Coffee and Tío Conejo: A Magical Encounter with Colombia

1. A Divine Beginning: The Origin of Coffee

“In the beginning, God created coffee, not because He was bored, but because He realized humans are a little lost in the mornings and even more so in the afternoons.”

Coffee and humanity share a bond as old as time. Both originated in Africa and spread across the world, bringing life, energy, and connection wherever they went.

When coffee arrived in Colombia, it found its perfect match: dramatic landscapes, rich volcanic soil, and people whose devotion to coffee turned cultivation into an art form.

Manizales, perched high in the Andes, embodies this union of nature and culture. Long before the Spanish arrived, its hills grew native crops like corn. During colonization, settlers worked tirelessly to carve out a future in the rugged terrain. By 1850, Manizales was founded, and its people embraced coffee as more than a crop—it became a way of life.

Among the pioneers was Don Carlos Pinzón, a visionary who transformed coffee into a legacy. He built the mule trails, train lines, and riverboats that carried beans from the mountains of Manizales to the world. Coffee became a symbol of resilience, connection, and progress.

2. The Birth of Tío Conejo: Turning Dreams into Reality

2.1 Finding the Farm

In 2010, we discovered a forgotten farm in the hills of Manizales. The soil was depleted, biodiversity diminished, and infrastructure crumbled.

To some, it looked beyond saving. To us, it was a blank canvas—a place where dreams and happiness could grow alongside coffee. This was the beginning of Tío Conejo, a “happiness factory” built on sustainability, joy, and excellence.

2.2 Repatriation and Starting Anew

The journey began with three partners: Ángela Suárez, Ivanov Castellanos, and Esperanza Cárdenas.

Ángela and Ivanov, who had lived in the U.S. since 2000, returned to Colombia in 2012 with their daughter to reconnect with the land. Esperanza, already in Colombia, had found the forgotten farm and invited them to join her in building something extraordinary.

Together, they founded Altos del Tío Conejo SAS as a family business, committed to excellence and joy. Their first harvest was a leap of faith—and when a U.S. Q-grader scored their coffee 86 on the SCAA scale, it was confirmed as specialty grade. That same year, they exported 2,000 boxes of roasted coffee to Maryland.

2.3 Why “Tío Conejo”?

In Colombian folklore, Tío Conejo (Uncle Rabbit) is clever and resourceful, overcoming challenges with wit and creativity—values that reflect the heart of our farm.

The name also carries family legacy: Papá Hernán (“Chenan”) told Tío Conejo stories to us as children. Later, as puppeteers, we learned the power of storytelling to bring people together.

Tío Conejo is more than a brand—it’s a promise to honor roots, work with joy, and bring happiness in every cup.

2.4 Building a Happiness Factory

Our philosophy guides everything we do:

• Restoring the Land — trees, cover crops, and compost for renewal.

• Empowering People — fair wages, full benefits, joy in daily work.

• Crafting Coffee — beans grown with care, creativity, and connection.

2.5 A Family Woven Into the Land

Café Tío Conejo has always been a family story. At its heart is the “Trío Conejo”:

• Esperanza — guardian of memory and meaning.

• Ángela — soul of daily operations.

• Ivanov — ever-curious explorer of new paths.

But the wider family has shaped every step, from planting trees to restoring homes. Now, a new generation—Emilia and Isabella—is discovering their own ways to carry forward the values of Tío Conejo.

3. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

3.1 Revitalizing the Land

When we arrived, the land was weary. We began by planting thousands of native trees. Birds returned—rising from 60 species to more than 130 today.

We restored the soil with organic compost, mulching, and nitrogen-fixing plants. Each tree became not only shade but also a carbon sink, helping fight climate change.

3.2 Crafting Coffee with Purpose

At Tío Conejo, coffee is a journey of love:

• From Soil to Seed — varietals like Tabi, Gesha, and Sudan Rume thrive in our microclimate.

• From Harvest to Process — hand-picked cherries, processed with washed, natural, or anaerobic methods.

• From Farm to World — exported with care, ensuring beans arrive as pristine as they left.

We also partner with other farmers, amplifying their voices and bringing more Colombian coffee to the world.

4. A Cold Brew with Character: Meet Tío Oso

Every rabbit needs a friend. Tío Conejo’s is Tío Oso, the Andean Spectacled Bear—thoughtful, calm, and wise.

He inspired our Tío Oso Cold Brew, created by Mario, our quality promoter. Made with Castillo Natural, roasted precisely for sweetness and clarity, it’s a bear-sized hug in a glass.

Tío Oso also symbolizes biodiversity and friendship—values woven into our farm’s story.

5. The Philosophy of Tío Conejo

“At Café Tío Conejo, we do things with love because we believe being good starts with trying.”

Our values:

• Fairness and Respect — fair wages, full benefits, workplace well-being.

• Stewardship of the Land — caring for the farm as a living ecosystem.

• Happiness in Every Step — joy woven into every part of our process.

6. Why Tío Conejo Stands Out

Tío Conejo is more than a farm—it’s a happiness factory, a biodiversity sanctuary, and a celebration of Colombian heritage.

We blend tradition with innovation, ensuring that every sip tells the story of resilience, joy, and connection.

7. The Future of Tío Conejo: One Young Farmer at a Time

Our story continues with a new initiative: helping young people find dignity and joy in coffee farming.

Through Kickstarter, we’re creating programs for training, fair wages, housing, emotional support, and environmental education.

We believe coffee builds bridges, inspires trust, and creates sustainable, joyful futures.

If you’ve read this far, you’re already part of our family.
Let’s write the next chapter together.