Coffee From Tierras Altas: From Panamá to The World

Tierras Altas, in Chiriquí, is the obligatory stop for coffee lovers. The microclimates of this region, along with the nutrient mix of its soil, create the conditions for the development of a high-quality grain that has won international awards.

In Tierras Altas, coffee is produced at altitude, from 1,300 to 1,800 meters above sea level (4,265 to 5,900 feet). At this altitude and under the care of experts, a coffee with greater acidity, aroma and very tasty is grown. On your visit to Tierras Altas, you will learn about Geisha coffee, one of the most exclusive varieties in the world, which has achieved the quality record among specialty coffees in the Best of Panama (BOP) International Tasting.

In addition to Geisha, other varieties such as Caturra, Catuaí, Pacamara and Obatá are also planted in Tierras Altas. You can get to know them all by visiting farms in the Volcán and Cerro Punta areas that are part of the “Coffee Circuit”.

Cafe

The Panamanian network of coffee farms that offers all kinds of experiences where you can live, from the inside, the coffee culture.

During your visit you will be able to walk among the coffee plantations and you will learn about each step of the process that includes: sowing, cultivating, harvesting, floating, peeling, washing, pre-drying, drying, aging, peeling again, classifying (by size, shape , density, color and defect). This finishes with the roasting, packing, grinding, filtering and the best part: enjoying.

This is a destination that you can visit at any time of the year and it is always spectacular. If you go from December to March, the harvest months, you will see the coffee shoots and the artisan hands that pick it. Only in these months will you live the full experience of the artisanal harvesting process, where every 7 kg (15 lbs.) of fruits produces 1 kg (2.2 lbs.) of roasted coffee.

If you come between March and April, when the rains begin, you will find the foothills of the mountains covered in white flowers, a very different panorama, since it looks like snow on the Panamanian mountains. During the months of May to November, you will find green and leafy coffee plantations.

Each farm has something special that makes it different. You can visit one of the oldest farms in the country, and others awarded for their exclusive product.

Cerro Punta

You can try the best flavors on a terrace with landscapes full of birds, or combine your visits with other experiences such as canopy or hiking.

Humidity is essential for coffee planting. If it rains during your visit, don't worry: make sure you wear appropriate shoes and waterproof clothing. If the rain is very strong and you have to wait for it to end, accompany the views of Tierras Altas with a cup of coffee, a hot chocolate or a craft beer typical of the region.

Tierras Altas has farms specialized in high-altitude coffee, that’s grown between 1,300 and 1,800 meters above sea level (4,265 to 5,900 feet). Explore the “Coffee Circuit” which is a series of farms that have been adapted so that you can walk among the fields and learn how coffee gets from the seed to your cup. You can visit at any time of the year, but if you choose to go during the harvest season (between December and March) you will also be able to see what artisan harvesting is like.