Set against the dramatic backdrop of Volcán de Agua, Proyecto Ojo de Agua is rooted in the heart of Guatemala’s historic coffee belt. The region of Ciudad Vieja holds special significance in the country’s coffee story — not only as one of the first Spanish colonial capitals of Central America, but also as one of the earliest places where coffee was introduced to Guatemalan soil in the mid-19th century. The volcanic soils of Sacatepéquez are among the most nutrient-rich in the Americas. Coupled with consistent rainfall, cool mountain breezes, and high elevations, this region naturally fosters slow cherry development, leading to the kind of dense, sweet, and complex beans for which Guatemalan coffee is world-renowned.
Josue Moráles founded Los Volcanes (LVC) coffee with a passion for the historic growing region of Antigua, and a dedication to exploring and developing organic farming practices throughout the region to help improve quality and production in the local community. La Esperanza is a fully functioning organic farm, wet mill, nursery, quality lab, and general testing ground for developing quality in the region. Due to the prices and complications related to acquiring pesticides, herbicides, and other soil inputs (not to mention the strain on the health of the environment), Josue embarked on an experiment to test the viability of organic farming practices as an alternative.
