El Salvador

Alotepec Metapan is one of El Salvador's six mountain ranges. The region has become famous for the quality of its coffees, which have been grown at altitude since the end of the 19th century. The region's rich volcanic soil, temperate climate and high altitude create ideal conditions for growing coffee.

Alotepec Metapan is one of the wettest regions in El Salvador, with an altitude of between 1,000 and 2,000 metres above sea level. Because of the climate and altitude, the coffees ripen slowly, and this is one of the last regions in the country to complete the harvest.

Over the years, coffee growing has become an essential part of the region's economy. Today, the Alotepec-Metapan range is home to many small coffee farms (1.5 ha), most of which use traditional, ecological and sustainable farming practices.

It is believed that the first coffee trees were planted here in the mid-19th century. Ilamatepec is the largest coffee-growing region in El Salvador, with altitudes approaching 2,400 metres above sea level, and is renowned for the quality of its coffee. The most common varieties are Bourbon (64%) and Pacas (26%). 

This volcanic chain, known as the Apaneca mountain range, has numerous craters (Ataco, Apaneca, Juayua, etc.) and is one of the most active volcanoes in El Salvador: Ilamatepec, also known as Santa Ana.  

Most of the coffee in this region is grown under shade. This practice not only preserves the natural ecosystem, but also provides optimal growing conditions for the coffee plants. Many local producers have won international competitions.

Coffee was first introduced to the Cacahuatique region at the end of the 19th century and has played an important role in the region's economy and culture ever since. The unique microclimate, fertile volcanic soil and high altitude contribute to the aromatic complexity of the coffees grown here.

Because of the wars, this region lost contact with the rest of the country. As a result, most of the coffees processed here are washed. Most farms are small, family-run and committed to traditional, sustainable farming practices. Coffee is often grown under shade, which helps preserve the natural ecosystem and encourages the biodiversity that Salvadorans hold so dear.

Usulutan is a mountainous region in south-eastern El Salvador at an altitude of between 1,300 and 2,000 metres above sea level. The region is famous for its lagoons and thermal waters, as well as the Tecapa volcano, which rises to an altitude of 1,593 metres.  

Coffee has been grown in the region since the late 19th century. The region's rich volcanic soil, altitude and climate provide an ideal environment for growing speciality coffees. Most of the farms are small, family-run that favour sustainable, environmentally friendly practices, including shade-grown coffee. Some still retain their ancestral bourbons. Today, coffee is an integral part of the local economy, and the country's third-largest production zone.