Rounton Coffee Roasters: El Salvador, Finca Bosque Lya, Washed

Finca Bosque Lya is situated in the municipality of Santa Ana on the foothills of the Santa Ana Volcano in the Apaneca Mountain range of western El Salvador. The farm was established in 1932 when Gustavo Vides Valdes named his property in honour of his newly born daughter, Lya. The farm name Bosque Lya translates to – Lya’s forest.

Finca Bosque Lya achieved world fame in coffee circles when it took first place in the 2004 Cup of Excellence.

This is a 96 hectare farm - 64 of which are under coffee, the balance being left as natural rainforest. However, in many parts of the farm it is difficult to recognise what is pure forest and what isn’t, since so many shade trees are used. There is an abundance of wildlife including birds such as humming birds, orioles and hawks and many migratory species. Mammals include wild cats, armadillos, deer and possum. There are endless beautiful flowers including colourful rare orchids and epiphytes that grow on the branches of the trees. The views from this farm are jaw dropping with the mountains and volcanoes of west El Salvador and Guatemala beyond dominating the picture. The towering El Chingo Volcano takes centre stage in this dramatic scene.