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Hacienda La Esmeralda

geisha coffee panama tour

THE TRUE ORIGIN COFFEE

Where it all began.

At Hacienda La Esmeralda we are proud to be the true origin of the wonders of Panama Geisha. The year 2004 marked a spot in coffee history with the discovery on our farms of the beautiful attributes and diverse cup profiles of geisha coffee. Geisha’s perfumy nature, filled with intense jasmine florals and delicate notes of stone fruits, not only enamored the coffee world but set a precedent for future Geisha appraisal.

Since then we have produced rare record-breaking microlots while refining our production, fermentation and drying techniques. This dedication has led us to new and exciting sensory journeys. Yet our founding principles and core production values remain untouched.

ESMERALDA GEISHA

Discover the coffee that changed the industry.

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ESMERALDA AUCTION 2023

The creation of a family gem.

Discover our 2023 Esmeralda Auction Reserve, The Creation of a Family Gem, which celebrates the origins of Esmeralda Geisha, born from the perfect balance between nature and craftsmanship.

Like the journey of a gem that transforms crystals into precious stones, Esmeralda Geisha arises from a harmonic union of terroir and skill to become an extraordinary cup. Volcanic soils, the influence of two oceans, and our passion for our craft have ascended our beans to the rank of prized gems within the coffee world. 

Join us on August 8, 2023 for a chance to discover the true essence of our labor of love. With every taste of this collection of 20 unique microlots, you will embark on a personal journey through a symphony of flavors meticulously cultivated by our hands.

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The home of esmeralda geisha

Hacienda La Esmeralda is iconic for having rediscovered Geisha in 2004. It was a happenstance of altitude and lot separation that discovered Geisha’s amazing flavors and aromatics. Since then, we have worked hard to create the infrastructure that supports a Geisha production that consistently delivers the attributes that made the world fall in love with this special coffee variety.

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Esmeralda Auction

Esmeralda Auction is a limited collection of the best performing lots of the season. It is exclusively sold through our online auction.

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Esmeralda SPECIAL

Esmeralda Special Geisha is a collection of high elevation Geisha microlots (1,600 – 1,800 masl). 

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Esmeralda Private Collection

Esmeralda Private Collection is masterfully designed mix of high elevation Geishas. 

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Esmeralda Cascara

Tea made from dry coffee cherries from our natural processed coffees.

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Varietal Collection

The exotic varietals collection is made up of microlots of SL-34, Laurina, Pacamara and Landrace Blend.

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Diamond Mountain

Diamond Mountain is a delicious and consistent mix of our catuai production.

geisha coffee panama tour

Best of Panama

Panama Cup 2017 and 2019 

Geisha Natural: 2017, 2015, 2013

Geisha Washed: 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Traditional Washed: 2018

Coffee Hikes Education Tours

We love Coffee | Culture| Nature

Learn about Panamanian culture, nature and history.

Explore with us the volcanic highlands around Boquete with its national parks and its agriculture.

Enjoy, have fun and broaden your mind.

Coffee tour, in the coffee plantage

Coffee Tasting Tour

Our Coffee Tasting Tour is an informative tour on the farm Don Pepe Estate which was founded 1898 in Boquete.

During a walk through the coffee plantation we will demonstrate and explain different types of coffee plants to you, such as Caturra, Catuai and Geisha.

Later you will learn about the ways of processing and drying coffee until it is ready for export. We finish our tour with a coffee tasting in our laboratory. We present and try different types of artesanial coffees (típicas) and Geisha.

The tour lasts about 2,5 hours and also includes transportation and entrance to the farm.

Every day at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. We will pick you up 30 minutes before the tour starts at your hotel in Boquete.

Price per person: $35 Promotion: $5 discount per person for direct booking (via contact form, mail or WhatsApp)

Book a tour                               Write a review

geisha coffee panama tour

Interpretive Hike

We will hike with you within the National Park „La Amistad“ and you will learn about the flora and fauna of the tropical cloudforest of Panamá.

You will have the chance to see the beautiful and majestic Quetzal birds (the national bird of Guatemala) as well as other birds and with some luck even monkeys.

The hike is an easy hike for everyone.

Our local guides are specialized in birdwatching and interpretive hiking.

The tour lasts about 3 hours and also includes transportation and entrance to the national park.

Every day at 8:00 am. We will pick you up 30 minutes before the tour starts at your hotel in Boquete.

Price per person: $40

geisha coffee panama tour

We are a local tour company from Boquete and are specialized in educational tours about what we love about Boquete – coffee and nature.

We are licensed tour guides with a lot of experience. Besides just providing information, we will take you on a journey and create an experience that will stay in your mind.

And most important, we work with a lot of passion and participating in our tours is always a lot of fun.

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BOOK A TOUR

If you like to make a reservation for a tour or just have a question about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

In order to make a reservation please let us know your favorite date, time (morning or afternoon) how many people you are and the name of your hotel.

We are looking forward to getting in touch with you.

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Panama , See · August 19, 2023

How To Take a Coffee Tour in Boquete, Panama (Complete Guide)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy for details.

One of the biggest reasons we took a family vacation to Panama was to take a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

That may seem like a crazy reason to visit a country, but my brother-in-law and sister invested in a coffee farm in Boquete. Understandably, they wanted to see their investment in the field. You don’t have to invest in a coffee farm to be interested in taking a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama though. In fact, it’s one of the top activities to do in the region.

Person looking at coffee plant on a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

As coffee enthusiasts, we loved learning the history and process of growing coffee, something we knew little about before this experience. I certainly gained a new appreciation for all that goes into a delicious cup of coffee each morning after taking a coffee plantation tour in Boquete.

If you’re interested in taking a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama here’s everything you need to know about the experience. From where to book a tour, what to bring, and what to expect.

The best place for a coffee plantation tour in Panama

Latin America has long been revered for its coffee-growing abilities. As of 2023, Latin America grows around 50% of all coffee globally each year.

It’s not a huge surprise considering coffee grows in almost any area that has a warm tropical climate. But quality coffee needs elevation and nutrient-rich soil to thrive. Two things the mountains of Chiriqui have in large quantities.

Unripe coffee beans growing on a coffee plant in Boquete, Panama.

Most people are familiar with Costa Rican coffee (which makes up around 1% of globally produced coffee). But few people realize Chiriqui, where the majority of Panamanian coffee hails from, is just an hour and a half from the Costa Rican border.

The similar growing climate makes it a perfect place to grow coffee. This is due to the rich volcanic soil in this region and Chiriqui’s position between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

Boquete Panama coffee farm with green coffee trees growing.

The areas surrounding Boquete and Volcan (about a 2 hours drive from Boquete) have the largest concentration of coffee fincas in the country. The abundance of coffee plantations makes Boquete a clear winner for taking a coffee tour in Panama.

The history of Panama coffee

Until recently, Panama was often outshined by its neighbors Colombia, Costa Rica, and Peru who produce the bulk of Latin American coffee. But today, Panama is world-renowned for growing far superior, tastier coffee than most of its Latin American counterparts. ☕️

We need to explore its history to understand how Panama became a world-famous coffee-growing region. Coffee was introduced to this region in the 19th century by European immigrants. The beans are mostly Arabica beans and have done incredibly well since their first introduction to Chiriqui.

Green coffee beans growing on a coffee plant.

Arabica coffee is known for being dark, bold roasts (my favorite), with diverse tasting notes depending on the varietal. Since Boquete has a unique microclimate that includes lots of rain, high elevation, and cooler temperatures, it’s perfect for growing specialty varietals including like:

While these varietals are amazing (and worth trying on a trip to Boquete), the Geisha bean is what made Panama world-famous. This varietal hails from Gesha, Ethiopia, and was introduced to Panama in the 1960s.

☕️ The Geisha bean tastes more like tea than an Arabica coffee. It’s subtle in color, soft on the palate, and has floral notes with hints of citrus fruit. It’s absolutely delicious and something you have to try when visiting here.

Panama created the Speciality Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) in the 1990s, entering its Geisha varietal into competitions. After winning several awards for the Geisha beans’ uniqueness and quality, Panamanian Geisha is now one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

Green unroasted coffee beans with a wooden spoon.

For reference, a bag of Geisha coffee grown in Panama can cost a consumer around $30 to $40 or more for an 11-ounce bag. Expect a single glass of Geisha coffee to cost around $10 to $12 USD. Green unroasted beans, some coffee buyers have paid upwards of $4,000 for a single pound of Geisha beans. 😳

While Geisha helped Panama get on the map as a world-class coffee producer it’s not the only reason it stayed there. Year after year, Panama continues to win awards for its different varietals.

The best coffee tour in Boquete

There really isn’t a single best coffee tour in Boquete. There are many different fincas, or plantations, you can visit within a 10 to 20-minute drive of Boquete town center that will give you a great understanding of the coffee growing process.

Coffee trees growing on the side of the mountain with a red roof house in front.

However, some of the more popular coffee tours in Boquete are below:

  • Finca Lerida  – $35 USD per person (as of 2023). This is also a gorgeous hotel.
  • Cafes de La Luna ( Finca Dos Jefes ) – $30 – $35 USD per person depending on the tour selected.
  • Finca Casanga  – $35 USD per person (as of 2023).
  • Finca Dos Pepes – $30 USD per person (as of 2023).
  • Damarli Estate – Price not listed. Contact them on their site to learn more.

Looking for more fun tours in Panama? Check out some of the most popular tours here.

