the name itself—meaning 'land between rivers' in the Huetar language—reflects its geography between two river valleys. The centerpiece is the storied Aquiares Estate, established in 1890 and still producing some of Costa Rica's finest specialty coffee while welcoming visitors through its lush grounds. Here, cool highland air mingles with the aroma of roasting beans, and guided tours reveal both the agricultural heritage and the rich biodiversity of this remote coffee region. The surrounding landscape offers dramatic volcanic views and excellent opportunities for hiking through cloud forest terrain where quetzals and other highland birds thrive.
Explore the 1890-established Aquiares Estate through guided coffee tours that cover cultivation, harvesting, roasting, and cupping, then walk through coffee fields and forest to reach Aquiares Waterfall. Hike cloud forest terrain and use coffee agroforestry corridors for birdwatching—over 130 species including quetzals, toucans, and hummingbirds are recorded here. The volcanic slopes and mist create dramatic terrain; best hiking and volcano views occur December–April when conditions are drier, while November–February overlaps with coffee harvest season if you want to see active production.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Aquiares December–April for the clearest skies and best quetzal visibility, though morning mists are still common at this 1,200m elevation. May–November brings lush green season with peak coffee harvest (September–November), excellent birding despite frequent afternoon rains, and fewer tourists—arrive early morning (6–8am) before clouds roll in for optimal cloud forest conditions and wildlife spotting.
What Changes Through The Year
Dry Season (Dec–Apr)
December–April brings drier weather with clearer volcanic views and better hiking conditions through cloud forest terrain.
Green Season (May–Nov)
November–February coincides with coffee harvest season, allowing visitors to observe active harvesting and production processes across the estate.
Getting There
From Turrialba town (approximately 15-20 km away), drive southeast toward Aquiares. The route involves winding mountain roads through the Turrialba region. From San José, take the Pan-American Highway toward Cartago, then continue to Turrialba before heading to Aquiares.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
“Aquiares Estate tours operate on a limited schedule and advance reservations are essential—same-day visits are rarely possible. The coffee processing schedule varies seasonally, so visiting during harvest season (September-December) provides the most active agricultural experience.”
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Scenic Drives
A 37-kilometre valley loop through coffee terraces, colonial churches, and four ecosystems
Viewpoints
One of the most dramatic and iconic highland regions
Hidden Gems
Impossibly blue river deep in Tenorio Volcano
Camping
The most biologically intense place on Earth — no services, no shade, no compromise
Hiking
Network of cloud-forest hiking trails around San Gerardo de Dota and the upper Río Savegre
Living traditions near this place
🏔️ Mountain Foodways
Follow the dairies where Costa Rica's only PDO cheese is made
🫘 Harvest Life
The sights, aromas, and flavors of freshly processed sugarcane offer a glimpse into rural Costa Rican life
🏔️ Mountain Foodways
Pan dulce and chiverre steam in the oldest city in Costa Rica
🏔️ Mountain Foodways
Four hours minimum, sold until it runs out — the Sunday institution of the highlands