El Salvador: Volcanoes, Beaches, Pacamara
With six growing regions, El Salvador is increasing its reputation for producing smooth, complex, well-balanced coffee. Volcanic soil, high altitudes, and a strong tradition of coffee cultivation embrace both heritage varietals and innovative hybrids. El Salvador’s prominent coffee varietals display various flavors, from rich and chocolatey to bright and floral. Whether you prefer a classic Bourbon, an exotic Geisha, or the bold complexity of Pacamara, Salvadoran coffee offers something for every coffee lover.
Visit coffee-producing fields, active mills, and local roasters. Learn about ethical trade, sustainability, and farmer empowerment. Build direct relationships with producers and buyers.
This trip is perfect for:
- Roasters, Baristas, and Importers
- Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Coffee Enthusiasts and Educators
- Travelers Interested In Ethical Sourcing And Sustainable Practices
Tierra Bendita
From our in-country partner:
"We produce specialty coffee through the partnership of micro-producers with whom we share a philosophy of diversity and biodynamic agroecology. We invite you to visit our farms, laboratory, and roasting facilities to experience a coffee origin."
5 - Day Itinerary (Sample)
Day 1: Arrival
Settle into your lodging, surrounded by the sounds and scents of the countryside. As evening falls, gather for a welcome dinner of authentic Salvadoran cuisine, shared with your hosts or producer family. Over pupusas and laughter, begin your journey with an introductory talk, “The Story of Salvadoran Coffee,” where a local expert shares the country’s deep-rooted coffee culture and the fascinating journey from bean to cup. End the day with a stunning view of San Salvador, the perfect start to your time in El Salvador.
Day 2: Route de Flores
Drive along the Route de Flores, stopping in charming towns along the way, experience murals, markets, and mountain air. Along the way, dive into the world of coffee craftsmanship and taste how washed, honey, and natural processes transform the same bean into wildly different flavors. Join local producers for a farm tour, where you’ll explore distinctive varietals like Pacamara, Bourbon, and Pacas, and savor freshly brewed coffee paired with traditional Salvadoran pastries. Gather for an intimate Q&A with the farmers of The BioKrop Project by Tierra Bendita. Hear their stories of cultivation, sustainability, and community impact, and discover how every cup begins with purpose.
Hands-on: Try coffee cherry picking (in season).
Day 3: Finca (High Mountain Region)
Embark on a scenic drive to the western highlands, traveling through rolling landscapes toward one of El Salvador’s most celebrated coffee regions. Continue to the Cerro Verde lookout, taking in sweeping views of volcanic peaks and lush valleys. Hike to the mouth of the volcano and experience what brings the land so much fertility. Conclude the day with your arrival in San Salvador, the vibrant heart of the country.
Day 4: Coffee Mill & Co-Lab
Spend the day exploring the heart of coffee production. Visit active dry mills and roasting facilities, where the aroma of freshly processed beans fills the air. At the Coffee Co-Lab, compare local varietals like Bourbon, Pacamara, and Pacas, and discover how each reveals unique flavor notes. Take part in a hands-on roasting demonstration, learning about roast profiles, crack stages, and heat curves. Cap off the experience by labeling and packing your own roasted beans, a personal taste of El Salvador to take home.
Hands-on: Guided cupping session
Brewing Workshop: pour-over, French press, Chemex, AeroPress
Day 5: Departure
Begin the day visiting San Salvador’s most innovative and globally recognized cafés, where the city’s vibrant coffee culture comes to life. Then head to the coast for an early morning surf class, followed by a relaxing beach day at the iconic Surf City. Soak up the sun, savor freshly caught seafood, and unwind to the rhythm of the Pacific before making your way to the airport, a perfect close to your Salvadoran adventure.