Amparo Maya

Amparo Maya is a prominent coffee producer operating in the Nariño department of Colombia, a region increasingly recognized for its high-altitude coffee production. Her farm, often associated with the Las Mangas property, is situated at significant elevations, with some lots reaching approximately 1,950 to 2,000 meters above sea level. This high-altitude environment is critical to her production, as it facilitates slow cherry maturation, which is essential for preserving acidity and developing high sugar density in the coffee beans.

Her approach to coffee production is defined by a commitment to quality and a focus on natural processing. Unlike traditional washed coffees common in many parts of Colombia, Maya utilizes whole-cherry fermentation followed by a slow drying process. This method is specifically employed to concentrate the natural sweetness of the fruit and build a complex, textured body in the final cup. The drying process is often conducted in parabolic dryers, which provide controlled conditions to ensure consistency and quality throughout the post-harvest phase.

Beyond her technical processing methods, Maya is recognized for her long-term dedication to transforming her family property into a thriving, diversified agricultural operation. Her journey has involved navigating the challenges of farming in a region that was once considered an unlikely origin for specialty coffee. Through years of persistent effort, she has successfully elevated the profile of her farm, making her a notable figure in the specialty coffee supply chain.

Her work has gained significant visibility through partnerships with specialty roasters, most notably Verve Coffee Roasters, who have featured her coffees as a single-origin offering for several years. These partnerships have helped bring her specific lots to an international audience, highlighting the distinct flavor profiles—often characterized by layered acidity and saturated fruit notes—that result from her specific cultivation and processing techniques.

Documentation of her work, including photography and field reports, has provided insight into the daily realities of her farm in Chachagüí. These accounts describe the challenging, high-altitude landscape where fog and climate play a constant role in the development of the coffee. Her story is frequently cited as an example of the impact that individual producers can have on the specialty market when they focus on meticulous, small-batch processing.

While she is a distinct producer, it is important to distinguish her from other Colombian producers of similar names who have appeared in historical competition records, such as the Cup of Excellence. Maya’s reputation is built on her consistent output of high-quality natural lots in Nariño, which have become a staple for roasters seeking to showcase the potential of Colombian natural-processed coffees. Her ongoing work continues to serve as a benchmark for quality in the region.