Coffee: A Global Passion with Latin American Roots

Coffee is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, and Latin America is its spiritual birthplace. From high-altitude crops in the Colombian mountains to the immense Brazilian fazendas, this region produces some of the most coveted beans on the planet. But coffee is not just a product: it is a social ritual, a way to connect with others, and a window into the culture of every place where it is served.

If you are a true coffee lover, Encontrable allows you to discover specialty coffee shops, artisanal roasters, and unique coffee experiences at every destination you visit.

Colombia: The Coffee That Conquered the World

Colombia is synonymous with quality coffee. The Coffee Region, with cities like Pereira and Dosquebradas, is the heart of Colombian coffee production. Here, at altitudes between 1,200 and 1,800 meters above sea level, ideal climatic conditions produce a smooth arabica coffee with fruity notes and balanced acidity that is appreciated by baristas worldwide.

In Pereira, coffee culture goes beyond the cup. You can visit coffee farms where you participate in the entire process: from picking ripe cherries to roasting and professional cupping. The city streets are lined with specialty coffee shops where passionate baristas prepare methods like pour-over, Chemex, and AeroPress with freshly roasted regional beans.

Bogota has established itself as one of the most vibrant coffee capitals in the world. Neighborhoods like Chapinero and La Macarena house third-wave coffee shops that rival the best in Melbourne or Tokyo. The Colombian capital is where coffee tradition meets innovation, creating experiences that surprise even the most demanding palates.

Brazil: The Coffee Giant

Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer, responsible for approximately one-third of global production. In Sao Paulo, the coffee scene has undergone a revolution in the last decade. Coffee shops in neighborhoods like Pinheiros and Vila Madalena offer tasting experiences that combine Brazilian tradition with avant-garde brewing techniques.

The producing regions of Minas Gerais, Esp铆rito Santo, and Bahia produce varieties ranging from intense robusta to the most delicate arabica. In Salvador, coffee culture blends with Afro-Brazilian influence, creating unique spaces to enjoy an espresso while listening to live music. In Rio de Janeiro, coffee shops in the Santa Teresa and Botafogo neighborhoods combine spectacular views with single-origin coffee.

Colombia and Brazil together produce nearly 50% of the world's coffee. However, the true magic lies not only in the bean but in the culture each country has built around this ancient beverage.

Ethiopia: The Original Birthplace of Coffee

No list of world coffees would be complete without mentioning Ethiopia, where legend says a shepherd discovered the effects of coffee by observing his energized goats. The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is Intangible Cultural Heritage: a three-round ritual that can last hours and involves roasting the beans on the spot, grinding them by hand, and serving them in a traditional jebena.

Other Coffee Powerhouses

  • Costa Rica: Pioneer in specialty coffee, with farms in the Central Valley producing beans with honey and citrus notes
  • Guatemala: Coffee from Antigua and Huehuetenango is recognized for its complexity and chocolate body
  • Kenya: Known for its bright acidity and blackcurrant notes that captivate connoisseurs
  • Vietnam: Second largest producer worldwide, famous for its condensed milk coffee (ca phe sua da)
  • Jamaica: Blue Mountain is one of the most exclusive and sought-after coffees on the planet

How to Appreciate Coffee Like a Professional

Learning to cup coffee does not require being an expert. Start by paying attention to the aroma before tasting, identify whether you perceive fruity, floral, chocolate, or nutty notes. When sipping, let the coffee travel across your entire mouth to capture the acidity, body, and sweetness. Finally, note the aftertaste: the best coffees have a long, pleasant finish that invites another sip.

Explore the best coffee shops and coffee experiences in the world on Encontrable. For more content about gastronomy and culture, visit our blog and discover our guides to plan your next coffee route. If you are interested in the culture behind each cup, do not miss our culture section.