THE FARM: “Cañaveral”

Jhon Jairo’s “Cañaveral” is a high-altitude coffee farm located near Santa Fe de Antioquia, Antioquia – Colombia. Santa Fe was once the capital of Antioquia, and back when Colombia was still a colony, it received the coat of arms from King Philip II of Spain.

“El Puente de Occidente” a suspension bridge over the Cauca river, built in the 19th century. At the time of its construction it was considered to be the third largest suspension bridge in the world. Made mostly out of wood it connects the towns of Olaya and Santa Fe de Antioquia.

Our journey to Jhon Jairo began when Don Arnulfo (the coffee farmer from “Las Soledades”) told us about some fellow coffee farmers who were producing great beans on their lands northwest of Medellin.

Jhon Jairo is part of a family that has been cultivating coffee for over 70 years. His farm is part of the land where he was raised along with his 13 siblings, 5 of which are also expert coffee farmers.

Gabriel (Jhon’s brother), Duban (Jhon’s newphew) and Jhon Jairo in the “Cañaveral” farm

Jhon can see the majestic Cauca River, Colombia’s second-largest river, and the whole valley below from his home.

A beautiful sunset from “Cañaveral” farm with a view of the majestic Cauca river from afar

“Cañaveral” sits at 6,726 ft MSL (2,050 meters) on an ancient horseshoe trail connecting Santa Fe de Antioquia with the rural community of Caicedo. It has approximately 6,000 coffee trees which under Jhon’s tender care produce delicious specialty beans.

 Jhon further highlights these specialty beans through a natural processing method.