When is the best time to go on a coffee tour in Boquete?

You can go on a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama any time of year. But if you’re looking for lush green trees filled with red ripe berries it’s best to go between late November to February (Panama’s dry season).

If you’re coming to Boquete in October or early November be ready for the most glorious smell lofting across the region thanks to the coffee blooms. These flowers are reminiscent of jasmine and have the most incredible scent.

Person looking at coffee growing on a tree on coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

We went during the rainy season (April – October) and enjoyed the experience. Although, you should definitely pack a rain jacket and wear mud-safe shoes. There’s a good chance if you visit in the rainy season you’ll get rained on during the tour!

What to expect on a coffee plantation tour in Panama

We took our coffee tour with AgroNosotros , a private coffee and chocolate company that owns over 800 acres of coffee and chocolate plantations across Panama and parts of Belize. Since my sister and brother-in-law are invested in the company, we were able to take a private tour at one of their sixteen fincas .

Trail on a coffee farm tour in Boquete Panama with green trees all around.

The farm we visited was about a 15-minute drive from Boquete downtown. We had to take a series of windy roads to a remote farm high up in the mountains of Chiriqui. We were shocked that it took roughly 5 minutes before we started to see coffee trees in every direction. What shocked us even was seeing how quickly this area gains elevation.

The tour began by walking the coffee farm. Our guide, Andres, offered us a walking stick to traverse the very steep terrain here. I wasn’t sure if I would need it since I’m a very experienced and able hiker. But I was certainly glad I had it as we got into muddy and steep sections of the trail.

Person talking about coffee on a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

Andres explained the coffee growing process from sapling to production. We saw some workers who reside on the farm in company-provided housing, preparing the soil for planting new saplings.

He explained the rich and dark color of the soil was from volcanic activity. This high-mineral soil needs little to no amendments and is abundant in nutrients vital to growing food and other crops like coffee.

Small green sapling coffee plants growing in dark soil in Boquete, Panama.

The saplings are planted in succession allowing them to harvest plants consistently over longer periods. They are monitored for pests and sometimes trimmed or treated with supplemental nutrients or pest control to ensure they reach maturity. It can take a year to five years for a coffee plant to start producing coffee.

Andres shared how quickly a plant produces depends on the amount of rainfall, the average temperature, sun exposure, and other microclimate impacts in the years after the saplings are planted.

For example, when we visited Panama it was experiencing a Super El Niño , an extremely dry weather pattern with cooler temperatures. Andres adjusted his planting schedule to factor in this dryer season on the farm.

Person looking at coffee plant on a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

Every plant looks a bit different. Certain varietals will have larger leaves with different shapes to them than others. Other varietals will produce larger beans compared to smaller ones on other plants. Our guide continued to point them out to us and we were surprised by how quickly we could identify each plant.

The red coffee fruits are harvested from mature trees between December and March. The fruits are picked daily based on ripeness and are then sent to be processed at an offsite facility.

Stem of a coffee plant growing with matching twin branches on each side.

AgroNosotros has in-house machines to help sort the beans by size, and washing the beans (removing the husks) can be done mechanically or naturally. Once the beans are washed they are dried and then re-tested for consistent quality.

That’s when the beans are bagged and set to age anywhere from several weeks to several months depending on the varietal in a humidity and temperature-controlled area. Some coffee farms will roast the beans in-house selling it directly to consumers. But most sell green beans (unroasted) to global buyers.

The primary goal of AgroNosotros was to sell green unroasted beans, but it now has a coffee shop, The Perfect Pair in Boquete. Which roasts select varietals making them available for purchase under its coffee brand, Cuatro Caminos.

Is Panamanian coffee good?

After we toured the farm we returned to The Perfect Pair for a coffee tasting. Unsurprisingly, this was our favorite part! We loved getting to taste different varietals from our skilled Barista, Ruben. We were blown away by Panamanian coffee. It’s not just good, but incredible!

How the coffee is brewed is equally important as how the beans are grown and roasted with specialty coffees.

Person pouring water into a red pour over with filter to make specialty coffee from Panama.

A skilled barista like Ruben can extract flavors in the cup by using tools like the coarseness and consistency of the grind, the temperature and ratio of water to the ground beans, how the water is poured on the grounds, and the amount of time applied for the brewing process.

Through the varying skills and techniques used by the barista, a whole spectrum of flavors can appear from floral to chemical and anywhere between.

Pour over coffee and V60 making speciality coffee from Panama.

Ruben made us several different coffees to try using a copper pour-over and ceramic V60 with three different beans. We couldn’t believe the different flavor profiles between each. You need a side-by-side comparison between the beans and the brewing process to really appreciate this.

Person holding up a cup of light brown coffee in a clear glass.

We had an absolute blast on our coffee tour in Boquete, Panama, and encourage anyone visiting this area to experience it themselves. Hopefully, this guide helped you understand what to expect on a coffee tour in Boquete, learn where to book a tour and learn more about Panama’s unique coffee history.

CHECK OUT MY OTHER BOQUETE PANAMA GUIDES

  • Caldera Hot Springs: A Must-Do Activity Near Boquete Panama – One of our favorite activities from our entire trip.
  • Your Guide to Hiking El Pianista Trail in Boquete, Panama  – A great hiking guide if you want to venture into a cloud forest.
  • A Complete Guide to Hiking The Lost Waterfalls Trail – A great hiking guide for one of the top hikes in Boquete.
  • 10 Must-Do Activities in Boquete, Panama – The perfect travel bucket list to help you plan your vacation in Boquete.

Person smiling holding coffee beans on a coffee tour in Boquete, Panama.

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About Liz Brumer-Smith

One-half of the Eat See RV team. I'm the face you'll find in most videos and the main author of our blog. If I'm not vlogging or writing you can probably find me reading a good book, hanging with friends and family, relaxing near water, eating something tasty, or savoring kitty cuddles.

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How to Go on a Coffee Tour in Boquete, Panama

A small mountainous town at the base of a volcano, Boquete is an ideal location for growing coffee plants. Due to its microclimate, high elevation, and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, this area thrives in production and is home to almost half of the country’s coffee farms. A coffee tour is one of the best things to do in Boquete and a must for all coffee lovers. Even if you don’t drink coffee, like me, this is an informative and interactive tour, and you can try the tea made from its berry. To enhance your coffee plantation experience, combine it with a panoramic tour for a great half-day tour of Boquete.

Thinking about going on a panoramic & coffee tour in Boquete? Here is my honest review of the panoramic & coffee tour with Full Adventures Boquete. 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Full Adventures Boquete. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

boquete coffee farm

Table of Contents

Coffee Tour in Boquete, Panama

Home to almost 2000 coffee plantations, the people of Boquete know their coffee. Of the 400 kinds of coffee berries grown worldwide, you can find 50 of those varieties grown in Boquete. Each year from November to March, the berries are hand-picked from the plants and processed. 

During your coffee tour in Boquete, you will learn all about coffee, coffee production and processing, and have a great coffee tasting of the different types offered at the farm. Your guide will break down misconceptions about coffee, inform you about different coffees around the world, and teach you what makes Panamanian coffee special. 

panama coffee tasting

Is Coffee From Panama Good?

Panama is recognized for producing high-quality coffee, producing 1% of the world’s coffee supply. The best Panamanian coffee is grown in Boquete and is loved for its flavour profile.

What Does Panama Coffee Taste Like? 

Coffee from Panama tastes well-balanced, with hints of fruit and dark cocoa. Its fragrance is intense and sweet, with notes of a jasmine-like aroma. The popular Geisha variety is known for its floral and fruity taste, nothing like when you think of coffee.

panama coffee berry

What Makes Geisha Coffee Special?

Unlike any other coffee in the world, Geisha coffee is what made the Boquete region well-known and is considered some of the best coffee in the world. Aromatic with a distinctive flavour profile, Geisha brew has a fruity flavour, ranging from berry to citrusy and even mango, peach, or bergamot. 

Since being created in 2004, Geisha has quickly gained popularity and status, taking a worldwide stage. This high-quality, sought-after coffee comes with a high price tag, selling from hundreds to thousands of dollars per pound, making it some of the most expensive coffee in the world . With its high price, Geisha is often enjoyed on special occasions rather than as an everyday cup of java.

full adventures boquete

About Full Adventures Boquete 

Full Adventures Boquete is a tour operator in Boquete, offering and organizing a variety of adventure activities: including horseback riding, white water rafting, nature hikes, coffee tours, and more. The owner Jeimy is very kind, and her staff are very knowledgeable.

Location 

Full Adventures Boquete is located in downtown Boquete on the main highway that passes through this small town. Their shop is next to Big Daddy’s Grill and has a large sign out front that lists some of the adventure activities they offer.

