Marcala (La Paz) · Variety
Pacas in Marcala (La Paz)
Marcala (La Paz) is known for honduras's first denomination of origin — organic-leaning highland sweetness, and Pacas is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 1,300–1,700 m — Pacas's preferred range is 1,200–1,900 m — and harvest runs december – march, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Pacas brings its own agronomic personality to Marcala (La Paz): a compact (dwarf), dense secondary branching plant with medium-high yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as susceptible to rust; tolerant of wind and drought stress. Regional processing leans on washed, honey, natural, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Marcala (La Paz)'s expression stands apart: the variety contributes sweet red fruit and honey with bright acidity, while the regional cup runs toward caramel, red apple, and chocolate with juicy medium acidity; honeys add ripe stone-fruit weight. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Marcala (La Paz) |
|---|---|
| Country | Honduras |
| Region altitude | 1,300–1,700 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,200–1,900 m |
| Harvest | December – March |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Natural dwarf mutation of Bourbon found on the Pacas family farm, El Salvador, 1949 |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust; tolerant of wind and drought stress |
| Regional cup profile | Caramel, red apple, and chocolate with juicy medium acidity; honeys add ripe stone-fruit weight. |
Pacas in Marcala (La Paz) — frequently asked questions
Does Pacas grow well in Marcala (La Paz)?
Yes — the region's 1,300–1,700 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,200–1,900 m, and local processing traditions (washed, honey, natural) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Marcala (La Paz) is known for.
What does Marcala (La Paz) Pacas taste like?
Expect sweet red fruit and honey with bright acidity, expressed through the region's typical character: caramel, red apple, and chocolate with juicy medium acidity; honeys add ripe stone-fruit weight.
When is Pacas from Marcala (La Paz) harvested?
The regional harvest runs december – march; fresh lots typically reach export markets one to three months after milling.
Volcana Coffee grows high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta in our own volcanic region — the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. Compare our terroir against any region in the world, cup to cup.
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