Costa Rica - Alma Negra - Microlot

Located in Sabana Rodonda, Alajuela, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, Las Lajas mill is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Oscar and Francisca Chacón.

Together with eight family-owned farms spanning 30 hectares at elevations of 1,300–1,550 metres, they focus exclusively on producing exceptional microlot coffees.

Influenced by the nearby Poás Volcano and Atlantic rainfall, the region provides ideal growing conditions.

Las Lajas played a key role in shaping Costa Rica’s specialty coffee movement. In 2008, following an earthquake that cut water access, Oscar pioneered honey and natural processing methods to save the harvest.

The results were outstanding, quickly gaining international recognition. Today, Las Lajas is renowned for innovative drying techniques and produces around 1,500 bags annually, with the majority processed as honey or natural coffees.

Continuous reinvestment in quality remains central to their approach.