The Alotepec-Metapán region, located in the northwestern highlands of El Salvador near the Honduran and Guatemalan borders, is one of the country’s six official coffee-growing areas. It is known for its high altitudes, cooler climate, and coffees with elegant, complex flavor profiles.
Alotepec-Metapán
Region Overview
Location: Northwestern El Salvador, spanning the Alotepec and Metapán mountain ranges, near the borders with Honduras and Guatemala.
Altitude: Farms range from 1,200–1,800 meters above sea level, among the highest coffee-growing zones in the country.
Climate: Cool mountain breezes and steady rainfall slow cherry maturation, enhancing sweetness and complexity.
Soil: Volcanic and mineral-rich, providing excellent drainage and nutrients.
Coffee Varietals
Bourbon: Traditional Salvadoran variety, sweet and balanced.
Pacas: A Bourbon mutation, compact and high yielding.
Pacamara: Unique to El Salvador, producing large beans with complex fruit and floral notes.
Typica & Hybrids: Smaller presence, adding diversity to cup profiles.Flavor Profile
Alotepec-Metapán coffee is celebrated for:
Balanced acidity with citrus and berry highlights.
Chocolate undertones that add richness.
Velvety smooth finish with medium body.
Floral and herbal aromas that elevate complexity.
Unique Features
High Altitude Advantage: Slow cherry development creates refined sugars and nuanced Flavors.
Microclimate Diversity: Rugged volcanic terrain and misty conditions produce varied cup profiles.
Specialty Recognition: Increasingly sought after by roasters for its balance of sweetness, acidity, and smoothness.
Comparison: Alotepec-Metapán vs. Apaneca-Ilamatepec