San Isidro Chacaya and Los Lirios are two family-owned coffee plantations with over a century of experience in producing exceptional coffees. We are renowned for our commitment to quality and sustainable practices, as well as our dedication to preserving the natural environment that surrounds us.
Nestled in the stunning western highlands of Guatemala, right in the middle of the renowned Traditional Atitlan® region, lie two exceptional farms: San Isidro Chacaya and Los Lirios. San Isidro Chacaya is located between the majestic Volcan San Pedro and the breathtaking Lake Atitlán, often acclaimed as the world's most beautiful lake. Meanwhile, Los Lirios is situated on the slopes of the mountain chain, stretching from the Lake Atitlan basin to the Pacific Ocean coast. Together, the farms cover a combined area of 160 hectares, encompassing 46 hectares of lush coffee plantations and the rest is an exceptional natural reserve. With altitudes ranging from 1,555 meters at the lake's edge to 2,100 meters in the mountains, these farms offer awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding landscape. From the farms' vantage points, one can relish the panoramic views of the lake, the verdant plantations, the natural reserve, and the three magnificent volcanoes encircling the property: Atitlán, San Pedro, and Tolimán. Our coffee is grown sotobosque, leaving the trees as natural corridors for different species to move through the mountains.
Our farms produce around 800 bags of premium coffee. Our commitment to quality is our most valuable asset, which is positively influenced by our farms' high altitude, volcanic soils, diverse microclimates, and adherence to good agricultural practices. The farms' proximity to the lake, volcanoes, and surrounding mountains plays a crucial role in creating the distinct microclimates where our coffee thrives. We employ traditional processing techniques, including handpicking, de-pulping, natural fermentation, washing, and shade drying. The coffee is then milled in our state-of-the-art dry mill, ensuring consistent high quality. The entire process takes up to 30 days, with the drying stage lasting up to 21 days. This meticulous process preserves the integrity of the coffee beans, prolonging their shelf life and enhancing their flavor profile.
At @chacayacoffee, we embrace a ZERO-WASTE policy throughout our production cycle. We compost the pulp and wastewater with worms to produce organic fertilizer, reducing our reliance on chemicals by 40%. We do not use herbicides, insecticides, or pesticides on our plantations, ensuring the health and vigor of our coffee trees while minimizing our impact on the environment. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond our farming practices. We provide a habitat for various wildlife species, including over 12 species of bees, which play a vital role in pollination and enhance biodiversity in the area. Our farms are also home to a diverse range of bird species, deers, hogs, monkeys and a multitude of insects that contribute to the ecological balance of the region. We are proud to operate a sustainable farm that supports not only the growth of premium coffee but also the health and well-being of the local ecosystem.
We cultivate a diverse range of coffee varietals, including Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, Ethiopia, Java, Geisha, Pacamara, and SL-28. However, we are renowned for our large plantings of Typica, which yields beautiful, long beans with the distinctive "S" curved vein. All the coffee produced on our farms is exported in micro-lots to specialty coffee roasters around the world, ensuring that our exceptional coffee is enjoyed by connoisseurs worldwide.
We are dedicated to sharing our passion for coffee with the world and take great pride in exporting our coffee to roasters who share our commitment to excellence.
"The farm's cup profile boasts the coveted label of Fancy Strictly Hard Bean, with a remarkable complexity and bright citric acidity that tantalizes the palate. The coffee's profound body is sweet and brimming with the flavors of red and citrus fruits, intertwined with notes of honey and jasmine. A subtle aroma rounds out this exceptional coffee."
Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala