CENTRAL PERU (JUNÍN, PASCO, HUÁNUCO)

CENTRAL PERU (JUNÍN, PASCO, HUÁNUCO) 

Central Peru, comprising the departments of Junín, Pasco, and Huánuco, is one of the country’s most traditional and productive coffee-growing zones, contributing a significant share of Peru’s total Arabica output. The region’s coffee is primarily cultivated along the eastern slopes of the Andes, at altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 1,800 meters above sea level, where the transition from Andean mountains to Amazon rainforest creates an ideal microclimate—characterized by consistent rainfall, rich soils, and moderate temperatures.

The province of Chanchamayo in Junín stands out as the historic heart of Peruvian coffee, long recognized for its well-balanced cup profile with medium acidity, good body, and notes of chocolate, nuts, and tropical fruits. Neighbouring Satipo has become an increasingly important production area, known for high-elevation Arabica grown under shade in agro forestry systems. In Pasco, particularly in the Oxapampa and Villa Rica districts, coffee farms benefit from volcanic soils and diverse ecosystems, yielding aromatic coffees with floral and cocoa undertones. Meanwhile, Huánuco— though smaller in scale—has shown rapid growth in recent years, producing smooth, sweet, and clean coffees that are gaining attention in both domestic and international markets.

Central Peru has also been a focal point for organic and sustainable certification programs, often led by cooperatives and smallholder associations promoting environmentally friendly farming and post-harvest innovation. Many producers here have adopted eco-friendly wet milling and solar drying systems, ensuring both quality and environmental stewardship. With improved infrastructure, traceability systems, and growing participation in specialty markets, the Central Highlands continue to serve as a bridge between Peru’s traditional coffee heritage and its modern specialty coffee expansion.