Address: QHG8+6X4, Vía Boquete, Bajo Boquete, Panama

The Scenery

Located in northwest Panama in the Chiriqui Highlands, Boquete is a small town at the base of Volcan Baru. At 1200 m above sea level, you will be up in the cloud forest and experience cooler temperatures than the mainland. During your tour, you will see scenic views of the rolling mountains.

boquete panama

Panoramic & Coffee Tour with Full Adventures Boquete

Here is what it’s like going on the half-day panoramic and coffee tour with Full Adventures Boquete: 

After meeting at the office, we got in the car and started our panoramic and coffee tour. Our guide Felix was friendly, personable, and knowledgeable. We right away knew that we were going to get along well and have a great experience. 

panama coffee and hot chocolate with a panoramic view

Panoramic Tour 

Still tired from our sunrise jeep tour the day before, our guide modified our private panoramic tour into a scenic drive through the mountain to show us the best views of Boquete from different angles. At every scenic lookout, we would pause and jump out of the car to take photos and admire the view. While driving, Felix shared with us some of the region’s history and answered any curiosities about Boquete we had. 

panama coffee and hot chocolate

Our first official stop of the panoramic tour was a coffee shop with the best view in all of Boquete. We arrived just as the cafe was opening, excited to sit on the balcony overlooking the valley below. We ordered a coffee, a cappuccino, and hot chocolate. After finishing our drinks and soaking in the incredible views as long as possible, it’s time to head to the farm for our Boquete coffee tour.

panama coffee tree

Coffee Tour 

We toured award-winning Finca La Milagrosa , also known as the Miracle Farm. Upon arriving for our tour and tasting, we started outside to learn about the plants. Our guide picked fresh berries for us to sample. To our surprise, the berry tasted nothing like the end product of coffee. Instead, it was fruity. Each berry had a different shape and a different taste. Even the flowers of the plant smelled pleasant.

coffee tour in boquete

Learn what goes into coffee production and 4-months of processing, from the berry on the tree to the drinkable product. See the innovative ways that this small family-run farm’s hand-created machines assist them in processing while still keeping a hands-on approach to their specialty coffee. You will be able to learn and taste what makes Panamanian coffee special. 

hand-roasted panama coffee

Watch the beans hand-roast in front of you as you wait for your coffee to be ready. During the tasting portion, you will sample five products: an arabica washed, arabica natural, geisha washed, geisha natural, and a tea made from the coffee berry. The geisha natural was P’s and our tour guide Felix’s favourite variety. Each one had a unique taste and smelled pleasant, different from coffee back home. I enjoyed the tea as it was unlike anything I’d tasted before.

After the tasting, we bought coffee and tea to bring home, finishing our half-day tour. 

Tips for the Panoramic & Coffee Tour 

  • Bring cash with you to purchase coffee from the farm. There is no debit machine at the farm. If you do not have money on you, Full Adventures Boquete will accept credit cards via their payment machine at their shop for coffee purchases, which is what I did to buy bags of coffee and tea.
  • Wear sunscreen and bug spray. You will be mostly outside during your tour.
  • Visit during the harvest season to see the production line and processing machines in busy operation (November-March). For a more quiet/private tour, go outside of harvest time. We visited in October when machines were being repaired to prep for the harvest and had the farm to ourselves.

coffee tour boquete panama

Panoramic & Coffee Tour with Full Adventures Boquete: Final Thoughts 

I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the coffee tour, even as a non-coffee drinker. Jeimy convinced me to go, and I’m glad she did. While I didn’t drink any coffee, the experience was enjoyable and educational, from learning Boquete’s history to the process of making coffee and misconceptions of coffee from around the world. I recommend doing the panoramic & coffee tour with Full Adventures Boquete.

To learn more about Full Adventures Boquete, and book your panoramic & coffee tour adventure, visit their website or their social media .

I hope this information helps you plan your Panama coffee tour with Full Adventures Boquete.  

Happy travelling!

Related Posts – Panama

  • Sunrise at Volcan Baru National Park, Boquete
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  • 20 Things to Do in Bocas
  • Staying at La Selva, Bocas del Toro
  • Staying at Casa Acuario, Bocas del Toro
  • 7 Days in Panama: Itinerary
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  • Where to Visit in Panama
  • Hike Cerro Cara Iguana: El Valle

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Melissa is the founder of My Beautiful Passport. A Canadian who has explored 15+ countries on 4 continents, she enjoys combining adventure and affordable luxury. Through sharing her own experiences, travel tips, and destination itineraries, she helps others plan their unique adventures whether it be at the beach, in the city, or in the mountains.

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How to Tour a Coffee Plantation in Panama

Coffee beans drying in the sun on a coffee plantation in Panama

I have a confession: I’m not a coffee drinker. I think the last time I had coffee was about five years ago. The only way I like coffee is when you add in all those other flavors, milk, and whipped cream because it masks the coffee taste and makes it drinkable to me.

I simply hate the bitterness of coffee.

There’s only been one time I enjoyed a cup of java. It was back in 2003 when I was in Costa Rica , exploring the cloud forest in Monteverde . The organic, shade-grown coffee I had there was like drinking chocolate, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I bought a bag to take home and drank it every day.

So when my friends wanted to tour a coffee plantation in Boquete, Panama , I was less than enthused. “Can’t we go hiking instead?” I asked.

“No, we’re doing the coffee tour,” they replied.

We had hiked the previous day and they wanted to do something different. I grumbled, but reluctantly I agreed. Maybe learning about coffee might be better than actually drinking it. Maybe the coffee would be just as good as I had in Costa Rica.

About Panamanian Coffee

Panama is up with Colombia , Peru , and Costa Rica when it comes to quality coffee. The best coffee can be found in the Chiriquí highlands, where the volcanic soil, climate, and elevation are perfect for growing coffee.

Boquete, Cerro Punta, and Volcan produce the highly sought-after Geisha bean, one of the most expensive beans in the world, which regularly sell for over hundreds of dollars per pound. Prices can skyrocket as high as $2,700 USD per pound at auction for the best, most sought-after beans (from the award-winning family plantation, Hacienda La Esmeralda).

While today Panama produces some of the highest-quality, most expensive beans in the world, it wasn’t always like that. Coffee wasn’t brought to Panama until the early 19th century when European settlers started colonizing the region. But it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Panamanian coffee started to get recognized on the international coffee scene.

Today, many growers offer tours around their plantations, where you can see all the process from picking the berries, roasting and grinding, and have a tasting.

My Experience on a Coffee Tour in Panama

So how was it?

I loved it!

Usually, all coffee tastes the same to me, but the Geisha beans really did have a much more palatable taste. They’re less acidic than other kinds of coffee beans, with a smooth, floral, and aromatic flavor. I can see why they’re so popular.

Not only did I enjoy the coffee (which was surprising, I confess) but I learned about how Panamanians grow coffee and what makes their coffee and style unique. Panama aims for quality over quantity — which is something I can definitely vouch for after tasting their aromatic brew.

Here’s a video from my coffee tour in Boquete:

Visiting a Coffee Plantation in Panama: The Logistics

Coffee production in Panama is centered in the highlands of the Chiriquí Province, about 480 kilometers (300 miles) from Panama City. There are three main highland regions: Tierras Altas (includes Volcan, Bambito and Cerro Punta), Renacimiento, and Boquete (the most built up and well-known internationally). To get here, you can either drive (7 hours), take a bus (7-8 hours), or fly to David (less than one hour), the region’s main city, and take a bus from there to the highlands.

To help visitors plan their trip, the Panama Tourism Board has created a Coffee Circuit highlighting 15 of the best farms in the region that offer tours.

Most coffee plantation tours are half-day tours that last 3-5 hours. Expect to pay between $20-35 USD per person for a tour, depending on the tour and plantation you’re visiting. Tours usually include a coffee tasting, a tour of the plantation, as well as transportation to and from the plantation from your accommodation. Many plantations also have guesthouses where you can stay overnight if you want an extended visit.

Boquete is the best place to start as it’s the most built-up town, with the most plantations offering tours. You can usually book them through any hostel or from the tour shops in the center of town. There are so many available that you can often leave the same day if you want!

Here are some of the best coffee plantations to visit in Boquete:

  • Finca Lerida – $35 USD per person. +507-720-1111,  fincalerida.com
  • Cafe Ruiz – $20 USD per person. +507-730-9575, caferuiz-boquete.com
  • Finca Dos Jefes – $30 USD per person. +507 6591 3522, boquetecoffeetour.com/coffee-tours
  • Finca Casanga – $35 USD per person. +507-6990-0651, buypanamacoffee.com/tours

Here are some of the best coffee plantations to visit in Tierras Altas:

  • Janson Coffee farm – $15 USD for just a tasting and $35 USD for the complete coffee tour. +507-6867-3884, jansoncoffee.com
  • Finca Nueva Suiza Hermanos Lara – $35 USD per person. +507-6587-4349, circuitodelcafe.com

In Renacimiento, there’s just one farm currently offering tours:

  • Finca Café de Eleta – $25 USD per person (also offers just a tasting session for $10 USD). cafeeleta.com

There are a lot of coffee plantation tours throughout this area of Panama . In fact, you couldn’t walk a block in Boquete without finding a coffee shop!

Even if you’re not a huge fan of drinking coffee, I would still encourage you to take a plantation tour when visiting Panama. Not only will you learn a lot about the process but you’ll learn about how coffee is grown and how it has impacted the development of this tiny Central American nation.

Book Your Trip to Panama: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

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  • Guide Visiting Coffee Plantations Boquete...

A Guide to Visiting the Coffee Plantations in Boquete, Panama

Panamanian Geisha Coffee

The best coffee in the world is produced on coffee farms in Boquete , Panama. Along with the farms are processing plants and tasting facilities with coffee tours welcoming visitors from all over the world. Finca La Milagrosa is one of the most respected producers of Panama ’s 100 percent organic, exclusive specialty coffee .

Geisha coffee is a must when in Panama

The rarest, most sought-after, expensive coffee bean called Geisha comes from Panama. Originally known as Esmeralda Boquete Geisha, the Panama Esmeralda Private Reserve Geisha grows on the slopes of the Barú Volcano near Boquete in Panama. It sells for a whopping $140 per pound at international coffee auctions.

