Overview

Finca Aconcagua was bought by Tom Hawk back in 1990, the farm has been devoted to coffee growing since the late 40’s. The farm is located in Tacuba and has “El Imposible” national forest as its neighbor, because of it size (3,800 ha) and biological diversity, this forest is considered the most important natural park of El Salvador. The legend says that in the early 20 century, coffee growers transported their coffee by mule, from the farms in the north to the Acajutla port. But besides the harsh topography, there was a precipice that interrupted this journey. So, people built weak bridges, and in many occasions they did not hold their weight and many humans and beast died.

From this farm, you have a breathtaking landscape including the Apaneca-Ilamatepec mountain range and even the Pacific ocean. Aconcagua’s coffee trees are on average 27 years old, the farm shade trees are mostly native, keeping the “Imposible” forest feeling inside the farm. Coffee tree density is 4,200 trees per hectare and shade coverage is provided by 210 shade trees per hectare.

The coffee lot participating in Cup of Excellence® was selected from a specific plot called “tablón 12” located in the highest point of the farm, where normally mist covers that area by noon. Tom and his farm supervisor picked this area because of the variety planted and the microclimate. This tablón was also chosen in 2007, when Aconcagua ranked in 18th place at the CoE event that year.

They performed several cultural practices to avoid erosion such as natural barriers planting Izote (Yucca elephantipe) or Vetiver grass, etc. Pit digging is another task very important in Aconcagua because of the tough structure associated with the existing clay soil, this also helps collect organic matter. Aconcagua employs 30 people permanently and nearly 100 people during harvest time.

Tom also realizes the importance of giving back to the community, he donated land to build a school named “Escuela Rural Mixta Las Mercedes”, and he also provides access to clean water and donates each year provisions for the children, like raincoats or sports uniforms. Future plans include introducing better health care services to his employee’s families.

Additional information:
Location: Cantón El Sincuyo, Tacuba
Coffee varieties: Bourbon, Pacas and Pacamara
Type of Shade: Pepeto, ojustle, zapotillo, volador, tepenance, soguillo, etc
Average Annual Rainfall: 3,000 mm
Average Temperature: 18º C Type of Soil: Clayish loam and sandy
Annual Production: (60kg) 150 bags
Mill and company where lot was process: Coex, S.A. de C.V.
Fauna: Deer, Puma, crested hawk, pajuil, peccary, ocelot.

GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: N 13° 52’ 42.5’’
Longitude: W 89° 58’ 01.3’’