Hacienda La Chimba in Santa Ana, Costa Rica: A Coffee Journey Close to San José.
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Hacienda La Chimba is a coffee plantation in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, near the capital of San Jose. The coffee hacienda provides visitors with an opportunity to see first-hand how coffee is grown and processed. Besides coffee, this estate boasts a 9-km (5.6 miles) trail with photography stops, canopy tours for thrill-seekers, and a restaurant serving traditional local dishes.
Getting to Hacienda La Chimba
By Car
Getting to Hacienda La Chimba by car is easy. The farm is only 16.5 km (10.2 mi) from downtown San Jose, taking about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
The entire road to the hacienda is well-maintained and paved, which makes it suitable for all types of vehicles.
When you arrive at Hacienda La Chimba there will be plenty of free parking so no need to worry about where to leave your car.
Directions:
By public transportation
Getting to Hacienda La Chimba by public transportation is also quite easy from San Jose. Start at the Coca Cola bus terminal in San Jose. Buses leave from there to Santa Ana every 10 minutes, so you can start your trip at any time.
Once you are in downtown Santa Ana transfer onto the bus going to Calle la Chimba. This bus departs once per hour.
Once you get off at Calle La Chimba there will be a short walk left, about 300 meters (984 ft), to the entrance of Hacienda La Chimba. The path is clear and easy leading straight up to the hacienda’s main gate.
If want a more comfortable ride then Uber or DiDi or taxi are available. A one-way trip from San José to the hacienda usually costs between ¢7,000 – ¢11,300.
Entrance Fee & Opening Times
Hacienda La Chimba offers several activities for visitors, each with specific schedules and reservation requirements.
The trails of the hacienda are open daily from 5:30 to 14:00. This is perfect for early birds or people who have some other activity planned for later in the day.
Besides trails, the hacienda has a Canopy and High Ropes Tour which can be done from Monday to Sunday between 9:00 to 15:00. The Coffee Tour operates on same schedule and gives detailed look into coffee making process.
Reservations are easy and needed for all activities just send a message via WhatsApp to secure your spot.
There is no general admission fee to access Hacienda La Chimba. Visitors pay according to the activities they want to do. You can choose only an activity or combine it with a meal package – either breakfast or lunch. Prices may vary so it is a good idea to contact the hacienda directly to confirm the final price.
Payment is accepted upon arrival and can be paid by cash or credit card.
Things to do at Hacienda La Chimba
Hiking
Hiking at Hacienda La Chimba begins once the entrance fee is paid. On arrival, the staff will show you a map and explain the hiking route.
The estate has an exceptional trail named Mantra Trail that is 9 km long (5.6 miles). You may choose to hike the whole route or a 5 km (3.1 miles) trek depending on your time and fitness level. There are many places along the path where you can take nice pictures and have a quick rest as well.
This trail is considered intermediate to advanced level, in fact many people visit this place as part of their training to climb Chirripó, the highest peak in Costa Rica.
I hiked the Mantra Trail with my father, who is in his 70s. It wasn’t easy, but we took our time, stopping often to rest. We decided to complete only the first 5km (3.10 miles), as it was almost noon and we planned on having lunch at the hacienda restaurant.
For those who can’t hike, there is an ATV Tour at the hacienda which takes you to the hacienda’s most famous photo stops as well as a replica of a small colonial village, but take into consideration that this tour costs about $170 and lasts 1 hour.
Coffee Tour
The Coffee Tour at Hacienda La Chimba is more than just a walk through the coffee production stages; it’s a cultural journey too.
This tour not only shows you the steps of coffee production, but also takes you through a replica of a colonial town, a time when coffee cultivation was the main driver of Costa Rica’s economy and culture.
This interactive tour is accessible for all ages, and the guides will explain how coffee is made and there will be a tasting of different types of coffee.
Canopy Tour & High Ropes
At Hacienda La Chimba, the Canopy Tour and the high ropes course offer adventure near San Jose.
There are 11 different elements in the high ropes course each one with its own difficulty. From swinging bridges to rope nets and swings, for all levels.
Also, the Canopy Tour at the hacienda includes an extensive setup with 8 zip lines, 4 trails, and 2 suspension bridges that will allow views of the Central Valley.
Restaurant
The main restaurant opens daily from 8:00 until 17:00 pm serving various dishes highlighting traditional Costa Rican flavors all while overlooking surrounding forest and coffee plantations.
El Gato is a bar located in the middle of the forest, that specializes in cocktails. This place gives a unique opportunity to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty around.
Personally, I loved the food at the restaurant, it had a very homemade taste. It is definitely a place I would recommend if you want to try typical food.
Best time to go to Hacienda La Chimba
The best time to visit Hacienda La Chimba is during the dry season, as most days are clear and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities.
If you are interested in the coffee harvest, plan your visit between November and January, as this is when it happens.
If visiting during the rainy season best to schedule activities in the morning because afternoons tend to be wet and rainy.
In hotter months like March and April, start excursions early to avoid midday heat.
Tips for Visiting Hacienda La Chimba
Following these tips will help you have a more enjoyable and comfortable experience at Hacienda La Chimba.
- Shoes: Sports shoes are required for all activities, except the Coffee Tour, so make sure you wear appropriate footwear.
- Gear: The sun can be intense, especially around midday, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen as some parts of the trail offer little shade. A small backpack will come in handy for carrying water and snacks. Keep in mind that you will need at least 1 liter of water and there are no water outlets along the trails.
- Clothing: For comfort, it is best to wear light, breathable clothing. It is recommended to bring a rain jacket if visiting in the rainy season.
- Start your hikes early in the day to avoid the stronger sun later on, especially in the hotter months like March and April.
- Booking in advance for all activities is required. It’s best to arrange your visit through the hacienda’s website to secure your spot.
- If you want to avoid a large number of people, go on a weekday instead of a weekend or holiday. This will give you more opportunities for pictures and less time waiting in line.
- The trails range from intermediate to advanced difficulty. Hiking poles can make your trek easier, and the hacienda provides them if you don’t have your own.
Hacienda La Chimba Tourist Map
In this map you can find all the important points of Hacienda La Chimba, as well as bus stations, restaurants, accommodations, and much more.