Mauricio Jimenez - Costa Rica

Nestled in San Martin, Mauricio's farm stands as a stunning masterpiece, perched 1800 meters above sea level amidst the clouds. The journey to this breathtaking sanctuary, an exhilarating yet slightly unsettling 45-minute drive from San Marcos, unfolds along steep and winding roads. In the spring of 2023 we had the good fortune of being escorted by Mauricio himself, comfortably seated three abreast in his sturdy 4x4 pickup. En route, we shared tales of work, family, his years as a roofer in the United States, and of course, we talked a little coffee. We often feel a bit like we are intruding when visiting producers during peak harvest (their busiest time of the year) but Mauricio welcomed us with open arms. His genuine eagerness to connect with those who roast and serve his coffee mirrored our own excitement to meet him. Mauricio's penchant for innovation led him to diversify his farming endeavors, dedicating portions of his land to cultivating the coveted granadillas, perhaps the world's greatest fruit. On our way back to town we even stopped and tasted the wares of his fenced in strawberry patch, cohabited by the most endearing and gregarious cow we've ever met – a testament to Mauricio's distinctive charm. San Martin's coffee beans, nurtured at such high elevations, embody an unmatched sweetness and clarity. Following the coffee harvest, the beans make their way back to town for meticulous processing and drying. Raised beds in Mauricio's front yard serve as the final stage for this intricate choreography.