Higinio and Aura Gómez

Higinio and Aura Gómez are foundational figures in the coffee landscape of San Antonio La Paz, Guatemala. Their journey began in 1988 when they purchased their first plot of land, which they named San José Las Moritas. This initial acquisition served as the cornerstone for what would eventually become a sprawling and influential farming operation. The couple began their venture with less than a hectare of land, planting Bourbon coffee seeds gifted to them by Higinio’s father, marking the start of a multi-generational commitment to the craft.

The Gómez family is widely credited as being among the first visionary farmers to transition the local agricultural landscape toward coffee production over four decades ago. Their early success and persistence transformed the region, providing a blueprint for other local families to follow. Today, the influence of the Gómez family extends beyond their own property, as they actively organize and support a wider community of coffee producers, facilitating the growth and export of high-quality regional lots.

Their farm, Las Moritas, is characterized by its unique microclimate and geography. Located in the Sierra de Las Minas—the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Guatemala outside of the Huehuetenango region—the farm benefits from a humid forest environment dominated by pine trees. This specific terroir, combined with non-volcanic soil, imparts a distinct character to the coffee produced by the family, which has become highly sought after by specialty roasters.

In practice, the operation at Las Moritas is a blend of traditional knowledge and evolving innovation. The family has consistently expanded their domain over the years, allowing for greater diversity in their cultivation methods. By maintaining a deep connection to their land while embracing the demands of the specialty market, they have successfully scaled their production without sacrificing the integrity of their output. This has allowed them to supply significant volumes of coffee to international partners, including full shipping containers for specialty roasters.

For the roaster and the consumer, the work of Higinio and Aura Gómez represents a high level of traceability and consistency. Because they organize the production of a broader community, their influence ensures that the quality standards established at Las Moritas are reflected in the broader regional output. This collaborative model not only secures a livelihood for the Gómez family but also stabilizes the coffee economy for the many families they mentor and organize.

Today, the legacy of Higinio and Aura Gómez stands as a testament to the impact of individual leadership in coffee-growing communities. Their willingness to open their farm to visitors and their role as organizers for local producers have made them central figures in the Guatemalan specialty coffee sector. Their story remains a primary example of how long-term dedication to land and community can elevate the profile of an entire coffee-producing region.