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GUANACASTE COFFEE-GROWINNG REGION

Characteristics:

Coffee is grown in small areas throughout this region comprised of the Alajuela, Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces. The climate is very hot, especially in summer when temperatures exceed 30°C (86º°F). Coffee is grown in mountainous regions where temperatures are cooler, typical of the region’s ranges: the Central Volcanic and the Guanacaste mountain ranges. 

There are two distinct seasons: dry and rainy, except in San Carlos and Sarapiquí where the rainy season is extended and light rains occur even in the summer. Annual precipitation in Guanacaste and Puntarenas provinces is 2,250 millimeters (89 inches) and 3,500 millimeters (138 inches) in the Sarapiquí and San Carlos areas. 

Coffee production ranges from 50,000 to 70,000 fanegas (1 fanega = 400L) per crop.  A large proportion of beans are Pacific type characterized by small, hard, open fissure beans with an exquisite aroma. A lesser amount, cultivated in the Sarapiquí and San Carlos areas, are Atlantic type. In general, coffee growers in this area are small producers. 

Elevation and Soils:

The soil type of the Guanacaste Region is primarily andisol, of volcanic origin, known for its high fertility and excellent structure.  In Sarapiquí and San Carlos inceptisol soils at the mid to high elevations and ultisol soils at the lower elevations are found as well, although to a lesser extent. Just as in other coffee-growing regions in Costa Rica, Caturra and Catuai varieties of Arabica species predominate, of which some 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) are cultivated. 

Harvest:

In the Sarapiquí and San Carlos regions, coffee ripens earlier due to climatic conditions resulting in a more diluted harvest extending from July to December.  In Guanacaste and Puntarenas ripening is more even and is concentrated from October to February. 

Around 85% of production is shade-grown with Erythrinas, Musaceas, Ingas or Guabas predominating as well as fruit species, exotic woods and regional natives. This type of production, known as Sustainable Coffee growing, is performed using sound agricultural practices.   

This clean, environmentally harmonious concept is characterized by the responsible treatment of solid and liquid wastes that result from processing. The coffee is dried with environmentally-friendly methods using solar energy and sun-drying patios.

Sub Regions:

The Guanacaste area is divided in three sub-regions:  San Carlos and Sarapiquí located between 600 and 900 meters (1,968 - 2,953 feet) above sea level, the Nicoya Peninsula consisting of the Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz and Nandayure Cantons with elevations from 600 to 1000 metros (1,968 – 3,280 feet) above sea level and the region composed of Abangares and Tilarán Cantons in Guanacaste, and Monte Verde and Montes de Oro in Puntarenas, with an elevation 600 to 1,350 meters (1,968 – 4,429 feet) above sea level. 

Organoleptic Characteristics: 

The combination of soil, climate, elevation and coffee varieties of the Guanacaste region result in a smooth coffee with a cup well-balanced between body, aroma and acidity that make this coffee especially popular among fine-coffee lovers.