Lucero

"In Northern Peru, near the border with Ecuador, lies the small town of Lucero. Nestled in the heart of the Namballe district within the San Ignacio province of Cajamarca, this region holds vital ecological importance. It serves as a critical buffer zone for the Tabaconas Namballe National Sanctuary, a protected area dedicated to preserving the páramo—a unique and rare high-altitude moorland ecosystem essential for water regulation and biodiversity in the Andes.

The agricultural identity of Lucero is defined by deep-rooted experience, as most producers have dedicated their entire lives to coffee cultivation. Farming in this area is characterized by smallholders managing plots typically between one and two hectares. While families grow subsistence crops such as bananas and yucca for their daily needs, coffee remains the primary economic driver and the focal point of their labor.

Producers in Lucero cultivate Caturra, Bourbon, and Catimor varieties under a canopy of native shade trees, most notably the ice-cream bean tree (Pacay). This traditional agroforestry method protects the soil and enhances the slow maturation of the coffee cherries. The logistical journey of the harvest begins with a traditional trek. Once the parchment is processed, producers load the sacks onto mules to navigate the mountain trails. This journey to the nearest accessible road typically takes between 15 minutes and one hour on foot.

In Lucero, coffee production coexists in total equilibrium with the preservation of the surrounding buffer zone. By maintaining these traditional, low-impact farming practices, the producers of Lucero deliver a sustainable, high-quality coffee that reflects the pristine and protected environment of the San Ignacio highlands.