On our most recent trip to Guatemala, we were hosted by our friends at Los Volcanes. This was our first visit back in two years, and we were eager to see the progress at farms we’ve known for years. After spending time at their headquarters at Beneficio La Esperanza, we were invited to visit their newest farm, Finca Relámpago, perched on the slopes of Volcán de Agua near the historic town of Ciudad Vieja. It’s a coffee farm rooted in both mythology and modern experimentation.
After a winding climb up the mountainside in the back of a pickup truck, our friend and lead agronomist, Loyren Orozco, guided us through the land and shared the team’s plans for new variety plantings and processing experiments. As she gathered wild avocados from the area, she explained how this region has long been recognized as one of Guatemala’s most iconic coffee-growing zones, known for its high elevation, volcanic soil, and cool mountain climate. Once the original capital of colonial Guatemala, Ciudad Vieja holds centuries of agricultural tradition in its valleys and ridges. Today, it remains a vibrant hub for smallholder farmers, artisanal producers, and innovators, a place where heritage meets progress.
In 2024, Los Volcanes Coffee acquired Finca Relámpago with a clear mission: to create a space dedicated to research, experimentation, and innovation in coffee processing. As a company deeply rooted in origin, they believe extraordinary coffee begins with being present on the ground, in the soil, and alongside the people who grow it. This farm allows them to do exactly that.
The story of Relámpago is also one of legacy. The land once belonged to Don Rafael, a longtime collaborator and friend of the Los Volcanes team. After years of partnership, Don Rafael decided to pursue new projects, and in that moment, Josué Morales, founder of Los Volcanes, saw an opportunity to carry the story of this land forward, honoring its history while building toward its future.
The name Relámpago means “lightning” in Spanish and draws inspiration from Greek mythology. According to legend, Pegasus, the winged horse, ascends to Mount Olympus under Perseus’ guidance, bringing light and fire to humanity, like lightning from the heavens. Each morning, as the sun climbs over Volcán de Agua, that same image of light and energy fills the farm, symbolizing illumination, elevation, and transformation.
Today, Finca Relámpago stands as a platform for experimentation, exploring controlled fermentations, drying methods, varietal trials, micro-lot development, and regenerative farming practices while deepening collaboration with nearby communities around Ciudad Vieja.
Back at Beneficio La Esperanza, we cupped through a wide range of coffees, but one lot from Relámpago immediately stood out. The cup was layered with dark chocolate and subtle blackberry acidity, showing that signature Guatemalan florality we often describe as marzipan. The finish lingered with comforting notes of nougat and milk chocolate. We’re proud to share this coffee as our first collaboration with the Los Volcanes and Finca Relámpago team and the first taste of an exciting new chapter with this amazing farm.