It comes as no surprise that Boquete is known as the Bordeaux of coffee . The special soil in Boquete is enriched with volcanic ash combined with the cool mountain air, making it perfect for growing coffee.

The Geisha bean originates from the rain forests of Ethiopia. It did not make its way to the Americas until the 1950s. A farmer by the name of Don Pachi imported the specialty coffee to Panama in the 1960s. His family still owns a plantation in Boquete today.

Panamanian coffee

When visiting the amazing coffee farms of Boquete, be sure to see the most incredible plantations including Finca La Valentina, the Don Pachi Estate, and the Hacienda La Esmeralda. Also on the list of coffee farm destinations to visit include Finca Lerida, Finca Dos Jefes, Kotowa Estates, and Café Ruiz.

Each of the coffee farms has its own unique tour and includes tasting and hands-on experience. Some of the tours are as long as several hours in length, and others are extremely strict about their coffee. The strictness can result in participants needing to come without any scent, be it perfume, lotion, or even sunblock, if it omits an odor that can affect the complexity of the delicate coffee beans.

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Finca Deborah

VOLCAN, CHIRIQUI

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PANAMA GEISHA

jasmine_flowers

THE PLANTATION

Located at an elevation of 1900+ meters and nestled deep in the mountains of Volcan, Finca Deborah is shrouded in dense cloud coverage for most of the year. The plantation is a beautiful, natural environment where rare species of plants and animals are abundant and where Geisha grows to its full potential under the protection of the lush rainforest canopy.

geisha coffee panama tour

Finca Deborah is exceptionally conscious of our impact on the environment. The farm is fully powered by a solar generation system which supplies electricity requirements for the beneficio and the workers’ quarters.

June 27, 2014

Finca Deborah is a team of committed professionals dedicated to coffee excellence, experimental processing, and protecting the ecology for generations to come.

Finca Deborah is a team of committed professionals dedicated to coffee excellence, experimental processing, and protecting the ecology for generations to come.

June 17, 2014

The Panamanian coffee industry is centered in the Chiriqui province of Panama’s northern highlands. The areas surrounding the towns Boquete and Volcan are particularly well suited to the production of exceptional coffee.

The Panamanian coffee industry is centered in the Chiriqui province of Panama’s northern highlands. The areas surrounding the towns Boquete and Volcan are particularly well suited to the production of exceptional coffee.

June 14, 2014

The Volcan region of Panama is an ideal coffee producing environment due to its high elevation and its rich, volcanic soil which is further enhanced by the correct balance of rain and sun in a tropical highland environment.

The Volcan region of Panama is an ideal coffee producing environment due to its high elevation and its rich, volcanic soil which is further enhanced by the correct balance of rain and sun in a tropical highland environment.

There is no other coffee quite like Geisha coffee.  It is an extremely aromatic coffee – you can detect the sweet floral, citrus blossom, jasmine and sweet honey fragrances immediately.

There is no other coffee quite like Geisha coffee. It is an extremely aromatic coffee – you can detect the sweet floral, citrus blossom, jasmine and sweet honey fragrances immediately.

Finca Deborah Geisha is grown at extreme altitude where, due to the lower temperatures and the resulting slower growth, the coffee is allowed to fully develop its remarkably complex flavors and aromas.

Finca Deborah Geisha is grown at extreme altitude where, due to the lower temperatures and the resulting slower growth, the coffee is allowed to fully develop its remarkably complex flavors and aromas.

How could coffee possibly be any better than this.

“A cup of Geisha can provide something as close as we’ve seen to perfection in coffee, a sensory rapture that is nothing short of inspirational.”

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Award Winning Geisha Coffee in Panama | Best of Panama

geisha coffee panama tour

Short Guide to Geisha Coffee in Panama:

A tasty experience when visiting panama.

If traveling to Panama you MUST try a cup of Panama Geisha Coffee.  The most well-known brand which placed Panama Geisha coffee on the map is Panama’s Esmeralda Special .  Any coffee you’ve tasted before will not compare with the tasting experience of drinking a cup of Panama Geisha coffee.  The particularity of this coffee bean variety is its citrus-like flavor, jasmine aroma, balanced acidity and long finish; many coffee experts have called it almost PERFECT!

geisha coffee panama tour

Panama’s Geisha Coffee:  A Little Taste of its History

When I first heard the name Panama Geisha Coffee, I have to admit (as I cannot call myself a coffee connoisseur) the first thing that crossed my mind was JAPAN!  So after my dumb moment I learned that the Geisha or Gesha coffee varietal comes from a region in southwest Ethiopia where it was first discovered in 1931.  It was brought to Central America around the 50’s and the Geisha coffee tree arrived to Panama from Costa Rica around 1963.

Back in the day, the Geisha coffee tree was kind of left unnoticed after the boom of mass-produced coffee and remained in oblivion until Hacienda La Esmeralda in Boquete in the Chiriqui province of western Panama was bought by Rudolf A. Peterson, former Bank of America president, and his family.  After Peterson’s grandchild Daniel played around with the mix of coffee trees planted on their land, he “rediscovered” the Geisha tree and MAGIC!  The world was taken by surprise, particularly after Daniel replanted the taller and finest Geisha coffee plants to higher altitudes within its farm and around 2003-2004 the Panama Geisha coffee bloomed and Esmeralda Special, as the world got to know it, was born.

Geisha Coffee in Panama: Almost Perfect

geisha coffee panama tour

Panama’s Geisha coffee distinguishes itself from other coffee varietals because of its light body, honey and citrus flavor, intense yet subtle acidity and floral jasmine-like aroma.  It gives some shimmers of white wine, a chocolate-like underbelly and a long finish with bergamot tones; it is without a doubt a very special coffee, flavorful and long-lasting.  No need to add any milk, cream or sugar, it would actually be a crime!  You should taste it in its very natural state, and when it cools down the flavors grow even stronger!

Some reviews qualify Panama Geisha Coffee with a total score of 93 to 95!

Tasting Notes:

  • Dry Fragance (1-5): between 4.5 and 4.7
  • Wet Aroma (1-5): between 4.5 and 4.75
  • Flavor (1-10): between 9.1 and 10.0
  • Finish (1-10): between 9.4 and 9.5
  • Acidity (1-10): between 8.1 and 8.25
  • Body (1-10): between 7.6 and 7.75

TOTAL (subtotal + 50) = 93.2 – 94.95

Geisha: Award Winning Coffee in Panama

Panama’s Geisha Coffee is not mass-produced, although more and more farms are switching to this coffee varietal after the short but successful history of Esmeralda Special.  This specialty coffee has set the bar high for national and international coffee growers during a time where quantity is not as important as before.

Esmeralda Special established itself as number one for many years in the Best of Panama coffee competitions as well as other international face-offs, or better said “taste-offs”, such as the Specialty Coffee of America Roaster’s Guild competition, the Specialty Coffee Association annual Coffee of the Year competition and the Rainforest Alliance Cupping.

Surprisingly for 2013 a new “brand” of Panama Geisha Coffee figured as finalist for the 2013 Best of Panama: the Janson Farm Geisha. This farm is located west of the Volcán Baru, in Chiripiqui as opposed to Boquete.  Anyhow, there is no doubt that the boom of Geisha coffee in Panama and the world is attributed to the Peterson’s and Hacienda Esmeralda.

Where to Buy Geisha Coffee in Panama 

geisha coffee panama tour

If you happen to include Boquete on your Panama travel itinerary, you could also get some Esmeralda Special Geisha Coffee right from the source at Hacienda Esmeralda.

Some other varietals can be found in supermarkets, including the 2013 Best of Panama winner Janson Geisha.

Have a lovely trip to Panama and enjoy a cup of the best java in the world!

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AuromarPanamaGeisha.jpg

SUPERIOR GEISHA COFFEE

DJI_0879.jpg

A nature friendly specialty coffee farm in the Highland tropical forest of

Candela, Chiriqui, the terroir of the best Geisha coffees in the world.

ABOUT 

Auromar Panama, is a Brenes-Eleta family project, devoted to the production of high quality Geishas and other superior arabica coffees, in a sustainable, and eco friendly environment.

DSC_9224.jpg

All of Auromar production is manually collected at the peak of ripeness.

After collection and selection in the field, the cherries either go the mill for washed processing or sent to the drying bins to be processed as Natural.

THE SUSTAINABLE & SOCIAL IMPERATIVE

In addition to observing the highest standards of environmental protection, the farm does not employ or promote child labor. Also fosters social and sports activities among its employees.

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geisha coffee panama tour

Follow Panama's Geisha Coffee From City Cafes to Fincas and Farm Tours

C offee lovers can't miss the destination for this delicate, bright cup with its singular translation of high-altitude volcanic terroir.

In 2004, a Central American farm left an indelible print on the coffee market. That year, beans revealing a distinct jasmine aroma won the Best of Panama competition. The Peterson family, owners of La Hacienda Esmeralda in the Chiriquí Province, submitted a lot from an unusual variety they’d found growing on their farm. Identified as the Geisha /Gesha cultivar originating in Ethiopia, the delicate, bright cup with its singular translation of high-altitude volcanic terroir would go on to break records for the highest scores and highest prices ever earned for beans at auction. The Lamastus Family would eventually carry the torch, inviting enthusiastic consumers — like wine lovers flocking to Bourgogne — to peek inside the insular world of coffee cupping. 

