Wiwitz, Guatemala

Lucas Rodríguez Salucio lives with his wife and nine children in the village of Xayomlaj, in Jacaltenango, Huehuetenango. The family has always worked the land, but for many years their main crop was corn, which barely sustained them and offered no stable future. In 2010, with much effort, Lucas bought a small plot of land of less than one hectare and decided to invest in coffee. It was a risky move, but also an opportunity to find a crop that could provide them with a more dignified life.

The first few years were tough: planting coffee meant waiting for several harvests to see results and learning processes unfamiliar to the family. However, Lucas remained steadfast, convinced that coffee could open up new opportunities. In 2012, when he was just beginning to consolidate his farm, coffee leaf rust struck hard. The disease devastated a large portion of the production and jeopardized the family's finances. To survive, they began introducing Catimor, a more resistant variety, although they soon discovered it didn't achieve the quality they dreamed of. Finally, the farm opted for Caturra, always seeking a balance between resistance and exceptional flavour.

The work on the Wiwitz farm is entirely artisanal. Lucas and his family pulp the coffee on the plot itself, use the pulp as organic fertilizer, and ferment the beans in small plastic containers before washing them and letting them rest in clean water. Drying is done in the sun on plastic tarps, as they don't have a cement patio, which requires constant dedication to ensure the coffee dries evenly. Every family member participates in these tasks, turning the farm into a true collective project.

Today, more than a decade later, Wiwitz coffee represents not only the hardship and resilience of Lucas and his family, but also the spirit of Huehuetenango: small producers who, despite the difficulties, strive for quality and keep the region's coffee-growing traditions alive. Each cup reflects that story of perseverance and the hope for a better future for future generations.

Country - Guatemala
Region - Huehuetenango
Process - Washed