- The cultivation and production of excellent coffee, combined with environmentally friendly agricultural practices, are essential to the economy and local communities of Central America and the Dominican Republic.
- These practices, increasingly adopted by coffee producers in Central America and the Dominican Republic, are capturing the interest of travellers eager to discover how it’s produced and support sustainable and rural tourism.
May 2024 – Central America is infamous for its major coffee producers, with each region offering unique and immersive Coffee Trails showcasing the production process as well as the local history and deep connection between the communities and environment.
Each coffee route offers a unique experience, from the rich history and vibrant coffee economy of Guatemala to the sustainability and biodiversity of Belize. Honduras is the coffee powerhouse of Central America, Nicaragua for its exceptional organic coffees, and Panama for its unique Geisha variety. In El Salvador, the coffee tradition dates to the 15th century and the Dominican Republic merges tradition with sustainable tourism on its coffee trails.
Guatemala: A Journey through the Country’s Coffee Heritage
Coffee is not just a beverage in Guatemala, it is a way of life. It’s vital to the economy and local communities, creating more than 500,000 annual jobs, and contributing between 3% and 3.5% to the national GDP, standing out as the main agro-industrial export product of Guatemala.
Coffee Trails in Guatemala
The Coffee Trails of Guatemala reveal the diversity and richness of Guatemalan coffee, in addition to its traditions and culture. The main coffee producing regions include Acatenango, Antigua, Atitlán, Cobán, Fraijanes, and Huehuetenango, each offering unique characteristics in their beans due to their specific geographical and climatic conditions. Coffee-related activities in the regions include farm tours to Filadelfia, learning about the cultivation and processing of coffee at La Azotea and interactive experiences on the historical tours with Coffee Tour Chicoj.
Belize: Learn about Coffee Sustainability and Quality
Although not known as a major coffee producer, Belize is emerging on the international scene thanks to the high quality and sustainable production practices. Nestled in the heart of the Mayan jungle, the country offers a coffee route that provides a sensory experience and an education in organic agriculture and biodiversity. Here, coffee grows under the canopy of extensive rainforests, facilitating slow growth and natural maturation that enriches its aromatic profile. Moreover, the rich biodiversity of Belize contributes to the fertility of the soil, directly reflecting in the superior quality of the coffee.
Coffee Trails in Belize
Gallon Jug Estate is a shining example of sustainable production. Here, the Arabica variety is grown in the natural shade of the rainforest, allowing a slower maturation process and a more intense aroma. This method not only enhances the quality of the coffee but also preserves the ecosystem, avoiding the use of herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.
Honduras: Enjoy Coffee Tradition and Flavour in Every Cup
Honduras is the leading coffee exporter of Central America, being a vital part of the country’s economy. Between October 2022 and October 2023, Honduras exported 7.1 million quintals of coffee, a significant increase compared to the previous year.
Coffee Trails in Honduras
The coffee routes in Honduras showcase the rich culture and tradition around its cultivation with the most popular areas including Copán, Opalaca, Montecillos, Comayagua, El Paraíso, and Agalta. Each offers a unique vision of the country’s coffee heritage and conditions that influence the characteristics of the coffee, from altitude and climate to soil composition, resulting in a variety of flavours that are among the best in the world. The route also offers horseback riding and nature walks, adding an adventurous dimension to the coffee experience.
El Salvador: A Journey Through Coffee Culture and Biodiversity
The coffee tradition in El Salvador, dating back to the 15th century, continues to be an essential part of its cultural identity and a pillar of its economy resulting in coffee tourism becoming one of the major attractions of El Salvador. The Coffee Trails are committed to sustainable practices and highlight the lush biodiversity of the Salvadoran coffee forest offering a unique opportunity for travellers to immerse in the local culture, learn about the legacy of coffee, and enjoy activities such as hiking and adventure sports in coffee-growing areas.
Coffee Trails in El Salvador
Nestled in the picturesque Los Naranjos, the Entrecafe Experience is an agrotourism adventure allowing visitors to connect with nature and get to know the vibrant culture of Salvadoran coffee up close. Or the Gourmet Coffee Journey in El Salvador with Montecristo Tours offers the opportunity to taste coffee and learn about its process from the Maya Chorti origin in the city of Metapán, Santa Ana.
Nicaragua: A Journey Through the History, Culture, and Nature of Coffee
From the first commercial plantations near Managua to the coffee boom between 1840 and 1940, coffee has profoundly marked the economy and society of Nicaragua. Nicaraguan coffee is famous for its high quality, highlighting the Arabica, Caturra, and Bourbon varieties, cultivated in 95% organic conditions under the shade of native trees. This method not only improves the quality of the coffee but also contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity.
Coffee Trails in Nicaragua
Jinotega, known as the coffee capital of Nicaragua, is the country’s main producer. The farms in this area take advantage of the altitude and ideal climatic conditions to offer coffees with aromatic profiles ranging from citrus to floral. The Matagalpa region is also famous for its coffee culture, complemented by natural reserves and a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Panama: An Adventure in Unique Coffee Flavours
Panamanian coffee, recognised worldwide for its exceptional quality, has experienced unstoppable growth, consolidating itself as one of the best in the world. The coffee industry in Panama began in the 20th century in Boquete and has prospered notably since then, particularly highlighted by the famous Geisha variety, which has captured international attention thanks to its unique flavour profile.
Coffee Trails in Panama
The Coffee Route in Panama unveils the richness and diversity of Panamanian coffee, all under the imposing shadow of the Barú volcano. Visitors can enjoy farm stays, tastings, and learn about coffee production from plant to cup. This itinerary offers the chance to sample local blends and the famous Geisha variety in regions such as Tierras Altas, Boquete and Renacimiento which thanks to its volcanic soil rich in minerals, adds a unique flavour.
The Dominican Republic: A Cultural and Ecological Experience
Introduced in 1790 and consolidated as an economic driver by 1840, coffee is deeply ingrained in the social fabric of the Dominican Republic. Currently, the coffee routes allow visitors to discover organic production methods and enjoy one of the most authentic flavours of the country, demonstrating the commitment to sustainable tourism. These routes offer a unique window into rural Dominican life and its sustainable agricultural practices.
Coffee Trails in the Dominican Republic
Located in the hills of Bonao, the Atabey Coffee Route allows visitors to get up close to the cultivation and processing of coffee, immersing themselves in local cultural traditions and the daily lives of families who depend on this crop. In the community of Los Guasaros, nineteen kilometres from Bonao, El Cafetal stands out for its shade plantations and its agroforestry diversification. Visitors can take a 55-minute tour surrounded by coffee plantations and tropical fruits, enjoying the biodiversity and natural richness of the area.
For more on Central America, visit https://www.visitcentroamerica.com/en/.
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