Finca El Carmen is a 70-hectare coffee estate in El Salvador’s Apaneca-Ilamatepec region near Ataco, situated at 1,300 meters above sea level. Founded in the mid-19th century and farmed by the Alfaro family for over 100 years, it is located within the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, an important protected forest ecosystem. As a shade-grown coffee farm, El Carmen helps preserve biodiversity and provides habitat for numerous migratory and native bird species. The farm is recognized for its long history, family stewardship, and role in conserving one of El Salvador’s most important coffee-growing landscapes.

Country of Origin: El Salvador

Region: Ahuachapan

Producer Type: Single Estate

Farm Name: Finca El Carmen

Processing: Natural/Dry Processed

Processing; Sun Dried on Patios

Growing Altitude: 1300 MASL

Plant Species: Arabica

Varietal: Pacamara

History of El Salvador Coffee

Coffee was first introduced to El Salvador from the Caribbean as a garden crop in the mid-18th century but did not gain a commercial production foothold until 1850’s because indigo, easier to grow and more profitable, was king. Coffee was first exported—695 bags—in 1856 and the government began to encourage coffee farming. Exponential growth coincided with the development of synthetic indigo near the end of the century. At one time, El Salvador was one of the largest producers of commercial coffees. Today, with a focus on quality over quantity, 70% of coffee from El Salvador sells for a premium above commodity prices.