Santos: Rei do Café Roasting House Tour with Espresso Tasting

Summary

Discover Santos coffee history at Rei do Café roasting house

You’ll step into Santos’ oldest roasting house and see how coffee is roasted, ground, and packed by hand. Smell fresh beans, taste an espresso or popsicle at the counter, and meet locals who’ve kept these traditions alive for generations. Expect laughter, stories, and maybe a new favorite blend you’ll want to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — not just coffee, but something deeper, like old wood and toasted sugar. We’d barely stepped inside Rei do Café in Santos when our guide, Dona Teresa, waved us over with a grin. She said her grandfather started working here before the first World War. I tried to picture that as she showed us the original roasting machine, still chugging away in the corner. It rattled a little more than I expected — louder than any café back home.

Watching them roast the beans felt almost hypnotic. There’s this moment when the air gets thick and sweet, and you can hear the beans crackling (Teresa called it “the first crack” — she winked like it was an inside joke). She let us touch some of the green beans before they went in — rougher than I thought. The whole process is slower than you’d guess; nobody rushed anything. Someone behind me kept whispering about which blend to try later at the counter.

I ordered an espresso (you can pick a popsicle too, but honestly, after smelling all that coffee? No contest). The crema was so thick it left a little mustache on my lip — Teresa laughed and handed me a napkin. There’s a menu of special coffees if you want to try something fancier or even take some home for a fee. The regulars at the counter seemed to know everyone by name, which made me wish I lived closer. I still think about that first sip — somehow both sharp and warm at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn coffee roasting and tasting

• Visit Rei do Café roasting house
• Learn roasting, grinding, packaging process
• Taste espresso at café counter
• Discover traditional and special coffees menu

Top questions

Is Rei do Café wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Rei do Café are wheelchair accessible.

What does the tour include?

The visit includes a guided tour of the roasting house plus your choice of an espresso or a Rei do Café popsicle.

Can children join this coffee tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome and infants may sit on an adult’s lap.

Where is Rei do Café located?

Rei do Café is located in Santos city center, easily reached by public transportation.

Is there public transport nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to Rei do Café.

Can I buy coffee to take home?

Yes, award-winning coffees are available for purchase for an additional fee during your visit.

What’s included

Your visit covers entry to Rei do Café’s historic roasting house with a guided walk-through of their traditional process. You’ll get either an espresso or one of their signature popsicles included before heading out — no need to book extra tastings unless you want to bring some beans home for yourself.