Guatemalan Monterrico

Huehuetenango is located in northwest Guatemala, at the foot of the Cuchumatanes mountain range, the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America. The high elevations (eclipsing 6,000 feet above sea level) ensure that the coffee beans ripen slowly, resulting in a denser and harder bean which is imperative for creating a robust dark roast. Coffee was introduced to Guatemala in the 1700’s and has not only become part of daily life for Huehuetenango natives, it is sometimes given as a gift for special occasions. Today coffee production in Huehuetenango (through ASOBAGRI) is providing social benefits such as full-ride university scholarships for young adults, many of whom return to become coffee farmers. Aside from better and environmentally-sustainable production methods, this investment pays off by preventing migration to other countries due to lack of opportunities.