A Coffee Farm Worth the Journey in Puerto Rico's Mountains

This piece is part of a series by United Voices, a new Dinogo immersion initiative uniting local creators and Dinogo editors for workshops, storytelling, and shared experiences in a destination. We proudly launch in Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico has deep-rooted coffee traditions. Introduced by Spain in the 1700s, by the late 19th century, Puerto Rico had become the sixth largest coffee exporter globally, despite its small size—100 miles long and 35 miles wide. Coffee flourished from coastal areas to elevations exceeding 2,000 feet, symbolizing local pride.

However, due to various factors such as import expenses, economic downturns, and natural disasters, the number of coffee farms in Puerto Rico dwindled from 21,693 registered farms in 1899 to just 1,251 in 2018. Nevertheless, a burgeoning movement of sustainable producers is dedicated to preserving Puerto Rico's rich coffee harvesting heritage.

One notable example is Sandra Farms in Adjuntas, nestled in the island's central mountains. Just two hours southwest of San Juan, this 225-acre farm sits at an elevation of 2,500 feet, accessible only by navigating narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs. The journey is undeniably rewarding.

Acquired in 1994 by Sandra and Israel Gonzalez, Sandra Farms launched its coffee sales in 2001. Committed to traditional cultivation and harvesting practices, the farm emphasizes ethical and sustainable methods: it operates without fossil fuels and recycles biomass and compost.

To immerse travelers in the history and evolution of Puerto Rico’s coffee, Sandra Farms provides guided tours twice daily from Tuesday to Sunday. Visitors can observe the journey of coffee plants from seedlings to trees, then to fruit and beans, and discover how the farm has adapted to climate change.

When asked about the future, Carmelo Rodriguez, a coffee roaster, processor, and guide at Sandra Farms, beamed with optimism. “We have no choice but to focus on the bright side,” he stated.