High in the mountains of Santa Bárbara, Honduras, lies El Mirador, a farm perched at 1750 meters above sea level. Owned by Elder Ignacio Chaves Martinez, this 5.25-hectare farm is a testament to passion, hard work, and a love for coffee.

Elder was born on July 31, 1983, in the village of Los Andes, a small community in the municipality of Las Vegas. From a young age, coffee shaped his life. At just seven years old, Elder worked alongside his grandfather, learning the intricacies of coffee cultivation. His grandfather, a patient teacher, passed down not only farming techniques but also a deep appreciation for the land.

In 2009, Elder inherited the family farm. Determined to honor his grandfather’s legacy, he began planting coffee. By 2012, his fields were yielding conventional coffee, and for three years, he worked tirelessly to establish his business. But it was in 2015 that a neighbor introduced him to the world of specialty coffee, igniting a spark that would redefine his journey.

Elder shifted his focus to growing high-quality coffee, cultivating Pacas (45%), Parainema (35%), and Geisha (20%) varieties. Of his 5.25-hectare farm, 4.2 hectares are dedicated to coffee production, while 1.05 hectares are preserved to support biodiversity.

Elder’s honey process ensures exceptional quality. Cherries ferment for 48 hours before being de-pulped, followed by 96 hours of dry fermentation in plastic bags. The beans are then dried in solar dryers for 12–15 days, with defective beans hand-sorted to achieve export-grade coffee, primarily for European markets.

In addition to coffee, Elder diversifies his farm with avocados and peaches, promoting sustainability.

Labor shortages during harvest season, driven by migration, remain a challenge. Still, Elder is committed to improving quality through sustainable practices and envisions a future of producing world-class coffee.

For Elder, coffee is a bridge to the world, forging connections and friendships across borders. From El Mirador, he dreams of uniting people through the shared joy of exceptional coffee.