GUA-002 | Guatemala Finca Relampago
Finca Relampago
Guatemala
Style:
Washed
Varietal:
Yellow Catuai, Red Borbon
The Farm :
At Parcel, we believe that every cup of coffee tells a story, one of exceptional terroir and passionate craftsmanship. That's why we're proud to collaborate with Los Volcanes Coffee and showcase Finca Relámpago, a true gem located in the heart of the fertile slopes of Volcán de Agua, near Ciudad Vieja and Antigua.
This iconic site, renowned for its rich volcanic soils, high altitude, and cool climate, embodies the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. For centuries, this region has been the cradle of Guatemalan agriculture, where coffee cultivation is an integral part of the local heritage. Today, Finca Relámpago continues this tradition while being at the forefront of research and experimentation, thanks to the recent acquisition of the farm by Los Volcanes Coffee in 2024.
This project is also a story of legacy and passion. The land once belonged to Don Rafael, a longtime friend and collaborator of Finca La Esperanza, whose commitment and love for the terroir left a lasting impression. When Don Rafael shifted his efforts to other personal projects, Josué Morales, our founder, saw an opportunity: to continue building on this rich tradition with care and determination.
The Meaning Behind the Name :
The name Relámpago — Spanish for lightning — is inspired by Greek mythology. According to the legend, Pegasus, the winged horse, rises to Mount Olympus under the guidance of Perseus. He brings with him light and fire — gifts offered to humanity like a bolt of lightning from the heavens.
Each morning, as dawn breaks over Volcán de Agua, the sunlight climbs the volcano’s ridge just as Pegasus did. In that image, we saw a powerful metaphor for the energy and inspiration we hope this farm brings to our work in coffee. Relámpago is more than a name — it’s a symbol of light, elevation, and transformation.
Today, Finca Relámpago serves as a platform for:
● Experimental coffee processing, including controlled fermentations and drying methods
● Varietal trials and micro-lot development
● Regenerative farming practices
● Deepened collaboration with the communities around Ciudad Vieja
We see Relámpago as a farm with purpose — a place to test, learn, and evolve, while staying deeply connected to the cultural and environmental heritage of one of Guatemala’s most treasured coffee regions.
At Parcel, our commitment is to honor these roots by providing every coffee lover with an authentic experience, one that embraces the history, terroir, and innovation that make Finca Relámpago so rich.
The Varieties
Yellow Catuai is a popular coffee variety known for its high yield and adaptability to various growing conditions. It is a mutation of the Catuai variety, featuring a yellow fruit color when ripe. This variety is appreciated for its balanced flavor profile, often characterized by bright acidity, sweet notes, and a smooth body. It is commonly cultivated in Central and South America, especially in countries like Colombia and Brazil, where it thrives in tropical climates. Yellow Catuai is favored by coffee producers for its productivity and consistent quality, making it a popular choice for specialty coffee production.
Red Bourbon or Borbon as Josué Morales would say is a traditional Arabica coffee variety highly prized in Guatemala for its exceptional cup quality. Originally from the Bourbon cultivar developed on Réunion Island, it has adapted perfectly to Guatemala’s high-altitude regions, such as Antigua, Acatenango, and Huehuetenango.
This variety produces medium-sized plants with dense foliage and bright red cherries when ripe. It thrives at elevations between 1,200 and 2,000 meters, where volcanic soils and cool mountain climates enhance its complexity.
Tasting Notes :
🍑Peach Rhubarb Yellow fruits
Technical Information
Country/Region: Guatemala / Antigua Guatemala
Department/Municipality: Sacatepéquez / Ciudad Vieja
Altitude: 1,630 Meters
Cultivated area: 2.03 Hectares
Type of agriculture: Conventional
Shade types:Gravilea And Avocado Trees
Main cultivars: Yellow Catuai, Red Borbon
Harvest: November to March
Processing: Washed
Drying: Patio
The relationship :
Josué Morales is Damien's mentor, and they have known each other since 2015. What began as a final-year internship has blossomed into a deep and sincere friendship. After five years at Lomi in Paris, Damien returned to work with Josué to represent his Guatemalan and Brazilian coffees in Europe.
We traveled to Guatemala together in 2024 to begin discussing specific projects with Josué that could benefit Parcel in the long term. For the launch of our roastery, we chose to work with three farms in the Antigua region: Finca Relampago, Finca El Potrero, and Finca San José Ocana.