“As a professional and well-trained taster, I cannot say Panama’s coffee is the best, but it’s special,” says Wilford Lamastus, Jr., a multi-generational owner of Lamastus Family Estates. “However, I can say that the international judges believe it’s the best, and the auction market has agreed,” he adds. To taste all the fuss, here are two ways to explore Panama’s coffee culture. 

Panama City

Start the journey at Sisu Coffee Studio , the most sophisticated café in Panama City’s Casco Viejo, or old quarter. Opened by the Lamastus family, Wilford Jr. has spearheaded the estate’s mission to educate and embrace consumers. He modeled the minimalist vibe of the studio after cafes in Scandinavia. (Sisu is Finnish for perseverance). Visitors can order pour overs of Geisha (spelled with an “i” in the U.S., but with an “e” in Panama), savor tender pastries from chef Ariel Zebede, and book a cupping class, the coffee equivalent of a wine tasting. 

Down the street, Zebede runs the diminutive A to Z restaurant which offers a seasonal multi-course tasting menu of Panamanian products, including coffee. This hidden, speakeasy-style restaurant accommodates 14 guests at the chef’s table on select nights. Zebede serves eight-day fermented Elida Estate Geisha with a dessert course and as a digestif. 

Don’t overlook Casco Viejo’s elegant hotels for great coffee, too. The new Sofitel has a strong program, offering Panamanian French press in its guest rooms and Café Vera . Tiempos Café at the stylish American Trade Hotel serves pour over Geisha, while La Panadería , the bakery and coffee shop at historic hot spot Hotel La Compañia , sources from Finca Lérida in Boquete.

Chiriquí Province

From the volcanic soils to the micro-climate dense with condensation from two oceans colliding in the mountains — the Pacific and the Caribbean — Panama enjoys inimitable terroir. Coffee in the Chiriquí Province grows on the slopes of Baru Volcano between 5,200 and 8,200 feet above sea level, an elevation that lends acidity and delicacy to the local cup. 

For visitors, the key towns of interest are Boquete, which has the most infrastructure, and Tierras Altas, on the opposite side of the mountain. Most travelers arrive by plane in David, the gateway to the region, then rent a car to use Boquete as a base. The Panamonte Inn & Spa on the fringe of town remains a popular choice for its relaxed lush surroundings. In the morning, visit Altieri Specialty Coffee , which opened a café in downtown Boquete to showcase its products. For day trips to fincas, drive yourself or hire a guide, though the roads are in good condition. If you book a tour to Elida Estate , one of the Lamastus family farms, staff provide round-trip transportation out of Boquete. Several other fincas offer farm tours and tastings, such as Finca Don Pepe and Finca Janson .

To wake up among coffee trees and the chirp of songbirds, book a few nights at Finca Lérida . Founded in 1929, the coffee plantation has charming guest rooms, an organic restaurant supplied by the on-site farm, and several experiences beyond coffee, including hiking in the tropical forest nearby. Further afield by several hours, eco-friendly cloud forest hotel Mount Totumas serves award-winning coffee from its farm. If you want to be ensconced in nature, book a private cabin or rooms overlooking the spectacular wilderness reserve, La Amistad National Park.

Related: This Is What the World’s Most Expensive Coffee Tastes Like

In fact, Boquete offers travelers myriad opportunities to enjoy nature, from horseback riding and trekking to zip lining, whitewater rafting, and hiking up Baru Volcano to catch the spectacular sunrise above the cloud line. As a world-class birding destination, wildlife lovers should pack their binoculars to spot more than 200 species, including the long-tailed colorful quetzal. 

“Panama has some of the best coffee in the world and the potential to be a world-renowned destination for coffee tourism like any wine region,” says Zebede. From its singular coffees, lively neighborhoods, innovative restaurants, and abundant nature, Panama should be on every coffee lover’s destination list this year.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine .

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A Century of Coffee Tradition

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The Panama Tours Company

Savoring Geisha Coffee in Panama City: A Collaboration with Geisha Experience Panama

Step into the captivating world of Geisha coffee with The Panama Tours Company as we partner with Geisha Experience Panama to offer you an innovative and immersive coffee experience right here in Panama City! Geisha coffee, renowned for its exceptional flavor profile and rich history, has deep roots in Panama's coffee heritage. Join us as we delve into the fascinating history of this exotic brew and unveil an exciting addition to our tours.

geisha coffee panama tour

Originating from Ethiopia, the Geisha variety of coffee beans made its way to Panama in the early 2000s. The lush highlands of Boquete, with their unique microclimate and fertile volcanic soil, provided the perfect environment for Geisha coffee to flourish, resulting in beans of exceptional quality and a distinct flavor profile.

Geisha coffee stands out for its complex and aromatic characteristics, featuring floral notes like jasmine and bergamot, along with hints of tropical fruits. Coffee enthusiasts worldwide seek out Geisha coffee for its exquisite taste and captivating aroma.

At The Panama Tours Company, we are committed to offering our guests unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of Panama's culture and heritage. That's why we've partnered with Geisha Experience Panama to introduce an innovative Geisha coffee experience as part of our tours in Panama City.

During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a guided Geisha coffee tasting session led by experts from Geisha Experience Panama. Immerse yourself in the world of Geisha coffee as you learn about its history, cultivation techniques, and the meticulous process that goes into producing this extraordinary brew.

Our collaboration with Geisha Experience Panama allows us to offer a comprehensive and unique experience that goes beyond traditional coffee tastings. You'll discover how to appreciate the nuances of Geisha coffee, from its delicate floral aromas to its smooth and velvety texture. Our skilled baristas will showcase different brewing methods, allowing you to explore the full spectrum of flavors that Geisha coffee has to offer.

Moreover, our Geisha coffee experience takes place in the heart of Panama City, providing a convenient and accessible opportunity for coffee enthusiasts and travelers to discover the magic of this exotic beverage without venturing far from the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Join us at The Panama Tours Company and embark on a Geisha coffee adventure in Panama City. Book your tour today and prepare to be enchanted by the exquisite flavors and rich history of Geisha coffee, brought to you through our collaboration with Geisha Experience Panama.

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Don Pepe Estate Coffee

Main characteristic of sowing: from 1,800 to 2,000 meters in height.

It is a completely exotic variety and very expressive in its aromas. Its coffee has a light body and in the cup it usually displays a pleasant sweetness and a flavor that can vary from berries and citrus, to jasmine and gardenia. Considered “ the champagne of the coffees ” and world known for its distinguished quality, due to its different cultivation techniques that were perfected in the Highlands of Panama.

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geisha coffee panama tour

Coffee: the Pride of Panamá

Panamanian coffee is experiencing a meteoric boom. Discover the mountains and farms that cultivate and roast one of the best-ranked coffees in the world in the districts of Tierras Altas and Boquete . Get to know the processes and people that have achieved the highest standards in the coffee industry and immerse yourself with all your senses in the incredible Panamanian coffee culture.

Coffee Destination

Panamá has a privileged geographical location and the mountains of this area have even more special conditions.

Coffee farm

Soils enriched with volcanic minerals, and a humid environment due to the influence of both oceans, appropriate climatic conditions and, above all, vast experience in planting, harvesting and processing. 

The result could not be better: the production of Geisha coffee, the world's most sought-after coffee variety, that has put the country’s name in world rankings.

coffee, boquete

The farms where this exquisite coffee is produced are located 1,000 to 2,100 meters (3,280 to 6,900 feet) above sea level. They offer the best landscapes in the country’s mountainous region, and are surrounded by natural reserves that add a unique charm to the experience. 

We are world leaders; Best of Panamá (BOP) is an international auction where Geisha coffee and other varietals that have wowed the experts are catalogued and sold. In this auction, the best national and international juries gather to find the true value behind each cup, and the prices at which Panamanian coffee is sold in BOP continue to break world records.

Coffee Culture

Visit our coffee destinations for a better idea of coffee’s quality; above all, of the importance of the land and the hands that cultivate and process this crop.

Los Narajos, Boquete, Elida Coffee, cafe

Panamá’s certified coffee farms have joined together in the Coffee Circuit to offer quality tourist experiences. In their farms you can learn about the careful process behind a good cup of coffee: planting the best beans in the best soil, harvesting at the best time, peeling, washing, pre-drying, drying, aging, peeling again, classifying (by size, shape, density, color and defects), roasting, packing, grinding and filtering. Finally, enjoy the most exquisite cup of coffee, with an incredible view of the Highlands mountains.

Coffee

The farms in the Coffee Circuit also offer experiences such as horseback riding, hiking , agrotourism , trout fishing, zip lines , hanging bridges, and a series of outdoor activities that will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

When you visit, you will also learn about the efforts to cultivate coffee sustainably and responsibly; the member farms of the Coffee Circuit have taken up this challenge and offer you different ecological visions. 

Another experience that you can have in our coffee farms is meting the Ngäbe-Buglé people, two of the seven indigenous communities in Panamá. They are the harvesting hands in this completely artisanal process, and the coffee farms are having an increasingly positive impact within the community.

No matter what season you come to our mountains, you can always book a tour that includes tasting and hiking in the farms.

Coffee

If you go from December to March, during the harvest months, the coffee buds will be red and shiny. Then, you will see the landscape dotted with hundreds of workers who handpick each of the beans. It is quite an experience. 

