Coffee, the beloved beverage that fuels mornings around the world, has a rich and surprising history in Costa Rica. The story begins in 1791, when Costa Rica was a struggling Spanish colony plagued by poverty and disease. The then-governor, José Vázquez y Téllez, sought ways to revive the economy through agriculture. He reached out to Agustín de Gana, a Portuguese merchant based in Panama, who played a crucial role in introducing coffee to the country.
De Gana sent two arrobas (about 50 pounds) of coffee seeds via the ship Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, which sailed from Panama to Puntarenas. The seeds were then transported to Cartago, the colonial capital, where they were distributed among local farmers. This marked the first official introduction of coffee to Costa Rica, a crop that would later transform the nation’s economy.
The Role of Tomás de Acosta and the Growth of Coffee
After Vázquez y Téllez, Tomás de Acosta became governor in 1797 and played a key role in promoting coffee cultivation. Recognizing its potential, he successfully petitioned the Spanish Crown to exempt coffee from taxes for ten years (1804), encouraging farmers to expand their plantations.
Initially, coffee was grown in small household gardens, but by the early 1800s, it became a cash crop. The first documented coffee plantations appeared in San José and Heredia, and by 1816, records show that even priests like Félix Velarde Umaña owned coffee fields.
Coffee’s Economic Boom in the 19th Century
The real turning point came after Costa Rica’s independence in 1821. The government actively encouraged coffee farming by offering free land to those willing to cultivate it. By the 1840s, coffee had become Costa Rica’s primary export, surpassing cacao and tobacco.
A pivotal moment was the arrival of Captain William Le Lacheur, an English merchant who established trade routes between Costa Rica and Europe. His ships transported Costa Rican coffee directly to Liverpool, opening up lucrative European markets. This trade brought wealth, infrastructure improvements, and even cultural exchanges—European goods, books, and ideas flowed into the country, shaping modern Costa Rica.
Coffee’s Legacy in Costa Rica
By the late 1800s, coffee had funded:
The construction of roads, ports, and railways
The establishment of schools and hospitals
The rise of San José as the capital
The building of the Teatro Nacional, a cultural landmark that still stands as a testament to coffee’s legacy.
Today, Costa Rican coffee is renowned worldwide for its high quality and rich flavor, thanks to the country’s ideal climate and volcanic soil. The tradition that began with a few seeds in 1791 has grown into a national symbol of pride and prosperity.
Modernization and Global Recognition
In the 20th century, Costa Rica’s coffee industry modernized with new processing techniques and sustainable farming practices. The country gained international recognition for its high-quality Arabica beans, especially those grown in renowned regions like Tarrazú, Tres Ríos, and the Central Valley. The establishment of the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) in 1933 further strengthened the sector by promoting research, quality control, and support for growers.
Today, Costa Rica’s coffee is celebrated globally for its excellence. Coffee remains a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage, even as the economy diversifies and tourism and technology sectors expand.
José Vázquez y Téllez, sought ways to revive the economy through agriculture. He reached out to Agustín de Gana, a Portuguese merchant based in Panama, who played a crucial role in introducing coffee to the country.
After Vázquez y Téllez, Tomás de Acosta became governor in 1797 and played a key role in promoting coffee cultivation. Recognizing its potential, he successfully petitioned the Spanish Crown to exempt coffee from taxes for ten years (1804), encouraging farmers to expand their plantations.
The building of the Teatro Nacional, a cultural landmark that still stands as a testament to coffee’s legacy.
