Among Guatemala’s eight main coffee-growing regions, Fraijanes is located close to Guatemala City. The area benefits from the frequent volcanic ash and pumice deposits from Pacaya, one of the country's most active volcanoes, enriching the soil with vital minerals. With abundant sunlight, Fraijanes also offers ideal conditions for sun-drying coffee naturally without relying on mechanical dryers.
Within Fraijanes, the Palencia district stands out with its high elevation and mineral-rich soils formed by volcanic ash from Pacaya. The region is home to many exceptional farms, some of which have been recognized in the Cup of Excellence (COE) awards. The Calderón family has been cultivating coffee here for over 100 years. In 2000, Victor Calderón established La Pia Farm, drawing on generations of experience to focus specifically on producing high-quality coffee.
Panorama Coffee, collaborates closely with Victor Calderón. They were able to separate a portion of land from the historic El Tambor Farm—which itself has a COE award-winning track record—to launch La Pia Farm. Today, they are actively experimenting with a wide range of micro-lots.
El Tambor’s excellence has gained international attention, including from organizations like Third Wave Coffee Source, which focuses on uncovering and supporting under-recognized producers across Guatemala. Thanks to this support, Victor and his team continue to push quality even further.
The lot "Aurora AA" achieved a remarkable 87.5 points in internal quality evaluation, offering a beautifully floral aroma reminiscent of violets, juicy acidity, and a deep chocolate-like sweetness and strength.
