Found in a valley north of the Antigua region and south of Huehuetenango, Chimaltenango is a relatively new coffee growing region. In fact, in some places, coffee is the first crop to be cultivated. Rich in nutrients, the soil has lime and clay content, lending it a slightly acidic pH, giving rise to some outstanding coffee profiles. Unlike most coffee regions, Chimaltenango is quite dry. However, the area has abundant natural springs and coffee-friendly microclimates where the trees not only survive but thrive.
The higher the elevation, the slower coffee grows and ripens, thus the denser the bean, and the higher the quality. Since the Chimaltenango region ranges between 1300-1700 MASL (4265-5578 feet above sea level), most of its coffees rank solidly in the highest grade, Strictly Hard Bean (SHB).