Nestled in the quaint village of Morales, within the Mataquescuintla municipality of Jalapa, you'll find the remarkable El Morito coffee farm. Founded by Roberto Monterroso in 1994, El Morito is able to produce a wide range of coffees due to its unique combination of climate, altitude, and size.
(harvest at El Morito)
El Morito sits at an elevation ranging from 1,400 to 2,350 meters above sea level, with certain pockets reaching a staggering 2,650 meters. The lower altitudes are suited to producing sweet and balanced coffees whereas the higher altitudes are suited to more bright, complex, and delicate coffees.
El Morito stretches across a sprawling 672 hectares. Within this vast expanse, you'll find 523.4-hectare forest, mostly untouched and home to a mesmerizing variety of trees like pine, cypress, and oak. coffee trees flourish beneath the natural canopy, creating an ideal symbiosis.
But there's more to El Morito than just coffee. They're deeply invested in their community, supporting local schools, providing medical services, and even helping those in need with medicines. Their generosity extends to firefighters, children's toys, and facilitating education for those less fortunate.
And if you needed more proof of their coffee excellence, El Morito has consistently shone in the Cup of Excellence competition, with an impressive record of eight placements including 1st place in 2022!
(Drying Patio, El Morito)