If you come at the beginning of the rainy season, between March and April, you will enjoy a special sight: the foothills are covered with white flowers, as if the tropical mountains were covered in snow. And finally, if you come in the months of May to November, you will find the coffee plantations green and lush. 

Remember that you can find an excellent cup of coffee throughout the country. In Panama City , you can take a tasting tour with baristas specialized in Geisha coffee who will tell you about the best techniques to brew coffee and the importance of the cup’s presentation. 

This experience is not to be missed, whether in the middle of the city or in the mountains, immersed in history, modern architecture, nature, and immense biodiversity, where you will see and taste the efforts of the hundreds of people behind one of the best coffees in the world: Panamá coffee.

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Most expensive coffee in the world

“With enough coffee, I can dress myself and use my grown-up manners.” – Barista Life

Before heading off the grid to volunteer in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama, I spent the day wandering around Panama City. With so many unique things to do in Panama, at the top of my list for the day was to seek out the award winning “best coffee in the world” known as Geisha Coffee.

Panama City

A History of Geisha Coffee

This little bean has quite the traveler history of its own, before finally settling in Boquete, Panama. The story goes that the beans came from Gesha (and yes that is the correct spelling), in Southwestern Ethiopia. From there it traveled to Kenya, then Tanzania, and to Costa Rica before finally reaching Panama in the 1960s.

But the bean didn’t gain popularity until around 2004. Prior to this time the beans were never consumed on their own. It started with Daniel Peterson of Hacienda La Esmeralda who presented the unblended beans to a panel of tasters in the Best of Panama 2004. And as they say, the rest is history.

Geisha plants are far from easy to grow. They have a thin foliar system making photosynthesis less efficient as well as a poor root system resulting in less intake of water and energy compared to other varietals. It also needs high elevations, preferably above 1,700 meters.

At Hacienda La Esmeralda, the lowest elevation they grow their beans is around 1,700 meters and upwards of 1,900 meters.

Award Winning Coffee

This coffee has won numerous awards since it’s coming out party in 2004 and always sits at the top of the best coffees in the world. It is also one of the most expensive cups of coffee you will ever drink.

In Panama, you can get a cup for as little as $9, but elsewhere in the world your going to pay significantly more. For example, in New York you will pay upwards of $18 and in Dubai it’s going to set you back by $68!

And everyone wants a taste of this magical coffee from the U.S. to Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Dubai. Geisha coffee can cost more than $600 a pound, especially when bought directly from the source. Outside of the “poop coffees” such as kopi luwak and Black Ivory, from elephant dung, Geisha is the most expensive coffee in the world.

But it’s not just about the cost of the coffee. It has a 96 “cupping score.” Coffee judges score a coffee based on a strict protocol and then subsequently give a score between 0 and 100. Criteria being based on flavor, acidity, body and aftertaste.

Most coffees tend to fall in the 60-90 range. If a coffee gets a score of 80 or above it’s considered a specialty coffee. Greater than 90 means the coffee is outstanding. Panama has 29 samples of various coffees (including Geisha coffee) with scores 90 or above, making them #1 for best coffees with Ethiopia coming in at #2.

Where to get a cup in Panama

Panama City

So, this is how I found myself wandering through the Old City in Panama City, with its upscale, brightly painted colonial buildings and cobbled stoned streets. Among these streets is Unido Café, overlooking an ancient church, this tiny café is attached to a hotel.

geisha coffee panama tour

The hotel is beautiful, with vaulted ceilings and fine finishes, all very luxurious looking, and filled with North Americans. It is here that you can get your very own Geisha coffee for as little as $9. Though the area is a bit touristy the coffee is authentic and the baristas speak little English.

The coffee is prepared over a carafe through the use of a funnel. Freshly ground coffee is put into the funnel and the barista slowly pours hot water through the funnel, patiently waiting for the hot water to percolate down into the carafe.

Expensive coffee

I now know why it gets the accolades it does. It is the best cup of coffee I have ever tasted. Smooth as honey and without an ounce of bitterness it has a slightly nutty taste. You don’t need to add any cream, but I did add just a little sugar to add just a bit of extra sweetness.

Outside of Panama

If you can’t get to Panama but are looking to taste this delightful goodness many specialty coffee shops around the world have begun to sell it. But there is nothing like sitting in the country that made it popular and paying half the price, gazing out the windows watching life go by as you sip the best coffee in the world.

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Nicole is a wildlife veterinarian and aspiring professional explorer. She has travelled to 3 continents and studies endangered species for wildlife conservation. Go to her about page to read Nicole's story "From a small town girl told she couldn't do it to conquering it all." If you want to send Nicole a message visit her contact page.

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What Makes Panama's Geisha Coffee Unique (& Why Is It So Expensive)?

freshly cupped Panama geisha coffee

Coffee is a global commodity — grown in over 70 countries and consumed in many more. And while there are a dazzling variety of beans to choose from, the largest output is centered in a few select regions. Brazil leads volumetric output, with 37% of the market share, and Vietnam follows with 17%, per a 2020 report from  the World Economic Forum . However, these producers have little overlap with the specialty coffee market. For example, in Vietnam, less flavorful Robusta coffee makes up 95% of the grown product, with only an emerging specialty scene, reports Sucafina . 

This stems from the fact that elite specialty coffee beans can only be grown in small-scale volumes, with extra care to every step of the harvesting methods. Techniques are laborious — berries are hand-picked and sorted, with deformities discarded. And there's no coffee that better demonstrates such attention to detail than Panama's geisha. Winning competitions and breaking price records, many consider it the world's best. Let's dive into why.

What is Panamanian geisha coffee?

Panama's geisha coffee is one of the world's most lucrative coffee varieties. Fetching ever-increasing prices (a whopping $2,500 a pound in 2021!), it's esteemed not only for the beans' rarity but also their flavor. With an ultra-aromatic taste involving notes of tropical fruit, peach, and bergamot, the coffee dominates competitions, often scored as some of the best worldwide. Long grown intermixed with other coffee cherries, the outstanding berry was only isolated in 2004, generating a buzz that hasn't faded away since. Nowadays, the delicious and disease-resistant varietal is becoming more ubiquitous. Spreading globally to countries like Colombia, Thailand, and Malawi, there are more accessible variants, but the Panamanian originator continues to generate acclaim, notes Coffee Chronicler .

Part of the coffee's allure is its unique growing conditions. This Arabica subspecies is a hybrid coffee originally from Ethiopia — an explanation for why its palette matches beans from the East African nation. Grown in Panamian highlands over 5,000 feet, the plant has smaller leaves and thinner roots, making it difficult to cultivate a large volume. Yet the flavor it generates is dependably delicious and complex, with lots consistently scoring in the highest ranks of the Specialty Coffee Association. To add to the intrigue, it all started from one farm named Hacienda la Esmeralda, notes Sagebrush Unroasted . Here's how it got its roots in Panama.

The history of Panama's geisha coffee

The coffee traces back to 1936 when a British captain isolated the wild coffee in the Gesha region of Ethiopia. The seeds were bagged and exported to Central America due to their noted resistance to rust infections. Genetic research confirms this trajectory — Panamanian geisha coffees bear a nearly identical resemblance to wild samples from Gesha, Ethiopia. Take note this coffee breed is occasionally called gesha, which aligns with the name of its original region. The additional "i" was instead a result of an accidental misnaming or purposeful exoticism, notes Sprudge .

Throughout most of its existence in Latin America, geisha received no special attention; it was simply blended with other varieties across plantations. Its rise towards distinction was initiated in the 1990s when the coffee farm Hacienda la Esmeralda in Panama expanded its coffee harvesting to a lot at a higher elevation. Owner Daniel Peterson noticed geisha's resistance to disease and filled the farm with this new seed at an altitude never harvested before. It took nearly another decade for the coffee to gain recognition for its aromatic attributes. While preparing for the 2004 Panamanian coffee competition, the Petersons isolated the high-altitude geisha beans separate from the rest of the farm. The subsequent cupping shocked the judges and put Panama's geisha coffee on the map (via Hacienda La Esmeralda ).

The flavor of geisha coffee

Much like fine wine, Panama geisha's elegant flavor encapsulates its origins and careful production techniques. It has a trademark essence, exhibiting a light body accompanied by a highly aromatic flavor. The first tasting note is akin to jasmine, continued by a balanced tartness that opens to a bouquet of fruit. Frequent descriptors include papaya, mango, berries, and oranges — all sweet, juicy, and delectable descriptors. Bergamot is often noted as an aftertaste on the palate, notes Espresso & Coffee Guide .

The best way to do geisha beans justice is through simpler brewing methods. The less complicated the equipment, the easier it is to fine-tune every factor — in turn producing a cleaner cup. A method like French press or pour over is best suited, with extra care to the water quality, temperature, and ratio. The result should be refined, floral, and almost tea-like, per Japanese Coffee Co . Balanced and aromatic, the coffee's light nature may even throw off drinkers used to more traditional, robust cups. Just don't expect to find Panama's geisha coffee easily available. With a propensity to time-consuming manual brewing and a hefty price tag, the bean is not popular in a café setting.

Other varieties of geisha coffee

While geisha coffee does exhibit hallmark characteristics, there's a substantial amount of variability in how it tastes. Many factors, including the bean's growing location, processing, and roasting, impact the resulting cup. As a beverage demonstrating terroir , even differences on a single farm, like when the coffee is picked, its soil, and the season also translate to the resultant cup. Factor in that Panama's geisha is subject to all three processing types — natural, washed, and honey, and it's fair to say the beans encapsulate a multitude of variability.

