Certified Sustainability, Lived Daily

Los Volcanes holds the highest level of sustainability certification available in Costa Rica—but Miguel and Jeanette didn't do it for a certificate. They did it because they live on this land. Their kids play in these fields. Their grandchildren will (hopefully) take over someday. The farm has achieved the highest level possible in sustainability certification, using organic shade-grown methods that protect the surrounding rainforest and maintain soil health for future generations. No shortcuts. No chemical fertilizers. Just volcanic soil, careful tending, and time.

The Tradition of the Chorreador

If you visit the farm, Miguel will set up a demonstration of the chorreador—the traditional Costa Rican pour-over method that his grandmother used. It's beautifully simple: a wooden stand with a cloth filter (called a bolsita) suspended over a cup. Hot water poured through ground coffee, dripping slowly into an enamel mug. The word means 'to pour coffee,' and that's what it does; a bolista or a small cloth sock is pushed through a hole in a wooden stand, filled with ground coffee, and poised over the cup. No fancy equipment needed. Just good coffee, hot water, and patience.