Finca Las Laderas Pacamara

Our second release this year from Fernando Lima from El Salvador and this one a washed Pacamara from his farm Las Laderas, which borders his Santa Elena farm, the first farm we visited back in 2016. Las Laderas is surrounded by two national parks (National Park “Los Volcanes” and National Park “Cerro Verde”) and it’s located in one of the highest lands in El Salvador overlooking the Coatepeque lake.

The farm has been under the ownership of the Lima family since it was first planted in the mid 1960’s and is composed of sixty hectares; 40 under coffee plantation and 20 set aside with natural virgin forests, which set this farm apart from its neighbors with its dense, natural shade covering. Las Lederas is also home to a wide variety of wildlife species including deer, tepezcuintle, coyote, spine fox, cotuzas, and motuza squirrels. Since the farm began its process of certification with Rainforest, plants like Izote and Capalchi were planted and are now serving the purpose of protecting the soil from erosion.

All of Fernando's microlots are processed at his own wet-mill (Beneficio) Los Balcanes 

In 2006, the Llamatepec volcano catastrophically erupted covering the whole farm in a mantle of ash. Whilst devastating at the time, Fernando recognised the opportunity that this ash covering presented and so began the process of organic conversion and the use of all chemical pesticides ceased. Today, this highly rich volcanic soil contributes to the unique, wonderfully sweet cup profiles found amongst the varietals grown here. Some of the original shade trees were also replanted with varieties including “corozo” , walnut tree, cypress, ‘Hormiguero’ and jacarandas. These trees help create the extended natural forest and the abundance of healthy shade that is so distinctive when you walk the farm.

The Lima family of brothers have the enviable reputation of being one of the most decorated producers in the history of Cup of Excellence and Las Laderas has been a finalist several times.