Where coffee grows in South America

Arabica is the coffee of choice here but Ecuador produces some Robusta and Brazil produces the bulk.

Bolivia

Famous for: Nothing in terms of coffee, but should be.
Look out for: Micro-lots of high altitude coffee from smallholder farms, particularly from the Cup of Excellence competitions there.

Brazil

Famous for: “Santos” coffee – exportable, bulked Arabica of unknown origin (other than “it’s from Brazil”) traditionally shipped from the port of Santos.
Look out for: BSCA member coffees and 100% Yellow Bourbon Arabica coffees or other intriguing, cutting edge varietals as Brazil is very advanced in coffee terms.

Colombia

Famous for: “Café de Colombia” and the “Juan Valdez” logo which has helped Colombia become the world’s most recognized coffee origin.
Look out for: Speciality coffees from the department of Huila (be wary of standard exportable names such as “Medellin Excelso” or “Medellin Supremo”).

Peru

Famous for: Coffee being ultimately sold as “Machu Pichu” because it’s in Peru and people in the UK have heard of it!
Look out for: High altitude, organic and Fairtrade certified coffees from respected cooperatives.

Also worth noting Ecuador and Venezuela