About Us
Gaitan Family Farms Coffee
The Magic of Guatemalan Coffee
Nestled in the heart of the Coffee Belt at approximately 14.5586° N, 90.7333° W, Guatemala is a paradise for coffee cultivation, producing some of the world’s most exceptional beans. At Gaitan Family Farms, we harness the unique advantages of our homeland to craft coffee that’s celebrated for its unparalleled quality and flavor.
Guatemala’s high-altitude regions, like our farm in the mountains of Pueblo Nuevo Viñas, Santa Rosa, sit at elevations of 3,900–6,500 feet. This altitude slows the maturation of our Arabica beans, infusing them with bright acidity, rich body, and complex notes of dark chocolate, caramel, citrus, and delicate floral hints. The volcanic soils of our region, rich in potassium and phosphorus, provide a nutrient-packed foundation that enhances the beans’ depth and clarity. Our farm benefits from Guatemala’s diverse microclimates, with cool nights and warm days that balance sweetness and complexity in every cherry.
With 60–100 inches of annual rainfall and distinct wet and dry seasons, our coffee plants thrive in perfect harmony with nature. Native shade trees protect our crops, promoting even ripening and supporting local biodiversity through sustainable, shade-grown methods. Guatemala’s centuries-old coffee tradition shines through in our meticulous hand-picking and wet-processing techniques, ensuring only the ripest cherries become the “Strictly Hard Bean” (SHB) coffee that’s globally renowned for its consistency and excellence.
Guatemalan coffee, especially from regions like ours, is a favorite among specialty coffee enthusiasts for its versatility—perfect for espresso, pour-over, or any brewing method. The unique terroir of our farm in Aldea Gavia Grande yields a smooth, velvety cup with a clean aftertaste, making every sip a testament to Guatemala’s status as a benchmark of coffee excellence.
Our Story: From Guatemalan Mountains to American Mornings
Gaitan Family Farms Coffee is more than a brand—it’s a legacy rooted in the lush mountains of Aldea Gavia Grande, Pueblo Nuevo Viñas, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. Surrounded by vibrant green landscapes and serene peaks, our family farm has been a cornerstone of our heritage for generations. It all began with our great-grandmother, whose vision and hard work established the farm that Luvia Olivares and Orlando Gaitan, our parents, have nurtured alongside their twelve children—five sisters and six brothers, with Silas Gaitan, the sixth child and third son, leading our journey to America.
Our farm thrives on two cherished crops: pineapples and coffee. Silas, with his own plot dedicated to pineapples, carries forward the family’s tradition of cultivating the land with care. Growing up, Silas and his brothers rose at 4 a.m. to tend the fields, walked three miles to school, and returned to work alongside their father until supper. In their free time, they explored the rugged beauty of Santa Rosa, hunting, swimming in local rivers, and embracing the land that shaped them. Meals were fresh from the earth—vegetables pulled from the garden that morning and free-range chickens that roamed the farm, sleeping in trees for safety.
The journey of Gaitan Family Farms Coffee to America is a love story in every sense. Silas’s path to the U.S. was sparked by his love for Joe, his fiancé, whom he met during Joe’s travels to Guatemala. Their long-distance relationship blossomed through years of online connection, culminating in Silas’s move to New England to build a life together. On Silas’s first morning in America, Joe prepared his famous omelet (well family and friends famous) a savory blend of organic New England Brown eggs, fresh peppers, onions, and a secret mix of heavy cream and sour cream. Paired with a meticulously brewed pour-over coffee, made with a stainless steel funnel (Joe would never allow hot water to mix with plastic) and water heated to a precise 204°F, Silas anticipated the same perfection he knew from his family’s farm.
But the coffee fell short. Raised on the pure, vibrant flavors of Guatemalan coffee, Silas found American coffee lacking. Tactful at first, he eventually shared his disappointment with Joe, describing the unparalleled taste of fresh coffee from Aldea Gavia Grande. Determined to share this treasure, Silas arranged for his sister to send their family’s coffee to their New England home. Joe, a gastronome and former professional cook who once hosted a popular dining and entertainment radio show, was captivated by his first sip. He knew this coffee deserved a place in American homes.
Today, Silas and Joe split their time between New England and Guatemala, planning a Fall 2026 wedding while sharing the Gaitan family’s legacy with the world. Gaitan Family Farms Coffee brings the soul of our Guatemalan roots—crafted by tradition, perfected by nature, and driven by love—to every cup you brew.