Juan Peña manages all production from the farm.
The Landowners include: Juan Carlos Vélez | María Isabel Cordova | Guillermo Talbot | Alejandro Torres
- Climate Type: Semi-humid Tropics
- Location: Andean Mountain Range, middle and upper basin of the Jubones River (flows into the Pacific Ocean)
- Altitude: 1062 – 1800 meters above sea level (MSL)
- Soil: Sandy loam; arid with dry-low montane forest vegetation, yet with access to water sources
- Water Source: Andean humid conservation areas of San Fernando
- Climate: 12 hours of daylight; dry temperatures (19 – 25°C, with peaks up to 35°C); moderate rainfall (500 – 2000 mm/year); transition between coastal and mountainous climates, creating a unique bioclimate
- Topography: Irregular with geological faults, valleys, and slopes ranging from 15 – 70%
Cup Profile
- High and bright acidity, giving a fresh and vibrant sensation
- Floral notes (jasmine, orange blossom) and fruity tones (cherry, raspberry, blackberry, grape)
- Clean finish with citrus acidity reminiscent of lemon, orange, or green apple
Key Aspects
- Vibrant, fresh, and clean coffee profile with a lingering smooth aftertaste
- Well-balanced acidity contributes to a refreshing and complex flavor
- Yunguilla is one of the most beautiful and unique valleys in Ecuador, known for its exceptional soil and climate characteristics. It is located within the Andes mountain range, whose river basins flow into the Pacific Ocean. Unlike other regions of Ecuador, Yunguilla is distinguished by its type of sandy loam soil, which favors the development of vegetation adapted to more arid conditions.
- One of the unique characteristics of this area is its climate, which can reach temperatures of up to 35°C during the day. However, the most relevant thing for coffee production is its strategic location at an intermediate point between the warm currents of the Pacific Ocean and the cold currents coming from the Andes. This interaction creates a unique bioclimate, not found in any other region of the country, generating a microenvironment that favors the development of a distinctive flavor profile, with delicate floral notes, such as jasmine or orange blossom, combined with intense fruity notes such as cherry, raspberry, blackberry or grape.
- This profile contributes to a cup of coffee with remarkable complexity, characterized by a vibrant acidity that distinguishes it from any other coffee-producing region in Ecuador.
Yunguilla Farm Culture in Surrounding Communities
Yunguilla Valley is home to communities with deep indigenous roots, particularly the Cañari people, who were the original inhabitants of the region before the Incas arrived. Many traditions, including ancestral farming techniques and spiritual beliefs, still influence daily life. However, the valley has also experienced significant mestizo influence, creating a cultural fusion seen in its food, festivals, and ways of life.
Yunguilla is a prime agricultural area, producing tropical fruits like mangoes, avocados, passion fruit, and sugarcane. It is also known for its coffee cultivation, with small-scale farmers producing high-quality, organic coffee that is gaining recognition within Ecuador.
Additionally, the valley has a history of sugarcane liquor production, particularly aguardiente, a strong alcoholic drink distilled from sugarcane.
Many locals still practice a mix of Catholicism and indigenous beliefs. Shamans and healers (curanderos) are known to perform traditional rituals using plants and sacred elements from nature. Spiritual retreats have also gained popularity in the valley, attracting visitors looking for wellness experiences, meditation, and connection with nature.
Celebrations:
- Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun): Rooted in Cañari and Incan traditions, this celebration honors the sun and the harvest season.
- Catholic Festivities: Local towns celebrate patron saints with religious processions, music, and dancing.
- Carnival: A major celebration with water fights, parades, and traditional food.
