Crops in transition

Pachatopia Coffee and Cacao

Growing by learning from nature.

San Carlos, Colombia

In the mountains, production is changing its logic

In the mountains of San Carlos, Colombia, coffee and cacao are traditional crops that shape the landscape and rural life. At Pachatopia, they are central to our transition toward more nature-friendly agriculture.

Today, our plots include several thousand coffee trees, which form our main production, as well as a few dozen cacao trees cultivated in certain areas of the project. Some plantations were recently established, while others existed before our arrival.

Starting point

Produce coffee and cacao, yes, but gradually let the forest become a partner again rather than just a backdrop.

What the land is teaching us

A transition built through observation, adjustment, and patience

We are not trying to impose an ideal formula. We observe what the plots are telling us, stop what depletes them, and strengthen what restores fertility, shade, and resilience.

A transition toward more natural practices

When we took over certain plots, the crops had been managed for many years with chemical inputs. We chose to gradually stop these practices, eliminating biocides and heavy chemical products.

Instead, we are developing more natural approaches: compost and organic matter, natural liquid preparations, tree planting, and crop diversification.

This transition takes time. Like soils, trees also need to gradually readjust to a more natural system after years of chemical agriculture.

Learning through observation

Alongside the plots in transition, we planted a small cacao plot under an already wooded area, on a former meadow. This cacao, grown under the protection of trees, seems to develop more harmoniously than cacao planted in open fields.

This observation confirms what many farmers and researchers have found: coffee and cacao are forest plants that naturally thrive within diversified ecosystems.

Toward agroforestry systems

These experiences encourage us to gradually transform our crops into regenerative agroforestry systems, where coffee and cacao trees grow within a rich and balanced ecosystem.

We are working specifically on planting shade and biomass trees, covering soils with mulch and protective plants, and promoting biodiversity and natural soil fertility. Step by step, these plots evolve toward an agricultural model that seeks to produce while regenerating the land.

Crops today

Coffee and cacao within a living ecosystem

Our coffee today

Coffee is currently Pachatopia's main production. By choosing our coffee, you directly support the transition to agroforestry, tree planting and soil regeneration, as well as the development of the project and local communities.

Every cup of coffee contributes to building a more nature-friendly agricultural model.

Cacao: a crop in development

Cacao is also among the crops we are gradually developing in our agroforestry system. Some plots are moving toward more natural practices, while others were recently planted under forest cover.

Our goal is to produce cacao in the future within a living ecosystem, in harmony with the forest. The first productions will be available in the coming years.

Sponsor a coffee tree

Support a concrete agricultural transition

At the heart of Pachatopia, coffee trees are part of a living ecosystem that we seek to regenerate.

By sponsoring a coffee tree, you directly contribute to supporting the transition toward agroforestry, planting trees and enriching biodiversity, and accompanying the development of the project and local communities.

Each sponsorship contributes to the gradual transformation of our plots into more balanced and more nature-friendly agricultural systems.

Learn more about sponsorship

Why choose our coffee

A cup that carries more than taste

Our coffee is not just an agricultural product. It is the result of a project that seeks to regenerate the land and build a more durable future.

Agriculture in transition

We are gradually transforming our plots into systems inspired by natural ecosystems, where coffee trees grow among trees, plants, and biodiversity.

A regeneration project

Every bag of coffee contributes to planting trees, restoring soils, and developing a more nature-friendly agricultural model.

A human project

Pachatopia grows in collaboration with the people of the San Carlos region, a territory shaped by history and now engaged in a process of reconstruction.

A meaningful cup

By choosing Pachatopia coffee, you support a project that seeks to produce while regenerating the Earth.

The Pachatopia charter

Principles that guide both production and the wider project

Regenerate the Earth. Restore soils, forests, and ecosystems.

Cultivate cooperation. Durable projects are built collectively.

Work for peace. Caring for the Earth and working together contributes to more peaceful societies.

Respect the living world. The Earth, water, air, and all forms of life deserve our respect.

Pass on to future generations. Preserve the beauty and richness of the world for tomorrow. Together, let life grow back.

What our volunteers say

Volunteer Testimonials

Wow, Wow, Wow! I had the pleasure to stay at this place for just over 3 weeks during the Christmas and new year period. I have never felt more welcomed in a place whilst travelling - not just by the lovely family taking care of the farm whilst Benito was away - but also from all the locals in the little village with whom I made good friends. My Spanish improved significantly due to a full spanish immersion and I enjoyed teaching some English to Feli and Yula. The work is super varied and not one day the same. I planted trees, built a micro tunnel, sorted coffee beans, watered and deweeded the micro tunnels, picking the veg when it was ready to take to market, I learned how to fish (and prepare a fish to eat), I moved stones about to do some landscaping. Thank you so much for the best workaway experience I've had!

Eleanor

Jakarta

I've been working in the farm for only one week, too short! I really would like to come back as soon as possible. To enjoy this place, I advice you to stay at minimum one month. There is a lot of work. Thanks a lot for your welcoming benito! It was a really good experience for me and my 9 years old daughter. I worked in the forest with local people, I took care cocoa tree, I worked on the coffee: I selected the good and bad coffee beans. I felt free to chose the work which was the best for me. The exchanges was really interesting. And the place is nice, peaceful, zen... the cascades are so nice... It's definitely a place to visit.

Fabienne

Workaway

Where to start?! We spent the most amazing week with Gula and Benoit. We instantly felt at home on the farm, and loved chatting, playing card games and having communal meals together. The food was so delicious and cooked with a lot of love (and yuca!). Daily work activities ranged from sorting coffee beans when it was raining, weeding and mulching vegetable beds with grass, painting furniture, and moving things around the property such as rocks for landscaping. In the afternoons we went for swims at the waterfall or up the river and relaxed in the hammock. Benoit's energy is infectious and he always has a wide range of things that need help with on the farm. Would highly recommend visiting these guys to get a first hand experience of coffee and cacao farming in a beautiful area of Colombia. We miss this place every day!

Claire & Orlando

Workaway

I have stayed for a week at Benoit and Gula finca. Was a great experience and I totally recommend. My tasks were to take care of the animals in the morning & evening, to help around the house until the lunch, I helped at drying the coffee, make the foundation for micro tunnels, do ditches to evacuate the water, help at the coffee washing, cut with a machete the grass around the trees. Quite diverse. The work can be demanding, but you can take as many breaks as you want. And bonus, the vision regarding the project is quite nice, it is also about educate the locals and to be more sustainable.

Lucian

Workaway

Pasé una semana en esta granja, ¿qué puedo decir? Una experiencia fantástica, Benito y Gula me han hecho sentir como en casa desde el primer momento, hay muchos animales para todos los gustos, conejos, perros, gatos, gallinas y caballos. La finca es muy bonita y el trabajo es muy variado, sin duda no hay tiempo para aburrirse. Gula nos preparaba cada día unas comidas vegetarianas súper ricas y abundantes... He aprendido muchas cosas de la vida en la granja y he disfrutado de la tranquilidad de vivir en la naturaleza. Totalmente recomendable.

Manuel

Workaway

Join the Pachatopia adventure

Together, let's regenerate the Earth and build a more harmonious future. Every action counts.

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