Nestled on the fertile slopes of the Turrialba Volcano in Costa Rica, Aquiares Estate is widely recognized as one of the most sustainable coffee farms in the world. Founded in 1890, the estate has grown into Costa Rica’s largest coffee farm, spanning more than 900 hectares and producing high-quality shade-grown Arabica beans. The name “Aquiares” comes from an indigenous word meaning “land between rivers,” reflecting the farm’s lush natural environment and ideal conditions for coffee cultivation.

What makes Aquiares truly unique is its pioneering commitment to sustainability and climate action. The estate has implemented regenerative agriculture practices for decades, including planting over 50,000 native shade trees to protect soil, conserve water, and create a cooler microclimate for coffee plants. These trees also restore biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife, turning the farm into a thriving ecosystem where birds, mammals, and other species flourish.

Aquiares has also gained international attention for its carbon-neutral—and even carbon-negative—coffee production model. The farm measures its greenhouse gas emissions and offsets them by capturing carbon through its forests and shade trees. Studies on the estate have shown that the trees and vegetation store significantly more carbon than the farm emits, making it a net carbon sink. Because of these efforts, Aquiares became one of the first coffee farms in Costa Rica to achieve official carbon-neutral certification and a leader in climate-smart coffee farming.

Environmental responsibility is only one part of the estate’s philosophy. Aquiares is also known for its strong community focus and ethical labor practices. The estate is home to a small town of around 2,000 residents, many of whom work on the farm or in related industries. Thanks to long-term social initiatives—including fair wages, housing programs, healthcare, and education—about 96% of residents now own their homes, creating a stable and thriving community centered around coffee production.

In addition to sustainability and social impact, Aquiares is a hub for coffee research and innovation. The estate collaborates with international organizations such as World Coffee Research and leading universities to test new coffee varieties and agroforestry methods. These projects aim to develop disease-resistant plants, improve yields, and create climate-resilient farming techniques that can benefit coffee growers around the world.

Today, Aquiares Estate stands as a powerful example of how coffee farming can combine environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and premium coffee quality. By producing carbon-neutral coffee while protecting biodiversity and supporting its community, Aquiares offers a blueprint for a more sustainable future for the global coffee industry