Ecuador Juan Pena Natural La Papaya 4oz

It’s only fitting that to celebrate Diego’s Ecuadorian heritage, we bring in a coffee that not only represents Ecuador well—but does so with precision, beauty, and heart. We’re proud to share this offering from Hacienda La Papaya, a name that’s become synonymous with excellence in the world of specialty coffee.

Hacienda La Papaya sits just outside Saraguro, in the Loja province of southern Ecuador—a region defined by its altitude, lush microclimates, and quiet resilience. The farm is the life’s work of Juan Peña, a former long-stem rose farmer who shifted his focus to coffee in 2009 after a season-ending freeze wiped out his flowers. What followed was not just a career change—it was a complete reimagining of what Ecuadorian coffee could be.

Juan brought with him a deep commitment to agronomy and innovation. Today, the farm stretches over 25 hectares, 14 of which are dedicated to coffee growing between 1,800 and 2,100 meters above sea level. What makes Hacienda La Papaya special isn’t just the elevation or the varietals—it’s the intentionality behind every decision.

Take, for example, the irrigation system. Water flows from the Cascada San Pablo, gravity-fed and regulated through a drip system that delivers hydration and nutrients with pinpoint accuracy. Fertilizer is dissolved and dosed precisely. Soil sensors report live data from the fields—moisture levels, mineral content, even plant response—all of which informs day-to-day strategy. This is coffee farming approached like science—but practiced with soul.

And you can taste it in the cup. Coffees from La Papaya are often crisp, articulate, and layered. Juan’s washed lots lean toward florals and citrus—clean, structured, and refreshing—while his experimental fermentations (think carbonic maceration, yeast-inoculated naturals) bring out deeper tropical notes, complexity, and a sense of play.

More than just a farm, La Papaya is a research hub, a training ground, and a community anchor. Juan mentors nearby producers through his export company, CafExporto, offering tools and technical support so they too can reach global markets with confidence and consistency.

This is the kind of work we love to support—craft that’s rooted in knowledge, driven by curiosity, and always in service of something greater than just the next harvest.

And it’s a perfect way to honor Diego’s heritage—by sharing a cup that tells a story of place, of people, and of what’s possible when tradition meets innovation on a hillside in Ecuador.