Northern peru (cajamarca, amazonas and san martin)

NORTHERN PERU (CAJAMARCA, AMAZONAS and SAN MARTÍN) 

       The Northern highlands of Peru, encompassing the departments of Cajamarca, Amazonas, and San Martin, represent the country’s premier coffee-growing heartland and account for the majority of national production. The region’s mountainous terrain, stretching across the eastern slopes of the Andes, provides ideal agro ecological conditions—altitudes between 1,200 and 1,900 meters, ample rainfall, and rich volcanic soils—that foster the cultivation of high-quality Arabica varieties such as Typica, Caturra, Bourbon, and Catimor.

        Cajamarca, one of Peru’s most recognized coffee origins, is celebrated for producing exceptionally clean and sweet cups, with bright acidity and delicate notes of red fruits, citrus, honey, and chocolate. Its microclimates and high-elevation farms make it a hub for specialty-grade coffee, often scoring high in international competitions. Amazonas, with its forested valleys and humid tropical climate, yields aromatic coffees with smooth bodies and balanced flavour, while San Martin has emerged as a dynamic zone for sustainable and organic coffee cultivation, following widespread reforestation and agro forestry initiatives.

       This region has also been a pioneer in cooperative-driven development, with organizations like COOPAFSI, CENFROCAFE, and ACPC Pichanaki providing farmers access to training, certifications (organic, Fair-trade, Rainforest Alliance), and direct export channels. These efforts have elevated both quality and incomes, helping Northern Peru establish a solid reputation in European and North American specialty markets. Increasing investments in modern wet mills, solar dryers, and quality control labs have further improved consistency and traceability, positioning the Northern Highlands as the core of Peru’s specialty coffee identity and a model for sustainable coffee production in Latin America.