The best coffee plantations in El Salvador are part of the El Salvador coffee route; these coffee farms are located within the top coffee-producing municipalities in the country. The best coffee beans in the country come from coffee farms found within this tourist route.
Salvadoran coffee production is part of the country’s roots and history. Coffee production has the history and economy of the country.
For instance, the Salvadoran National Palace, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country, was paid with taxes imposed on coffee farmers. Some people refer to this famous building as the Coffee Palace.
Visiting any of El Salvador Coffee Plantations on the tourist route is an enriching experience. It is done by many foreign tourists and by locals looking for something to do, especially on the weekends.
El Salvador Coffee Route
The coffee route in El Salvador is composed of numerous coffee farms that produce delicious Salvadoran coffee; most of them are in the departments of Santa Ana, Ahuachapan, Sonsonate, and Morazan.
The coffee harvesting period in El Salvador starts in October in the low regions and runs until March in the higher altitude areas such as Juayua.
At these locations, you will have the opportunity of seeing and learning what it takes to make a cup of coffee. Furthermore, you will have the chance to sample some of the products.
At these Municipalities on the route, it is not all about the coffee. The municipalities are located near fantastic touristic attractions that sum to the appeal of visiting.
This route is eco-friendly; it is surrounded by deeply forested areas with a great climate.
Best Municipalities to Visit in the El Salvador Coffee Route
The best areas to find Salvadoran coffee beans are located around the La Ruta de Las Flores in the western part of the country. For example, the municipalities of Juayua, Apaneca, Ataco, and Ahucahapan have some of the best coffee farms in the country.
In the eastern part of the country, you will find plantations in the department of Morazan and Usulutan.
Now, these are not the only municipalities in the country where you can find locally grown beans. Many other areas produce excellent beans; they are just less popular for visiting.
Types of Coffee Beans Produced in El Salvador
The beans cultivated in the El Salvador coffee route are of the Arabica species such as Bourbon, Pacas, Tekisic, Pacamara, and Maragogype.
Bourbon Arabica is the predominant type of bean found in most of the plantations; it is followed by Pacas and then the rest of them.
El Salvador Coffee Plantations
The following are some of the best coffee plantations in El Salvador. At these coffee farms, you can sample some of the best coffee beans in the country. Also, these plantations are located near colorful towns with great tourist attractions.
1. Los Pinos Cooperative
The cooperative is located in the municipality of El Congo in the department of Santa Ana. It is near the Cerro Verde National Park and Lake Coatepeque.
At this location, you will be able to find everything you might need for the trip, they offer restaurant service and accommodations.
The activities at Los Pinos include hiking down to the lake, boat rides on the lake, and much more. Also, these activities are in addition to learning about the fantastic coffee produce in their loca
2. El Carmen State
El Carmen state was founded in 1930; it is located next to the town Concepción de Ataco in Ahuachapan. according to their website, “For four generations El Carmen has maintained a traditional method for processing quality coffee which is now known as Gourmet.”
El Carmen state has beautiful panoramic views, and with a great climate, provides an ideal location for getting acquainted with the coffee culture.
3. Los Pirineos Coffee Farm
Los Pirineos Coffee farm is located in the municipality of Berlin in Usuluta. This farm has won several awards in the cup competition for coffee beans excellence.
4. El Torogoz Coffee Farm
The farm is located directly below the Cerro Verde National Park and receives the natural attributes of this microclimate. This makes the coffee produced at this farm of very good quality.
5. Finca El Liston
Finca El Liston is located in the colorful town of Tacuba in the department of Ahuachapan. This is an area where you can go hiking and get the Salvadoran coffee experience, as well as enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Furthermore, ecotourism is a popular activity in the area.
6. La Trinidad Coffee Farm
Trinidad farm is located in the Tiger mountain in Jucuapa Usulutan. This coffee farm is family own and has been in existence for over 140 years.
7- Finca San Antonio Chalchuapa.
Finca San Antonio is located in Chalchuapa near fantastic archaeological sites such as Tazumal and Casa Blanca. Here you can visit the archaeological museum, go camping, learn to dye with natural dyes, and take an artisan jewelry workshops. You can do all the above mention activities without missing the tasting of the farm’s own beans.
Evidently, the seven locations listed above are not the only ones in the country; there are many other coffee plantations in the country. If you want to visit one of the locations listed above or another one, I recommend you first talk to a Salvadoran tour company or guide.
The tour companies in El Salvador will be able to give you a better idea of which Coffee Plantation to visit and what activities are at the location or nearby.
El Salvador Coffee Tours
If you haven’t had the opportunity, travel to El Salvador and visit one of the places on the El Salvador coffee route; there, you can bear witness as to what it takes to make a cup of coffee; in addition to sampling the products.