CALLUS OF THE MAW, Ecuador

Hacienda Santa Gertrudis, located south of the Ecuadorian Andes in the buffer zone of the Podocarpus National Park, has been owned by the family for over a century. It is situated just a few minutes away from Vilcabamba, a world-renowned destination known for its pleasant weather and the longevity of its residents.

In 1954, Luis Emilio Eguiguren became the first person to cultivate coffee on Hacienda Santa Gertrudis. His son, Luis Hernan Eguiguren, grew up observing his father's diligent care for the land and eventually took on the responsibility himself. During that time, the focus was primarily on producing commercial coffee. However, today, the third generation coffee producer, Jose Luis Eguiguren, is dedicated exclusively to specialty coffee.

The entire Hacienda spans 60 hectares, with 9 hectares currently dedicated to coffee cultivation. The coffee varieties grown include Sidra, Geisha, SL28, Typica Mejorado, Yellow Catuai, and Caturra.

Since 2019, Jose Luis has successfully shifted the focus to specialty coffee and has fostered connections with like-minded coffee professionals who share the passion for promoting specialty coffee in their respective markets. Forward takes pride in being one of the few international distribution partners collaborating with Hacienda Santa Gertrudis.

Santa Gertrudis boasts fully equipped wet and dry mills, capable of processing its own coffee production and providing support and opportunities to nearby coffee producers. Through Jose Luis's efforts, many talented coffee producers who prioritize intentional coffees and regenerative agricultural practices have been connected, resulting in enhanced economic stability for the local community.