Origin: Nuevo Oriente region, Guatemala
Farm & Producer: Finca Carrizalito, Ricardo Zelaya
Elevation: 1,000 – 1,200 masl
Varietals: Caturra, Bourbon, Catuai, Villa Sarchi, Pacas
Process: Washed, patio-dried
Grade: SHB EP
Tasting Notes
Milk chocolate, caramel, bright citrus, and toasted pecan.
A balanced cup that is smooth, sweet and a touch of citrus.
Story & Origin
Finca Carrizalito isn’t just another farm. It’s the beginning of Ricardo Zelaya’s story. In 1986, at just 21 years old, Ricardo bought this land in the rugged highlands of northwestern Guatemala. It was his first coffee farm and the place where he turned classroom knowledge into hands-on work. From experimenting with planting techniques to building his first wet mill, Carrizalito became the starting point for everything he would later build.
Decades later, the farm is still at the heart of his operation. It serves as the nursery for all of Ricardo’s other farms, growing strong seedlings in rich volcanic soil with the support of nearly eight months of rainfall each year. These healthy young plants adapt easily when moved to other farms, helping ensure consistency and quality across his entire network.
Reaching Carrizalito isn’t simple. It’s located in a remote part of Guatemala, and the journey can take six to nine hours over tough roads. Despite the distance, Ricardo’s connection to the farm remains strong. It’s more than just a production site. It’s a place that represents his long-term vision for quality and sustainability.
Beyond coffee, Carrizalito is also home to a primary school that serves over 100 children from the surrounding community. The school includes a computer lab and provides access to education that would otherwise be difficult to find in the area. It’s a reflection of Ricardo’s belief that building great coffee also means supporting the people behind it.
Carrizalito may not be his largest or most high-profile farm, but it’s where it all started. It continues to grow excellent coffee, nurture new life, and invest in the next generation. This is the foundation of the Zelaya family’s work in Guatemala.
