ESCOLAR _ Colombia

Inza Municipality is located on the western face of the south of the central branch of the Andean mountain range, in the eastern section of Cauca. In conjunction with the Paez municipality they form a region known as Tierradentro. This region is still inhabited by the Paeces indigenous tribe, who make up around 80% of the population there and is perfectly situated for growing coffee in its mountainous terrain.

The coffee here is picked by the smallholders and generally washed and dried on the farm, often at high altitudes on steep slopes, or brought to a nearby beneficiary for processing. Some will make use of the roofs on their houses for drying patios, before collecting the coffee at the dry mill or cooperative headquarters for cupping, scoring and sorting for export. 

Due to the many microclimates and changing weather patterns, there is often fresh coffee cropping throughout the year, though generally this is split across the main and mitaca (or 'fly') crops. Global warming has seen a significant change across Columbia, bringing challenges to some areas and opportunities to others. Earthquakes and landslides have featured in the coffee areas, but the commitment to quality thee remains high.