Mount Totumas

Mount Totumas is a distinguished coffee estate situated in the Tierras Altas region of Chiriquí, Panama, operating within a 140-hectare cloud forest preserve that borders La Amistad International Park. The property was originally acquired in 2008 by brothers Michael and Jeff Dietrich, who initially established it as an off-the-grid, rustic-luxe lodge. Driven by a commitment to conservation, the family reforested 30 hectares of former cow pastures, creating a unique micro-climate where coffee groves now thrive at elevations reaching 1,900 meters above sea level.

The transition to high-end coffee production began with mentorship from the Hartmann family, a legendary name in Panamanian coffee. Following their guidance, the Dietrichs planted their first 500 Geisha trees in 2014. Today, the farm is managed by a dedicated team, with Karin De La Rosa overseeing specialty coffee production, processing, and export, while other family members and staff manage the farm-to-table operations and ecological stewardship of the land.

Mount Totumas is defined by its deep integration with the surrounding cloud forest. The farm’s six hectares of coffee groves benefit from a symbiotic relationship with the local ecosystem, where native trees provide shade and nitrogen fixation, while local wildlife and pollinators contribute to the health of the canopy. This philosophy of working in harmony with nature extends to their processing methods, which include meticulous washed and natural techniques, often featuring extended or cold fermentation to highlight the complex sensory profiles of their beans.

The farm’s commitment to quality has earned it significant recognition on the global stage. Mount Totumas achieved 1st Place in the Geisha Natural category at the 2023 Best of Panama competition and secured 6th place in the same category in 2024. These accolades have solidified the farm's reputation as a producer of high-caliber Geisha, known for delicate floral, citrus, and tea-like notes that are characteristic of the region's unique terroir.

Beyond the Geisha variety, the farm cultivates a diverse range of cultivars, including Typica, Catuai, Caturra, and Pacamara. Each lot is processed with precision, reflecting the specific environmental conditions of the cloud forest. For roasters and consumers, Mount Totumas represents the intersection of high-altitude specialty coffee and environmental conservation, where the 'imprint of nature' is considered a co-author of the final cup.

As the specialty coffee industry continues to emphasize traceability and ecological impact, Mount Totumas stands as a model for sustainable, high-quality production. By maintaining a small, controlled footprint within a larger protected reserve, the farm ensures that its agricultural practices support rather than deplete the biodiversity of the Tierras Altas region. This approach has made their coffee highly sought after by specialty roasters worldwide who prioritize both sensory excellence and ethical land management.