Benchmark

Up in the northern highlands of Peru, near the border of Ecuador, you’ll find San Ignacio—a province in Cajamarca known for its lush natural forests and vibrant coffee culture. Often called the coffee capital of Peru, San Ignacio is a place where history, community, and agriculture come together. 

Today, the people of San Ignacio are building toward a future rooted in care—for the land, for their community, and for generations to come. With a shared commitment to sustainable farming, ecological preservation, and growing local tourism, they’re investing in a vision that honors both tradition and growth. Around 300 coffee growers from San Ignacio, many working farms with an average of 2–3 hectares, are leading the charge—growing not just great coffee, but a more resilient and prosperous community.

The beans used in this Benchmark offering, El Guayacán, are named after the striking yellow trees that dot the northern Cajamarca landscape. These trees don’t just add beauty—they provide essential shade and protection for the coffee plants growing beneath them.

In collaboration with Caravela’s PECA team, the El Guayacán smallholder farmers have spent the last three years making real strides—in infrastructure, in quality, and in the long-term sustainability of their farms. We’re proud to continue working with this community and to share the results of their hard work in every cup.