Lucio Luque

Lucio Luque Vásquez is a dedicated coffee producer operating in the remote Incahuasi Valley, located in the Cusco region of Peru. His farm, known as Nuevo Progreso, is situated at high altitudes ranging between 2,000 and 2,100 meters above sea level. This extreme elevation, combined with the region's rich volcanic soil and the cooling influence of meltwater from nearby glaciers, creates a unique microclimate that is highly conducive to producing coffee with exceptional sweetness, clarity, and complex acidity.

Luque is a member of the Incahuasi cooperative, an organization that supports farmers in the Choqesafra slopes. The cooperative plays a vital role in the region by helping producers manage the logistics of processing and exporting their harvests. Through this partnership, Luque has been able to isolate specific parcels of his land to focus on the cultivation of high-quality varieties, such as Gesha, which have significantly elevated the profile of his farm in the global specialty coffee market.

His commitment to quality has been validated on the international stage, most notably through the Alliance for Coffee Excellence. In the 2021 Peru Cup of Excellence competition, Luque’s coffee from Nuevo Progreso achieved a score of 88.97, securing a top-tier position that attracted interest from international roasters. This recognition is a testament to his meticulous approach to cultivation and processing, which often involves traditional washed methods that highlight the inherent characteristics of the coffee cherry.

In practice, Luque’s work is characterized by a focus on sensory distinction. Roasters who have sourced his coffee, such as Counter Culture Coffee and Coffee Collective, often highlight vibrant tasting notes including blood orange, bubble gum, and delicate florals. These profiles are not the result of additives but are instead the product of the specific variety, the high-altitude terroir, and the careful post-harvest handling practiced at Nuevo Progreso.

For the drinker, the name Lucio Luque represents a benchmark for Peruvian specialty coffee, signaling a product that has been carefully separated from larger regional blends to preserve its unique identity. For the roaster, his farm serves as a reliable source of high-scoring, traceable lots that demonstrate the potential of the Cusco region. His success highlights the importance of direct relationships between producers and the specialty industry, which allow for the economic sustainability of smallholder farms.

Luque’s story stands as a prime example of how investment in agricultural quality and variety selection can transform a small, remote farm into a globally recognized name. By focusing on the specific needs of his coffee trees and leveraging the natural advantages of the Incahuasi Valley, he continues to contribute to the growing reputation of Peru as a source of world-class specialty coffee.