Coffee from the Galápagos – a rare taste of San Cristóbal

The Galápagos Islands are best known for their unique wildlife, volcanic landscapes and Charles Darwin’s voyages. But one of the islands is also home to something far less well known: coffee.

Around 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador lies the island of San Cristóbal. The first coffee plants were introduced here as early as the late 19th century, and the classic Bourbon variety is still grown on the island today.

An unusual microclimate

The Galápagos Islands lie close to the equator, but their climate is milder than one might expect. One important reason is the cold Humboldt Current, which brings cooler water to the region and influences both temperature and rainfall across the islands.

Together with the young, nutrient-rich volcanic soil, this creates very special conditions for growing coffee. The coffee plants grow beneath shade trees such as avocado, guava and orange, which help protect them from the intense sun.

The Galápagos Islands are also a sensitive and protected ecosystem. Chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers may therefore not be used in the cultivation. The conditions here are very different from those found in many of the world’s better-known coffee-growing regions.

Bourbon from Hacienda El Cafetal

Our Galápagos coffee comes from Hacienda El Cafetal on San Cristóbal. It consists of Bourbon, a renowned coffee variety appreciated for its balanced and elegant flavour profile.

After harvesting, the coffee is washed. This processing method contributes to a clean and distinct cup in which the coffee’s bright and fruity qualities can shine.

In the cup, we find a fresh citrus acidity, notes of stone fruit and a full body. The result is a well-balanced coffee that is particularly suited to filter brewing, a French press or pour-over methods.

Part of our RARITY series

Our RARITY series brings together coffees that stand out in different ways. It may be an unusual coffee variety, a special processing method or – as in this case – an exceptionally rare origin.

Coffee from the Galápagos is produced in small quantities and is not something you come across every day. For us, it is the combination of flavour, growing conditions and the islands’ fascinating history that makes this coffee so special.

Origin: Ecuador
Region: Galápagos Islands, San Cristóbal
Farm: Hacienda El Cafetal
Variety: Bourbon
Process: Washed
Flavour profile: Citrus acidity, stone fruit and a full body

→ Discover RARITY: Ecuador Galápagos in our online shop