Microclimates
Quality and diversity
Thanks to the great diversity in altitude, shade, soils, and distance to the highest peaks, we can offer a versatile range of high-quality coffees, and we have a long harvest season.
The presence of fruit trees such as banana, lemon, passion fruit or clementine, adds even more richness to the palate.
Contact us if you want to know about our coffees!
The location of our farms can be roughly divided into three zones that cover everything.
Mercedes
The epicenter of our operations, at 1,350 meters (4,500 feet), is also where our offices and facilities are located. Here we process and dry many of our coffees, and a substantial portion of the producers live in a large area surrounding the town, in zones such as La Mora, El Rosario, El Plan, and El Playón. Although temperatures vary with altitude, the climate is generally comparable. The lowest point, El Rosario, is at about 1,250 meters, and the highest, El Playón, at 1,600 meters.
The soil is clay and sandy loam, rich in nutrients, and the shade comes primarily from cypress, sweetgum, and lamcinca trees. Many producers have planted fruit trees in the area, such as bananas, plantains, and citrus varieties, which contribute to the rich flavors of their coffees.
Rainfall is abundant when the plants need it most, from May to October. During the harvest, from November to March, we are in the dry season, which means the roads are in better condition for transporting coffee, and producers can harvest under ideal circumstances.
Saint Mark
San Marcos is the largest town in our area, at 950 meters. Many of our members live here, and their farms are located in the mountains surrounding San Marcos. Most are between 1,100 and 1,400 meters (3,700 to 4,700 feet), although some have land that reaches 1,600 meters.
That area has a temperate climate, and it's where the harvest begins first. Often as early as the end of October, right when the dry season starts.
The soil is clayey and homogeneous, with abundant organic matter from the trees and wildlife in the area. There isn't much natural shade, so the farmers have planted large numbers of trees to provide suitable conditions for their crops. This also promotes reforestation, attracts birds, reduces erosion, and keeps the soil fertile.
Guisayote
The most isolated—and highest—area is also very close to the Sierra del Güisayote mountain range, which offers protection and frequent fog. The fog, in turn, provides excellent humidity and natural protection from the sun's strong rays.
Most of the plantations in that area are located between 1,400 and 1,800 meters (4,700–6,000 feet), and there is a lot of pine forest in the area. Planting trees is not very common in the area, although many producers maintain some fruit trees for their own consumption and to further enhance the flavors of their coffees. They also commonly grow bananas, plantains, oranges, clementines, and other fruits.
The soil in that area has a deep layer of nutrients, and is very solid thanks to the pine forests, and the abundant presence of oak trees, whose leaves serve as fertilizer for the coffee plants.
At these altitudes, the climate is cooler, and the harvest usually begins at least a month later than in the lower areas, but it typically lasts until March. Rainfall is somewhat less abundant here, but the dense jungle and fog ensure excellent humidity levels.
