La Soledad

The story

Founded in 2010 by former mountaineer and Seven Summiteer José Ignacio “Pepe” Jijón, the farm was established as a reforestation project in the Intag Valley. Originally seeking a place to reconnect with nature, Jijón transitioned into coffee production after discovering the potential of the land. The farm has since focused on restoring the ecosystem by planting over 25,000 trees on previously deforested land.

Challenges

The farm faces significant regional pressures from mining activities and must navigate the complexities of maintaining environmental sustainability while operating in a previously deforested area.

Innovations

Finca Soledad utilizes biodynamic farming practices and meticulous, experimental processing techniques such as extended and 'wave' fermentations to enhance coffee complexity. The farm also serves as a reforestation project, integrating coffee production with the restoration of native cloud forest ecosystems.