Lot 3: Los Morales Henri Milton Morales Umaña

It was memories and childhood stories that led the Morales family to search for land in the highest parts of the Alotepeque Mountain Range. Decades earlier, their father had been forced to give up his land due to the civil war in El Salvador. As children, with an uncertain future, the family relocated to the city of Metapán.

Years later, after much hard work and perseverance, they made the decision to return to the region—carrying with them the memory of their father and a deep desire to fulfill one of his greatest dreams. This return was not only personal, but also purposeful: to help develop the area and bring opportunity to its people.

They began implementing a vision to generate employment and transform this once-forgotten and underdeveloped region into a hidden gem for coffee cultivation. Upon exploring the land, Milton Morales chose to plant native varieties and select exotics, which adapted perfectly to the region's unique soil, climate, and altitude—yielding exceptional results.

Thus, Finca Los Morales was born, located at over 1,800 meters above sea level in the Alotepeque mountain range, facing the Montecristo Cloud Forest. This location creates a perfect balance of body, flavor, and aroma in the cup—an experience that captivates even the most refined palates.

The farm is situated in the municipality of Metapán, in the department of Santa Ana, specifically in the hamlet of Honduritas, at a latitude of 14.23°N. It is surrounded by protected forest, with rich plant and tree life that helps maintain a uniquely stable climate throughout the year, and offers inspiring landscapes for the coffee-growing journey.

The farm spans 45 manzanas (approx. 31.5 hectares), with over 11 currently under cultivation—5 planted with the Geisha variety and 6 with Pacamara. This year, they have added new varieties including Sidra, Moka, and Bourbon Rosé.

The farm takes great pride in employing workers from the local Honduritas community, providing jobs and boosting the local economy. Harvest season typically begins in late February, when the cherries reach their optimal ripeness.

To process their coffee, the Morales family built a small mill that includes a pulper and a solar drying tunnel made of UV-protected plastic, equipped with African beds to maintain a controlled drying environment.
Their processing methods include anaerobic, honey, washed, and natural. Drying times vary between 30 to 45 days, depending on the weather and the process type.

Cup Profiles:

Pacamara: Floral, honey, panela, black cherries, citric acidity, sweet, silky — Score: 89.50

Geisha: Floral, lemon, spice, cashew, mint, sweet — Score: 91.80

Their dedication and the exceptional quality of their coffee have driven them to compete in national competitions since 2022. In 2023, they earned 2nd place in the Natural category and received a Presidential Award.

In 2024, Finca Los Morales reached a major milestone:

1st place in the Cup of Excellence El Salvador (Natural category) with their Geisha coffee, scoring 91.80 points and earning the Presidential Coffee title.

At the international auction, their Lot A achieved a record-breaking $122 per pound—the highest price ever paid for a Salvadoran coffee.

These achievements positioned Finca Los Morales as a symbol of excellence—known for high quality, innovation in natural processing, and global recognition.

In 2025, they once again secured 2nd place in the Natural category and 2nd place in the Washed and Honey category, receiving yet another Presidential Coffee title. Their name now stands among the very best coffees of El Salvador, holding the record for the highest-paid Salvadoran coffee to date.

What began as a dream—rooted in memory and emotion—has grown into something greater than they ever imagined. Without a doubt, their father would be proud.

Finca Los Morales continues to create new projects to share a piece of Metapán and El Salvador with the world—because good things are meant to be shared.