HONDURAS Las Calaveras ‎
Las Calaveras was founded in 1986 when Carlos Alonso Castillo saved enough money working on neighboring farms to purchase his first plot and start growing coffee independently. ‎
‎
The family has two generations of coffee producers who are now focused on producing high-quality coffee. ‎
‎
The Las Calaveras farm is located at an altitude of 1400–1550 meters above sea level in the La Paz region of southwestern Honduras, near the Montesillos Reserve. The native Lenka people call this area the “place of stone” due to its mountainous terrain covered with dense jungle. ‎
‎
La Paz features clay loam soils and a mild climate. Due to reduced daylight, coffee trees here produce smaller yields but of significantly higher quality. ‎
‎
The farm covers 12 hectares, cultivating specialty coffee scored 85+. Besides coffee, bananas are also grown to support the family. ‎
‎
The farm strives to work in harmony with the environment by using organic and some chemical fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are made from coffee processing by-products. ‎
‎
Additionally, experimental plots with tree planting have been implemented to improve water retention during the dry season and prevent soil degradation caused by heavy rains in winter. ‎
‎
Carlos Alonso grows Brazilian-origin varieties known for high yields and excellent cup quality, alongside some Salvadoran varieties. ‎
‎
Coffee quality is regularly monitored through cuppings conducted for each dried lot. ‎