The Chalatenango sub-region lies within the Alotepec-Metapán coffee-growing region in northeast and north-central El Salvador, a series of often hard-to-access volcanic mountain ranges. One of the highest growing regions in the country, most coffees are SHB--Strictly Hard Bean, a designation given to beans grown above 1400 MASL.
This hilly country contains few large estates, so it lies with smallholder farmers to coax the best from the volcanic soil, and coffee trees do love this mineral-rich medium. One variety that is growing in popularity in this region is the large-beaned Pacamara, a crossing of the Pacas and the Maragogipe varietals resulting in a hybrid that is better than both parents. Intense in flavors and aromas with elegant acidity, it is hardy, disease resistant, and productive.