As described in a coffee tasting by Coffee Navigated , geisha from outside of Panama exhibit a totally different flavor palate. Even the beans from Gesha, Ethiopia, the varietal's genetic origin, result in a bolder, funkier palette than what geishas are known for. The cupping involved the varietal from all around the world, but unsurprisingly one stood above the rest — Panama's high-elevation varietal.

Janson Estate Geisha Coffee

From our family farm to your favorite cup., welcome to janson family geisha.

Wonderful news!  Our GEISHA variety coffee has won the 2nd Prize in the Best of Panama 2013.

GEISHA is a variety that has attained world recognition after it was discovered in several farms in the region of Boquete.

The GEISHA coffee tree is very different from other traditional varieties. It grows taller, has less foliage, there is a longer distance between the nodes. The fruit is larger, flatter and almost rectangular. And there is much less yield in production.

GEISHA has a very complex aromatics with a jasmine fragrance, very high acidity with sweet and citrus flavours. It does not resemble any other traditional coffees.

This website will soon share the story of the Janson Families’ passion for great coffee.  Please come back soon!!

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KOTOWA ESTATE COFFEE (PANAMA)

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What our customers say....

This is by far the best espresso roast I have ever had. Long before began reading about this coffee(bought my first bag while on vacation in Panama) I always told people that you can taste a chocolate flavor in the bean. There is so much flavor in this coffee! Rated by Lars Hansen
I visited this coffee plantation while visiting Boquete - it is by far the best coffee my husband and I have had. We continue to order it and wow our friends every time we serve it. Terri - Ohio Rated by Teresa Graham
I visited the Kotowa Estate for the coffee tour and experienced the wonderful taste of real coffee the way its supposted to taste. I have ordered more for myself as I gave away all but one package for myself. For anyone who drinks coffee, they will love this coffee. Thanks for your wonderful coffee, Clarence. Rated by Clarence Callahan
I used to live in Panama and in my opinion this is the best of the Panamanian coffees. Unfortunately Geisha Roasters don't carry much of the Ktotwa line. They have several fine coffees including organic ones. Rated by Ari Maayan
We too visited the plantation on a trip to Panama. I like my coffee just black and hot, making me a "real" coffee snob since the true flavor isn't hidden with "foreign" additions like cream, sugar, cinnamon etc. This is, by far, the best coffee I have ever tasted. Since that visit I drink nothing but Kotowa Estate coffee. We get the light roast whole bean. We are constantly complimented about our coffee by house guests. If you are ever in Panama, be sure to visit Bocete and the Kotowa Estate Plantation. The people are AWESOME! The hospitatlity is INCREDIBLE! And, the coffee is the BEST IN THE WORLD!! - Joe, Minneapolis. PS. They also taught me how to make a pot of coffee the correct way. Rated by Joe Donner
My daughter-in-law purchased some of the Kotowa Estate Coffee for me when she went home to visit family. It was the best coffee I have ever had. I purchased myself 4 bags when we went to visit Boquete. Giving some for Christmas presents to co-workers this year. Can\'t wait to go back to Panama so I can visit the plantation. Rated by Cari Hunkins
I love the dark and taste. Strong and delicious. Rated by Roman

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in Coffee Shops

Sisu Coffee Studio is the Place to Try Geisha Coffee!

Sisu Coffee Studio opened in 2022 on the corner of Avenida B and calle 9, which takes you into the heart of Casco Viejo. This coffee shop in Panama City, Panama belongs to Lamastus Family Estate. However, this is not their original coffee shop. Bajareque, which is the misty rain that falls in the coffee growing region of Boquete, opened in 2013. It was located very close to my apartment in PH Maralta , right next to Villa Palma Hotel and in front of what is now the Sofitel Legend Hotel.

geisha coffee panama tour

From Bajareque to Sisu Coffee Studio

Bajareque Coffee House closed during the pandemic and Wilford Lamastus was unsure if he wanted to open another retail shop. Initially he considered doing a pop-up space with artists who could display their art and he could sell coffee. The idea was to set up these pop-up spaces in buildings that were in the process of being restored or abandoned in Casco Viejo. They were going to do it between November and December of 2020 when things seemed to be reopening, but this was short lived and the country closed again.

Wilford was meeting with realtors to find places for pop-ups and the owner of his current location contacted him to view his place.. He was not interested in opening a coffee shop in Casco Viejo, but he went to see the place out of courtesy. The owner offered him a small space in his new building. Wilford asked him who had the corner location. It was still available and Wilford jumped at the opportunity to be in the corner where everybody enters and exits Casco Viejo. The new Sisu Coffee Studio opened in Casco Viejo mid January of 2022.

geisha coffee panama tour

He told his wife and she helped him with all the creative and design aspects of confectioning the new Sisu Coffee Studio. They wanted to do everything different. “Sisu” the new name was short, elegant, concise and easy to pronounce in any language. Sisu is a Finnish term which means resilience and overcoming adversities. It also means joy in Hebrew.

Food from Ariel Zebede

The new space for Sisu Coffee Studio was brighter and more minimalistic than the other one that had a darker space and was more crowded with things. Wilford wanted to do a place that could offer retail coffee, but also provide experiences. So he asked Ariel Zebede, who is one of Panama’s best chefs, to create the food for Sisu Coffee Studio. Ariel has a restaurant called AtoZ Chef’s Table which is quite hidden in Casco Viejo.

Ariel and Wilford created a strong relationship after the chef returned from working in New York. He was very interested in learning about coffee and wanted to use the Lamastus Family Estate coffee in his restaurant where he currently serves the coffee, as well as adding it to bread and other dishes. Wilford asked Ariel to help him with the menu for Sisu Coffee Studio. Originally it was only going to be pastries and sweets, but Ariel convinced him to include salty dishes and he organized all the production.

geisha coffee panama tour

Try the brisket sandwich, chicken or vegetarian shawarma, breakfast sandwich, grilled cheese, waffle, or shakshuka. Other options to eat in Sisu Coffee Studio include hummus, bread or pastries.

geisha coffee panama tour

Wilford is now planning his second store in the Mallol Design House building in Calle Uruguay which was Panama City’s former party district. Opening hours for Sisu Coffee Studio are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday. It opens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and it is closed on Mondays.

Geisha Coffee

Sisu Coffee Studio is where I take visitors who want to taste geisha coffee. As a disclaimer I have to admit I am not a fan of geisha coffee which is a mega hyped expensive coffee that tastes like tea to me. Therefore I always order the cascara (coffee skin) tea which I love so people can compare both flavors.

geisha coffee panama tour

At $10 a cup, this Panama Geisha coffee is a bargain since the Lamastus family, who owns Sisu Coffee Studio, sold seven pounds of coffee for $42,000 in 2022! That is $6,000 per pound of coffee in a private auction, making it the most expensive coffee in the world. So feel free to order a cup to see what your tasting palate thinks.

geisha coffee panama tour

But what exactly is Geisha coffee? This type of coffee comes from Ethiopia. It was introduced to the world by Richard Whally, a British Consul, who was asked to pick specific coffee cherries from the western region of Ethiopia for research. He went to a town called Gesha, but his misspelling led to the coffee’s name. The coffee was sent to Tanzania where they discovered that it was resistant to fungi such as leaf rust. Panama was attacked by this fungus in the 1960s, so the Geisha variety was introduced to help the country fight the disease.

Specialty coffee was not a thing back then and the Geisha coffee variety is not very productive and has a small root system. So farmers stopped planting it and switched to varieties like Caturra and Catuai that had higher production. In the late 1990s Panama was having a hard time with the fungi again. The Peterson family, who owns Hacienda La Esmeralda, had bought an abandoned farm that had a plant of Geisha coffee. This plant was not suffering from the disease, so they planted it in a bigger area of the farm.

They gave a coffee sample to a coffee buyer and judge who thought it was Ethiopian coffee. He told them they should enter the coffee in the Best of Panama Competition. They never thought they could win cause it was very fruity and people may think it was fermented or from a different country. But they did win! And the Panama Geisha coffee madness has continued ever since. Asian countries love this coffee variety because it has different flavors such as citrus, bergamot, sugarcane, jasmine, peach, apricot, plum and floral notes.

geisha coffee panama tour

Lamastus Family Estate

Those who visit Boquete can go to visit the coffee source for Sisu Coffee Studio. Lamastus Family Estate offers a coffee tour at their farm located in Alto Quiel at 1,700 meters above sea level. The best time to do this coffee tour in Boquete is during the harvest season when the farm is in full production. This is at the start of summer from December through February.

