Ecuador | Tesoro de Zumba | Typica Mejorado & Bourbon | Natural

Region: Chinchipe, Zamora Chinchipe 

Elevation: 1200-1650 masl

About: In Ecuador’s southern province of Zamora Chinchipe, Zumba sits at the heart of a coffee-growing region shaped by trade, migration and generations of smallholder farming. The producers behind Tesoros de Zumba are locally known as “Charapanos”, a name associated with the hardworking nature of the people who farm these mountains. 

Many families have cultivated coffee here for three or four generations, preserving traditional varieties including Typica and Bourbon. Coffee remains their primary livelihood, while agroforestry, fruit and vegetable gardens, organic fertilisers and beekeeping help support both farm biodiversity and family income. 

Caravela has worked with producers in the region since 2017 through its PECA team, providing farm visits and training. Producers have continued to refine fermentation and drying techniques, combining generations of farming knowledge with new approaches to quality and sustainability.

Sourced from the Chinchipe region of Zamora Chinchipe, this Ecuador | Tesoro de Zumba lot represents a unique intersection of geography and craft. The coffee is a blend of Typica Mejorado and Bourbon, processed using the natural method. While natural-processed coffees often exhibit heavier fruit profiles and increased sweetness due to the cherry drying intact around the bean, the specific character of this lot is shaped by the diverse Typica lineage. Cultivated at elevations between 1200 and 1650 masl, the beans reflect the distinct terroir of southern Ecuador.

Roasted by Proud Mary Coffee, this selection invites exploration of how varietal genetics and regional climate influence the cup. To better understand the nuances found in this specific harvest, we recommend referencing the flavor wheel to identify the complex aromatic compounds often associated with these high-elevation Ecuadorian cultivars. This entry serves as a snapshot of the evolving specialty landscape within the Zamora Chinchipe province.