The Cauca region, located in the south-west of Colombia, covers an area of 29,308 km², or 2.56% of the national territory. It has played an important role in the country's historical development, both economically and politically, from colonisation to independence in 1810. Home to some of Colombia's most impressive volcanoes, Cauca benefits from fertile and rich volcanic soil, making it a key region for coffee cultivation.
Socially, Cauca is one of the most complex departments in the country. Its territory was inhabited in pre-Hispanic times by various indigenous groups such as the Jamundies, Pances, Paeces, Calotos, Patías, Guambianos and Guanacas. Today, the western descendants live mainly in the capital, Popayan, while the indigenous peoples occupy the mountainous and remote areas.
Cauca is a leader in the production of high quality coffee. Thanks to its climate, its varied topography influenced by the mountain ranges that run through it, and the tradition and passion of its people, it is the fourth largest coffee producer in the country. It even ranks first in terms of the number of coffee-growing families, with more than 93,000 families cultivating 94,500 hectares of Arabica varieties (Castillo, Colombia, Caturra, Típica, Borbón and Tabí) in 34 municipalities. The coffee is grown on small plots by peasant, indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Since 2011, Cauca coffee has had a denomination of origin that defines it as a coffee with strong caramel notes, high acidity, medium body, a clean, smooth cup with sweet, floral notes.