Origin Guatemala

Location El Progreso, San Antonia La Paz, Sierras de Las Minas

Farm Sierra De Las Minas

Process Washed

Altitude 1700 - 1800 M.A.S.L

Flavour Profile Orange, chocolate, walnut, caramel finish, apple, toffee

SCA score 84

Varietal Caturra, Bourbon & Catuai

The largest mountain range in eastern Guatemala is the Sierra de Las Minas which is situated between the valleys of the Polochic and Motagua rivers and runs through various departments, namely Alta Verapaz, Baja Verapaz, El Progreso, Izabal and Zacapa. This area is rich in habitats due to differing elevations and microclimates resulting from the mountain range. In fact, it was declared a biosphere reserve in 1990 owing to its abundance of native flora and fauna.

With the representations of a desert, pine forest and Guatemala's biggest cloud forest, this mountain range presents diverse climatic conditions. Its cloud forest is home to Guatemala's national bird, the quetzal. The influence of Atlantic Caribbean winds, altitude, and range of the Sierra de Las Minas give rise to two microclimates. The moist winds create a humid cloud forest on the eastern side while a dry desert-like climate forms on the west side, as the air loses moisture during ascent. The mountain range covers an area of 242 hectares and stretches between elevations of 150 to 3010 meters and is home to 250,000 individuals, 222 communities, 63 rivers, and 5 departments.

This region is rich in diverse landscapes, with hundreds of species of plants, animals, and birds and is a significant site for jade mining. This is apparent from its name - Sierra de Las Minas (Mountain of the Mines). With an abundance of jade and marble in the Río Motagua, heavy rains uproot these precious stones. Dating back to the ancient Mayan civilization, jade has been used and traded and is still in use today for jewellery, sculptures, and trade.