In the southern Ecuadorian province of Zamora Chinchipe, the canton of Chinchipe and its main town, Zumba, form the heart of a vibrant coffee-growing region. Unlike many Ecuadorian towns founded by Spanish conquistadors, Zumba developed naturally as a crossroads for trade between Peru and Ecuador. This spirit of exchange and resilience is deeply tied to the coffee producers who today carry forward a legacy of farming that spans three and even four generations.
The families behind Tesoros de Zumba embody values of hard work, community, and sustainability. Locally known as “Charapanos,” after a determined species of ant, these producers honor traditions passed down from their parents and grandparents, including the preservation of old growth coffee varieties, such as Typica and Bourbon.
Coffee has long been their main livelihood, allowing families to purchase land, raise children, and sustain their way of life. Many producers complement their work with agroforestry systems, planting under shade, recycling coffee pulp into organic fertilizers, and even engaging in beekeeping to support pollination and diversify income. Their farms often double as family gardens, providing fruits and vegetables for daily use.
Caravela began working with these producers in 2017, offering training through its PECA team. With support, farmers have refined drying methods and experimented with fermentation, steadily raising the quality of their coffee. This blend of tradition and innovation, combined with rich biodiversity and favorable growing conditions, makes Zumba’s coffee exceptional. For these families, coffee is not just a crop—it is a treasure linking heritage, sustainability, and community for future generations.
