Bjorn - Costa Rica El Refugio Natural

Costa Rica El Refugio Natural

High in the mountains of Getsemaní, Heredia, Finca El Refugio is Mario Barquero’s 12-hectare farm, named for the birds and wildlife that thrive around it. Here, cool temperatures, rich volcanic soil and a distinctive Central Valley microclimate create the conditions for exceptional Costa Rican coffee.

At a glance

• Origin: Finca El Refugio, Getsemaní, Heredia, Costa Rica
• Producer: Mario Barquero
• Varietal: Villa Sarchi
• Process: Natural
• Elevation: 1,200 m.a.s.l.

About the coffee

This lot is made from Villa Sarchi, a rare Costa Rican Bourbon mutation prized for its compact growth and suitability for high-altitude, windswept farms. At El Refugio, coffee is grown across nine hectares, with around 80% of production reserved for the specialty market.

Mario takes a considered approach to farming. Organic fertiliser made from recycled coffee pulp supports soil fertility, nutrients are managed through soil analysis, and no herbicides are used. The farm is also actively renewing part of the plantation each year, strengthening its resilience for future harvests.

Naturally processed

Ripe cherries are selectively hand-picked and sorted before being kept separate by variety as microlots. The coffee dries whole on raised African beds for around three weeks, allowing fruit sugars to develop a sweet, fruit-forward character and layered complexity. Moisture is closely monitored throughout to protect clarity and quality, before the coffee travels just nine kilometres to the mill.

Stronger together

Finca El Refugio is part of CoopeLibertad, a cooperative helping smallholders access international specialty markets and secure stronger prices. Its work extends beyond coffee, investing in low-emission production, agroforestry, climate-resilience projects and practical support for farming families, including childcare for the children of seasonal pickers.