If you’re visiting Sámara and want to experience something beyond the beach, the Diriá Coffee Tour is one of the most rewarding day trips in Guanacaste. You’ll leave the coast behind, head into the hills, and get a hands-on look at how Costa Rican coffee goes from seedling to cup.
Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
What is the Diriá Coffee Tour?
The Diriá Coffee Tour takes you to a working coffee farm in the mountains of Guanacaste, near the town of Santa Cruz. Costa Rica is one of the world’s premier coffee-producing countries, and this tour gives you direct access to the process — from planting and harvesting to roasting and tasting.
It’s a guided, intimate experience. You’re not walking through a museum exhibit — you’re on a real farm, talking to real producers.
Transportation from Sámara is included
One of the best parts of booking through Book with Maria: we handle the transportation. Pickup and drop-off from Sámara is included in the tour price. No need to rent a car or figure out how to get there on your own.
The drive from Sámara takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour through scenic Guanacaste countryside — worth the trip on its own.
What you’ll see and do
During the tour you’ll walk the coffee farm with a guide who explains every stage of production. Expect to learn about:
- The difference between varieties of coffee grown in Costa Rica
- How altitude and soil affect the flavor of the bean
- The harvesting process and what makes a ripe coffee cherry
- How the beans are processed, dried, and roasted on-site
- The cupping (tasting) process used by professionals
The tasting at the end is the highlight for most visitors — you’ll try coffee that was roasted the same day, which is a completely different experience from anything you’ll find in a grocery store.
Who is this tour for?
The Diriá Coffee Tour works well for a wide range of visitors. You don’t need to be a coffee fanatic to enjoy it — curiosity about Costa Rican culture and agriculture is more than enough. It’s a good fit for:
- Couples looking for something different from beach activities
- Families with older kids who enjoy learning experiences
- Coffee lovers who want to go deeper than a café visit
- Anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and Costa Rican traditions
The terrain is gentle and the pace is relaxed. It’s not a strenuous hike.
How long is the tour?
The full experience, including transportation from Sámara, is approximately a full morning or half-day. Plan for around 4 to 5 hours total from pickup to drop-off.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (light hiking shoes or sneakers work fine)
- Light layers — the farm is in the hills and can be cooler than the coast
- Sunscreen and a hat for the walk outdoors
- A camera — the views from the farm are worth it
- An open mind and an appetite for good coffee
How to book
Book directly through Book with Maria. We’re a local tour agency based in Sámara and we handle the full experience — transportation, guide, and coffee tasting included. Booking directly means you get personal attention and local knowledge that larger platforms can’t offer.
You can reserve your spot on the Diriá Coffee Tour here.
Final thoughts
Costa Rica’s coffee culture is something most tourists only scratch the surface of. The Diriá Coffee Tour from Sámara is one of the best ways to go deeper — and with transportation included, it couldn’t be easier to fit into your trip.
If you have questions before booking, reach out. We’re happy to help you plan the perfect day in Guanacaste.
