Venue

CATIE Air Tour

During the visit to the cocoa collection, you will discover one of the most important cocoa collections in the world, with 1,250 varieties of cocoa that are preserved, used for crossbreeding for genetic improvement purposes, and evaluated for production and reaction to diseases. Information will also be provided on how cocoa grows in agroforestry systems with different densities of plants and shade trees from the moment it is established, grows, and begins production, until it is in full production. It will discuss the ecosystem services of provision, regulation, support, and cultural services that tropical agroforestry with cocoa can provide. They will observe a young agroforestry trial where high quality chocolate cocoa varieties will be evaluated under different types of shade.

International Cacao Collection

During the visit to the coffee agroforestry trial: you will learn about a 23-year-old coffee agroforestry trial where 20 systems are evaluated that result from the combination of three types of shade trees with various levels of conventional and organic management. You will be able to directly observe how the coffee plantations look in full sun in contrast with shade trees of legume and timber species. They will learn about the most important results of the trial, with quantitative data on coffee production, pest incidence, carbon sequestration, fertility, and life in the soil. The experience of how to manage and how much shade coverage can be maintained in a coffee plantation will be shared to balance possible trade-offs between ecosystem services. They will also talk about the 2,000 varieties of coffee that CATIE maintains in its international collection, as well as cocoa, one of the most important in the world.

International Coffee Collection

Located in Turrialba, CATIE’s campus has more than 1000 hectares in the middle of a mountainous landscape, where coffee plantations, agricultural activity, and sugar cane fields abound. The campus has spacious and comfortable facilities for visitors and provides a very secure and peaceful environment. It is also a perfect place to go for a walk or practice sports such as soccer, tennis, swimming, or biking.

Campus

Research

The Lake

During the visit to the milk livestock production systems at CATIE's Commercial Farm, you will become acquainted with various innovative technologies focused on sustainable and low-carbon production. These technologies include the implementation of silvopastoral systems, pasture and forage management, integrated manure management, water harvesting, genetic improvement, and the use of renewable energy, among others. These practices result in numerous benefits such as reduced production costs, increased productivity, improved animal health conditions, and an increase in tree coverage for biodiversity conservation and the generation of ecosystem services. The changes made reflect the developments on the farm over the last 20 years. Additionally, some research study results related to the implementation of silvopastoral systems and greenhouse gas mitigation will be shared. The farm is conceived as a training center for various stakeholders in the country and the region, catering to all visitors received at the center.

Sustainable livestock

Wildlife on Campus

The Botanical Garden of CATIE is made up of an invaluable collection of genetic material which is conserved for research and education purposes. Housing more than 4000 genetic samples that represent around 400 species of plants from different parts of the world. It is here that you will see different kinds of trees, flowers, and animals. Likewise, you will have the opportunity to try exotic fruits.

Venue

CATIE Air Tour

International Cacao Collection

International Coffee Collection

Campus

Research

The Lake

Sustainable livestock

Wildlife on Campus

Botanical Garden

Location

Contact

Venue

CATIE Air Tour

International Cacao Collection

International Coffee Collection

Campus

Research​

The Lake​

Sustainable livestock

Wildlife on Campus

Botanical Garden

Location

Contact

Research

The Lake