Bolivian Coffee Beans: Sweet South-American Coffee

In the specialty coffee industry, most coffee connoisseurs choose South-American coffees from Colombia and Brazil as gold standards for the perfect cup. However, the best Bolivian coffees are sweet, well-balanced, and velvety, making them the best for all brewing methods. 

If you still haven’t tried Bolivia’s coffee, this article tells you about it. Keep reading for Home Grounds’ pick of the top three best Bolivian coffees.

A complete Guide to Bolivian Coffee Beans

What comes to mind when most people think of countries with the world’s best coffee? Countries like Brazil and Colombia are usually at the top of the list. But there’s a South American coffee origin that deserves to take its place.

Bolivia: An Overview

Spanning one million square kilometres, Bolivia is landlocked between Brazil, Peru, Chile, and Argentina (1). While the western half of this South American country is dominated by the majestic Andes Mountains, the Altiplano, or high plateau region, lies between the two Andes mountain ridges (2). The plateau spans 800 km long by 130 km wide and is home to nearly 50% of Bolivia’s population of over 12 million people (3). Finally, to Bolivia’s North and East regions lay lush wetlands, grasslands, and forests. This tropical region is also home to the Amazon Rainforest.

History of Coffee in Bolivia

Coffee was only introduced to the country in the late 1700s and early 1800s. During this period, Bolivia was a Spanish colony that declared independence from Spain in 1825 (4).

Because of the tropical climate and high elevation, the Yungas, which follow the eastern slopes of the Andes, was the first coffee-growing regions. This practice continues today, as the vast majority of Bolivia’s coffee crops are still cultivated in this region.

Coffee-growing Regions of Bolivia

Today, coffee shrubs are cultivated in the coffee-growing regions nestled in the Andes mountain ranges and the tropical and semi-tropical climates of the Altiplano. These highland plateaus span elevations between 3,600 to 4,200 metres above sea level.

Ichilo, Santa Cruz, Vaca Diez, and San Igna are all in the Altiplano. In contrast, Larecaja, Nor Yungas, Sud Yungas, Caranavi, Chapare, aniceto arce, and Franz Tamayo are located either at the foot of the Andes or among the mountain ranges.

Coffee Production and Cultivation

Though Bolivia boasts the perfect climate for high-quality, specialty coffees, its coffee production and cultivation are hampered by geography, infrastructure, and the economic challenges presented by coca production. The mountainous terrain makes it difficult to build adequate roads and infrastructure to transport the beans from farms to specialty roasters. Still, many coffee farmers in the Yungas region often choose to grow coca— as the profit margins are higher.

According to Nicholas Castellano:

But despite these challenges, the Bolivian coffee industry is growing. The Taza Presidencial showcases Bolivian specialty coffees to Bolivian and international coffee buyers.

Bolivia’s Taza Presidencial

In 2015, Mary Luz Condori and other members of the Federation of the Coffee Producers and Exporters Of Bolivia (FECAFEB), founded a national coffee-cupping competition (5).

This coffee-cupping competition showcases entirely coffee beans from Bolivia. It is modelled after the Cup of Excellence and is designed to promote coffee quality Bolivian coffee domestically and abroad. According to Sandra Elisa Loofbourow:

Bolivian Coffee Cup Profile

Bolivia’s beans — which are mostly Typica and Caturra Arabica varieties — yield a very clean cup. With fruit-forward notes of apple, pear, and lemon, Bolivian coffees are unique in that they retain their nuanced flavours, even after they’ve cooled. Chocolaty and nutty notes add depth to the cup, while honey and caramel notes leave the coffee with a sweet finish (6). Also, Sweet Maria’s Coffee notes:

While traditional organic farming practices help to maintain biodiversity within these coffee-growing regions, fair trade ensures local coffee farmers are fairly compensated for their coffee beans and labour.

The Three Best Bolivian Coffee Beans of 2023

image	product	details
Best Overall Best Overall	Farmers & Roasters Bolivia	Dark roast Chocolate, caramel Espresso, Moka pot	SEE ON AMAZON
Runner Up Runner Up	Coffee & Tea Company Sudamerika Bolivien	Medium roast Fruit, spice, almonds French press	SEE ON AMAZON
Best Ground Coffee Best Ground Coffee	Café Michel Arabica Bolivia	Medium roast Fruity, tart Pour over	SEE ON AMAZON

Though Bolivia is not traditionally a household name in the specialty coffee industry, Home Grounds is here to change that. Here are the three best Bolivian coffee beans of 2023.

1. Farmers & Roasters Bolivia – Best Overall

• Roast Type: Dark

• Bean Flavour Notes: Chocolate, caramel
• Best For: Espresso, Moka pot

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These single origin beans have been sourced from the province of Caranavi in Bolivia’s Yungas region This area is high in biodiversity, with altitudes of 1,550 to 1,600 metres, producing some wonderful coffee.

With a dark roast, the coffee develops the deeper flavours that Bolivian coffee can be known for, rather than the fruity notes. Brewed as an espresso or with a Moka pot, you can expect a full-flavoured coffee with notes of dark chocolate and sticky caramel.

2. Coffee & Tea Company Sudamerika Bolivien – Runner Up

• Roast Type: Medium

• Bean Flavour Notes: Fruit, spice, almonds
• Best For: French press

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Like much of the good Bolivian coffee, these 100% Arabica beans come from the mountainous Andes region of the country. They’ve been slow roasted in small batches to retain the best taste, which is fruit-forward with notes of spice and nuts. It’s also low in acid, making it suitable for anyone with a sensitive stomach.

Home Grounds suggests brewing this coffee in a French press to bring out the most of this balanced coffee.

3. Café Michel Arabica Bolivia – Best Ground Coffee

• Roast Type: Medium

• Bean Flavour Notes: Fruity, tart
• Best For: Pour over

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All of Cafe Michel’s coffees are certified both organic and Fair Trade, so you can rest easy with any beans that you buy from them. The Bolivian variety is sourced from the Yungas region, where so much of the country’s coffee is produced. This coffee offers the fruitiness that the area is known for, with a slightly tart finish.

Home Grounds recommends brewing with a pour over coffee maker to let the delicate flavour profile shine through.

The Verdict

Though Bolivia is the 38th largest coffee producer in the world, its terroire, high elevation, and climate produce some of the most excellent South American coffees. With well-balanced acidity and fruitiness, the best Bolivian coffee is a treat on its own or paired with a dessert.