Sustainable Tourism
at Café de Monteverde

Current technology has revolutionized the way we explore the world, allowing us to access distant destinations and immerse ourselves in other cultures with a simple click. Monteverde, a tourist destination known for its natural beauty, has experienced a significant increase in visitor traffic thanks to these new communication networks.

However, this growth has raised questions about how to regulate visitor influx sustainably in the long term, leading to the concept of Sustainable Tourism or Responsible Tourism coming to the minds of many who want to address this change in an adaptive and dynamic way.

Costa Rica, renowned for its export of Arabica coffee, has maintained a long tradition of coffee farming due to its tropical climatic conditions. While these practices have endured, adaptations have become necessary to face current changes in socio-political, cultural, and environmental contexts.

Café de Monteverde and Finca Life have been experimenting with various aspects of sustainability, focusing on four fundamental pillars:

1. Conservation of the Natural Environment: Preserving the biodiversity and scenic beauty of Monteverde is essential. Ecotourism, through guided trails and bird-watching tours, has allowed visitors to explore these unique ecosystems and support conservation efforts.

2. Engagement in Cultural Activities: Cultural development has flourished in Monteverde due to conservation values. The production of crafts and cultural services, such as traditional cooking workshops, has attracted visitors interested in experiencing the local culture. An excellent example is the well-known restaurant called "La Cuchara de la Abuela" at Casemcoop, Monteverde. This place exemplifies the initiative of local women to play an active role through craftsmanship and traditional cooking, providing economic income for its members.

3. Waste Management: Café de Monteverde has established effective recycling systems and works on giving a second life to materials. They collaborate with the ASADA of Monteverde on organic waste collection and treatment programs.

4. Responsible Consumption: Opting for local foods and products reduces the carbon footprint and supports the local economy. Prioritizing sustainable products has had a significant socio-economic impact on our progress, and every morning, our kitchen team, led by our dear Angelita Sanchez, infuses flavor into dishes mostly made from ingredients produced on our farm.

The conservation of the natural environment and economic diversification are interconnected. By embracing responsible tourism practices, Monteverde not only protects its natural heritage but also builds a sustainable future. Additionally, Café de Monteverde is taking innovative steps toward sustainability through its experimental coffee crop, known as PL13. This initiative aims to find an effective transition to organic coffee production, harnessing the abundant natural resources of Monteverde and the expertise of Life Monteverde. Visitors to our store can now experience the results of this experiment firsthand, as we offer a unique micro-lot coffee from PL13. This coffee allows you to taste the rich flavors of our commitment to sustainable coffee production, further enhancing the link between responsible tourism and the preservation of our natural environment
(our Life Farm Microlot, here)

In summary, Monteverde and Café de Monteverde are at an exciting crossroads where responsible tourism and sustainability converge to preserve natural beauty, promote local culture, and build a sustainable future