For Oscar and Francisca Chacón, coffee is more than a crop; it's the thread that weaves together their family’s past, present, and future. As third-generation producers in the Central Valley, their connection to the land runs deep.

 

But it wasn’t until 2005, in the wake of a personal loss and a national financial crisis, that they made the bold decision to build their own micro mill.

 

This shift allowed them not only to survive a difficult time, but also to redefine their role in the coffee world transforming from producers into innovators, exporters, and stewards of quality.

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The Las Lajas farm stretches across 80 hectares between 1,300 and 1,700 meters above sea level, with over 20 varieties cultivated, including SL-28, Villa Sarchí, Bourbon, and Milenio.

 

These diverse lots are processed using a wide spectrum of experimental and traditional methods ranging from Yellow Honey and Red Honey to Black Diamond anaerobics.

 

Every harvest, 100 to 200 seasonal workers, primarily from Nicaragua and Panama, support the Chacón family’s labor intensive approach, helping to ensure that each bean is picked and handled with care.

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Innovation and sustainability go hand in hand at Las Lajas. The farm integrates agroforestry and reforestation practices, reuses coffee pulp as compost, and follows international protocols for responsible farming.

 

Agronomic decisions are guided by external advisors, but always rooted in the inherited knowledge passed down through generations. For Oscar and Francisca, this careful balance of science and tradition is what defines their coffee’s unique character.

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Today, Las Lajas exports more than 2,500 bags a year to specialty buyers around the world. Yet for the Chacón family, the real reward lies in something far more personal: the pride of knowing that each cup reflects their history, their values, and their unwavering dedication.

 

They hope the next generations will carry the torch, continuing to nurture the land and deepen the connection between Costa Rican soil and global coffee lovers.