Yacuri

The southernmost provinces of Ecuador are Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, bordering Peru. These two provinces have distinct climatic conditions. Zamora Chinchipe, located on the eastern side of the Andes, is influenced by the climate of the Amazon jungle, characterized by higher humidity and greener mountains. On the other hand, Loja, situated on the western side of the Andes, experiences drier conditions influenced by winds coming from the arid deserts of northern Peru. Loja also has more distinct dry and wet seasons. In the border region between the two provinces, the Andes or as it is known in Ecuador The Sierra, there are several natural reserves. One of these reserves is called Yacurí, spanning an area of 431 square kilometers (267.8 square miles) and established in 2009. Yacuri is vital for preserving the flora and fauna of the area, featuring fog forests, dry forests, and a paramo (Andean moor) within its boundaries.

In the vicinity of Yacuri, both in Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, there are several coffee farmers employing agroforestry systems who contribute to this brand. Caravela has been working with them for several years, and in 2023, a project was initiated to directly certify them as organic producers through Caravela, working closely with our PECA technicians in the area.