Discovering Finca El Arcangel
Tucked away in the lush highlands near Copacabana, Bolivia, Finca El Arcangel is a shining example of what happens when tradition, innovation, and nature come together in perfect harmony. Established in 2015 and producing its first harvest in 2017, this specialty coffee farm has quickly earned a reputation for excellence—not just in Bolivia, but across the global specialty coffee scene.
A Sanctuary in the Bolivian Highlands
Located at 1,500 meters above sea level in the Caranavi region - often called the capital of Bolivian coffee - El Arcangel is more than just a coffee farm. It’s a sanctuary. At the heart of the farm stands a towering, majestic tree that inspired its name. Resembling a watchful guardian, this tree marks the highest point of the farm and symbolises the harmony between agriculture and the natural world.
Surrounding this sentinel is a thriving ecosystem where coffee trees grow alongside native plants like citrus, papaya, and avocado. This biodiversity not only enhances the farm’s beauty but also contributes to the health of the soil and the quality of the coffee.
Varietals with a Purpose
El Arcangel spans 10 hectares, with about 4 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation. The farm grows Red and Yellow Caturra and Red and Yellow Catuai - varietals known for their vibrant flavour profiles. What sets El Arcangel apart is its commitment to varietal separation. Each type of Caturra is grown, harvested, and processed individually, allowing their unique characteristics to shine through in the cup.
This level of precision is rare in the region and reflects the farm’s dedication to quality and innovation.
The Esqueleto Pruning Method: Science Meets Sustainability
One of the most forward-thinking practices at El Arcangel is the use of the esqueleto pruning method. Named after the Spanish word for “skeleton” - is a bold yet highly effective technique used to rejuvenate aging or underperforming coffee trees. By cutting the tree back to its main structural branches, farmers essentially strip it down to its “skeleton,” prompting the plant to redirect its energy into producing fresh, vigorous growth.
This method is particularly valuable on farms like Finca El Arcangel in Bolivia, where long-term sustainability and cup quality are top priorities. While the tree takes about 12 to 18 months to recover and begin producing again, the benefits are substantial: improved airflow, reduced disease risk, and a more productive, better-structured canopy. It’s a strategic reset that extends the tree’s lifespan and enhances future yields.
Unlike more conservative pruning techniques, Esqueleto pruning is part of a rotational farm management strategy. Farmers stagger the pruning across different sections of the farm to maintain consistent annual output while giving each tree the time it needs to regenerate. The result is a healthier, more balanced farm ecosystem.
Though it requires patience and careful planning, the Esqueleto method reflects a deeper philosophy of working with nature to build resilience and quality from the ground up. For producers committed to excellence, it’s not just a technique - it’s an investment in the future of their coffee.
Meet Pedro Rodríguez: The Visionary Behind El Arcangel
At the heart of Finca El Arcangel’s success is Pedro Rodríguez, a pioneering figure in Bolivian specialty coffee. With over 30 years of experience, Pedro is the founder of Agricafe, the family-run company that owns and operates El Arcangel as part of the Fincas Los Rodríguez project.
Pedro’s mission has always been clear: to elevate Bolivian coffee to world-class standards while empowering local farmers through education, innovation, and sustainable practices. Under his leadership, Agricafe has established a network of model farms that serve as both production centres and training grounds. His children, Pablo and Daniela Rodríguez, are also deeply involved in the business, helping to carry forward the family’s vision for a more sustainable and prosperous coffee future in Bolivia.
Pedro’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of El Arcangel. Through his work, he has helped reshape the Bolivian coffee landscape, proving that with the right support and vision, smallholder farmers can produce coffee that competes on the global stage.
A Model for the Future of Bolivian Coffee
Finca El Arcangel is more than a coffee farm - it is a model for the future of Bolivian specialty coffee. Through its integration of traditional knowledge, modern agronomy, and environmental stewardship, the farm exemplifies what is possible when quality, sustainability, and innovation come together. As part of the Fincas Los Rodríguez network, El Arcangel also serves as a training ground for other farmers, helping to raise the standard of coffee production across the region.
