Ecuador

Coffee plantations were first introduced to Ecuador in 1860 in the coastal Manabí Province in the Jipijapa Zone. Today, while large plantations still exist, most coffee production has turned to smaller, family run farms with a focus on specialty grade coffee beans. Characteristics: The arabica grown in Ecuador tends to be slightly acidic with cocoa nuances and cardamom.

Regions:

Intag

This high Andean farming community based in Intag Valley in the outskirts of Otavalo, specialises in organic arabica coffee - shade grown under natives.

Pacto

Close to the capital city, Quito.  This area has a strong Colombian influence with many local workers having crossed the northern border in search of jobs.

Loga

Known as the best coffee growing area in Ecuador, particularly in El Airo.  This is a high altitude area specialises in their own strains of arabica.

Zaruma

This area is a classic for coffee growing region - sunshine, rain seasons, moderate temperatures and altitude.

Orellana

Primarily a robusta coffee growing area in the region of Loreto.

The Galapagos

Coffee is primarily grown on the Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal islands.  Despite the islands' low altitude, the cool winds that come with the Humboldt current and the rich volcanic soil produces some surprisingly great coffee.