It is possible to do a tour year round where you will walk in the plantation and see coffee plants. Learn about the whole process of producing coffee from picking cherries to taking them to the wet mill, tilting and then packing for export. At the end you will learn how to cup coffee like an expert! This coffee producing family started in 1918 with a farm called Elida Estate which has shade grown and bird friendly coffee at a high elevation. Now they have two more estates called El Burro and Luito Geisha Estates.

geisha coffee panama tour

Reader Interactions

[…] is a type of sweet croissant with cardamom and local coffee. Ariel Zebede also does the menu for Sisu Coffee Studio for those who want to taste the best coffee from […]

[…] Bean & Tea Leaf were entering the market. We have great coffee shops including Cafe Unido, Sisu Coffee Studio and Duran Coffee (inside La Cuadra Market). There are other coffee shops in Casco Viejo like […]

[…] is possible to try the famous Geisha coffee at Cafe Unido Casco Viejo. Sisu Coffee Studio is another place where you can try this coffee. I prefer coffee skin tea instead. Other tea options […]

[…] Years later I moved from Casco Viejo and so did the Granclément Ice Cream Shop, which selected the MultiPlaza shopping center as its new location. Eventually they returned to Casco Viejo at another location near the Tantalo Hotel. This location also closed during the pandemic and later reopened on Calle 9a east next to Sisu Coffee Studio. […]

More about Ursula

I started going to Casco Viejo as a teenager. In 2008 it became my home. The neighborhood was still quite rough back then, but a lot has change since. I hope you enjoy this website and also fall in love with this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Panama. Read More…

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IMAGES

  1. Journeying to Panama to try $1,000 Geisha Coffee

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  2. Discover the Ultra Rare Flavors of Panama Geisha

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  3. CAFE GEISHA. Panamá la ruta del Café!

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  4. Geisha Coffee Tour V.I.P , Chiriqui, Panama

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  5. Home

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  6. Seeking Geisha Coffee in Panama City

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VIDEO

  1. GEISHA COFFEE JANSON GEISHA ESTATE PANAMA TRIP 2023 WITH ONE HALF COFFEE MALAYSIA

  2. Panama Geisha Coffee Flight #coffee #shorts

  3. Geisha Espresso Workflow

COMMENTS

  1. Home Page

    WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. At Hacienda La Esmeralda we are proud to be the true origin of the wonders of Panama Geisha. The year 2004 marked a spot in coffee history with the discovery on our farms of the beautiful attributes and diverse cup profiles of geisha coffee. Geisha's perfumy nature, filled with intense jasmine florals and delicate notes of ...

  2. Iwanna Boquete Tours

    We present and try different types of artesanial coffees (típicas) and Geisha. The tour lasts about 2,5 hours and also includes transportation and entrance to the farm. Every day at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. We will pick you up 30 minutes before the tour starts at your hotel in Boquete. Price per person: $35.

  3. Coffee Plantation Tour

    Full description. Embark on a journey to discover the exquisite Arabica Geisha coffee variety, a true gem for coffee connoisseurs. Originating in Panama's Chiriqui region, Panamanian Geisha coffee is world-renowned as one of the finest and most sought-after coffees in the world. This experience will not only introduce you to the exceptional ...

  4. A Complete Guide To Taking A Coffee Tour In Boquete, Panama

    However, some of the more popular coffee tours in Boquete are below: Finca Lerida - $35 USD per person (as of 2023). This is also a gorgeous hotel. Cafes de La Luna ( Finca Dos Jefes) - $30 - $35 USD per person depending on the tour selected. Finca Casanga - $35 USD per person (as of 2023).

  5. How to Go on a Coffee Tour in Boquete, Panama

    Coffee Tour in Boquete, Panama. Home to almost 2000 coffee plantations, the people of Boquete know their coffee. Of the 400 kinds of coffee berries grown worldwide, you can find 50 of those varieties grown in Boquete. ... Geisha coffee is what made the Boquete region well-known and is considered some of the best coffee in the world. Aromatic ...

  6. How to Tour a Coffee Plantation in Panama

    Here are some of the best coffee plantations to visit in Tierras Altas: Janson Coffee farm - $15 USD for just a tasting and $35 USD for the complete coffee tour. +507-6867-3884, jansoncoffee.com. Finca Nueva Suiza Hermanos Lara - $35 USD per person. +507-6587-4349, circuitodelcafe.com.

  7. Coffee Circuit in Boquete: 10 Coffee Farms to Visit

    Boquete's coffee farms are located between the 1,000 and 2,100 meters above the sea level (3,280 to 6,900 feet) and, thanks to the rich soil of the region, they produce more than 10 coffee varieties such as Caturra Rojo and Amarillo, Catuaí, Java, Mundo Novo, Pache and, above all, the award-winning Geisha. Here is our list of open door ...

  8. A Guide To Visiting The Coffee Plantations In Boquete Panama

    Originally known as Esmeralda Boquete Geisha, the Panama Esmeralda Private Reserve Geisha grows on the slopes of the Barú Volcano near Boquete in Panama. It sells for a whopping $140 per pound at international coffee auctions. It comes as no surprise that Boquete is known as the Bordeaux of coffee. The special soil in Boquete is enriched with ...

  9. Finca Deborah

    Finca Deborah is an estate producer of gourmet, shade-grown Geisha varietal coffee located at 1950+ metres in the mountains of Volcan, Chiriqui, Panama. ... The Volcan region of Panama is an ideal coffee producing environment due to its high elevation and its rich, volcanic soil which is further enhanced by the correct balance of rain and sun ...

  10. Award Winning Geisha Coffee in Panama

    The Esmeralda Special Geisha coffee grows in the highlands of Chiripiqui in western Panama. Hacienda La Esmeralda, which produces the Esmeralda Special geisha coffee beans, is located in Boquete, Panama. The Panama Geisha coffee trees benefit from the microclimate provided by this region, its high altitudes between 1450 and 1700 feet above sea ...

  11. LA AURORA Geisha Coffee

    SUPERIOR GEISHA COFFEE. A nature friendly specialty coffee farm in the Highland tropical forest of . Candela, Chiriqui, the terroir of the best Geisha coffees in the world. ABOUT . Auromar Panama, is a Brenes-Eleta family project, devoted to the production of high quality Geishas and other superior arabica coffees, in a sustainable, and eco ...

  12. Follow Panama's Geisha Coffee From City Cafes to Fincas and Farm Tours

    Visitors can order pour overs of Geisha (spelled with an "i" in the U.S., but with an "e" in Panama), savor tender pastries from chef Ariel Zebede, and book a cupping class, the coffee ...

  13. ELIDA GEISHA

    Award Winning Farm The unique conditions at which the coffee grows can be listed as follows: high elevation, rich volcanic soils, unique microclimate, low temperatures, microorganism beneficial to coffee, unique coffee yeasts, fungi, fog and mist during the dry season, virgin-native cloudy rain forest surrounds the cof

  14. The Way to Coffee's first caffeinated travel tips

    It comprised a historical roundup of when and how coffee first arrived in Panama, a tour of the plantation and a cupping of 8 different Kotowa coffees, including different roasts (light, medium and dark), Kotowa organic coffee and the Kotowa Geisha, which cups at 91-92 points. As expected, the tasting profile of the Geisha literally blew my ...

  15. Geisha Coffee

    Home. Our extraordinary story. Our four elements. Our unique brands. Our news. More. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. bottom of page. Discover the most luxurious coffee in the world. Panama Geisha Coffee is an experience in itself.

  16. Savoring Geisha Coffee in Panama City: A Collaboration with Geisha

    Originating from Ethiopia, the Geisha variety of coffee beans made its way to Panama in the early 2000s. The lush highlands of Boquete, with their unique microclimate and fertile volcanic soil, provided the perfect environment for Geisha coffee to flourish, resulting in beans of exceptional quality and a distinct flavor profile.

  17. GEISHA

    GEISHA. Home Geisha GEISHA. GEISHA. ... 1898, has been dedicated uninterruptedly to the cultivation of coffee, thus being the first company specializing in the coffee industry in the Republic of Panama. ... FOR COFFEE TOUR BOOKINGS. TELEPHONE +507 6676-1150 . E-MAIL [email protected]. CONTACT US.

  18. Coffee: the Pride of Panamá

    The result could not be better: the production of Geisha coffee, the world's most sought-after coffee variety, that has put the country's name in world rankings. The farms where this exquisite coffee is produced are located 1,000 to 2,100 meters (3,280 to 6,900 feet) above sea level.

  19. Seeking Geisha Coffee in Panama City

    Most coffees tend to fall in the 60-90 range. If a coffee gets a score of 80 or above it's considered a specialty coffee. Greater than 90 means the coffee is outstanding. Panama has 29 samples of various coffees (including Geisha coffee) with scores 90 or above, making them #1 for best coffees with Ethiopia coming in at #2.

  20. What Makes Panama's Geisha Coffee Unique (& Why Is It So Expensive)?

    Panama's geisha coffee is one of the world's most lucrative coffee varieties. Fetching ever-increasing prices (a whopping $2,500 a pound in 2021!), it's esteemed not only for the beans' rarity but ...

  21. Janson Estate Geisha Coffee

    Our GEISHA variety coffee has won the 2nd Prize in the Best of Panama 2013. GEISHA is a variety that has attained world recognition after it was discovered in several farms in the region of Boquete. The GEISHA coffee tree is very different from other traditional varieties. It grows taller, has less foliage, there is a longer distance between ...

  22. KOTOWA ESTATE COFFEE (PANAMA)

    Available Options. 12 oz BAG ONLY. This coffee is grown in the highlands of Boquete at 4500 feet, in a mountainous area famous for it's year round climate. The combination of rich, deep soils, climate and altitude develops a coffee with good body, rich chocolate aroma and sweet acidity. The cherries are hand picked by Ngobe Indians, who harvest ...

  23. Sisu Coffee Studio is the Place to Try Geisha Coffee!

    At $10 a cup, this Panama Geisha coffee is a bargain since the Lamastus family, who owns Sisu Coffee Studio, sold seven pounds of coffee for $42,000 in 2022! That is $6,000 per pound of coffee in a private auction, making it the most expensive coffee in the world. ... The best time to do this coffee tour in Boquete is during the harvest season ...