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PRODUCTIVE UNIT AND LOCATION

Sierra Roja is located in San Cristobal Acasaguastlán, El Progreso.  Around three hours drive from Guatemala City in the cloud forest of Sierra de las Minas.

FARM DATA

Altitude:  From 5,950 feet (1,813.56 meters) to 6,561 feet 
Coordinates:  15º 02’ 35” N  // 85º 54’ 50” W
Rainfall:  1,500 milimeters 
Average temperature:  18 to 22° Celsius
Microclimate:  Cloud forest
Variety: Kalibus, Gesha y Arábigos 
Farm size:  18.21 Hectares
Soil:  Clay
Shade trees:  Inga
Harvest:  From January to May
Type of drying: african raised beds
Coffee process:  Wet mill

I had a change of paths of life two years ago and moved to Kalibus La Sierra, property of my father.  I started learning about coffee, the whole chain from the bean to the cup, and I suggested that we separated a piece of land from the plantation to expand working with different varieties, new ways of marketing and diverse processes.  I am fortunate to have my dad’s and Kalibus La Sierra team knowledge and experience and would like to try my own approach into coffee production and marketing.  That’s how Sierra Roja’s story began.

Before coming to Sierra de las Minas, I lived in the lowlands of Petén and invested twenty seven years working in various activities, all involving conservation and sustainability, which are key elements in my whole lifestyle.  I have the privilege now to apply much of what I have learned in my past life in Sierra Roja and continue learning in this particular area.  The environment, ecosystems, habitats and the wonderful cloud forest with its natural resources that compose the diverse stratum where our coffee is produced, is crucial for our team and is one of our main motivations in continuing this dream of always integrating human activities, in this case coffee production, with sustainability and conservation and with the protection of nature in all its forms.