Where coffee grows in Central America and Mexico

The majority of coffee grown in this region is Arabica, with minute quantities of Robusta in Mexico and Guatemala.

Costa Rica

Famous for: “Tarrazu” and is regarded as one of the best producers alongside Guatemala.
Look out for: Coffees with the ACFCR quality certificate.

El Salvador

Famous for: Still trying to re-establish its profile and reputation.
Look out for: Shade grown, 100% Bourbon or 100% Pacamara Arabica.

Guatemala

Famous for: “Antigua” and has a very good reputation for fine coffee.
Look out for: Single farm coffees from any of the distinctive regions of Antigua, San Marcos, Amatitlán, Fraijanes, Coban, Huehuetenango.

Honduras

Famous for: Sadly more known for some of the poorer quality coffee in Latin America, but there are still some great coffees to be discovered.
Look out for: Honduras Cup of Excellence award winning coffees.

Nicaragua

Famous for: Early examples of smallholder cooperatives.
Look out for: Coffee from the well respected, highly organised cooperative groups, such as PRODECOOP. There are also some excellent family farms.

Panama

Famous for: The “Esmeralda Special” from Hacienda La Esmeralda and other Geisha Arabicas.
Look out for: Exclusive, boutique lots from the Boquete region.

Mexico

Famous for: Chiapas coffee, organically certified coffees.
Look out for: The proximity of Mexico to the US means most of the great coffee heads there, but look out for smallholder cooperative organic coffees.