Over a century of history

Of a land dedicated to the greatness of coffee.

Here at Finca Lerida, we strongly believe that coffee and travel produce one of the smoothest and richest cultural pairings.

Embark on a truly extraordinary experience as we share with you how through time, our specialty coffee has been crafted by local hands, who have dedicated themselves to perfecting this remarkable process across generations. The harvesters, deeply rooted in their communities, ensure uncompromising quality right from the outset. They meticulously hand-select only the ripest beans, employing traditional methods that prioritise the well-being of the plants and prepare them for the upcoming production cycle.

Behind great coffee lies a remarkable story.

1911

Toleff Bache Mönniche

It all began in 1911 when Toleff Bache Mönniche, a Norwegian engineer and graduate of the Royal College of Dresden in Germany, set foot in the Chiriquí Highlands. Mönniche, who had previously been involved in the construction of the Panama Canal and the colossal docks in Colón, embarked on a seven-day voyage along the Pacific coast and rode uphill for hours to reach a place that remains unique to this day: Finca Lérida. A magical sanctuary amidst the vast slopes of the Barú Volcano and the towering ridges of the Central Mountain Range.

1911

1924

The moving

In 1924, after retiring from the Panama Canal, Engineer Mönniche and his wife, Julia, moved to Finca Lérida. There, he hand-built their Norwegian-inspired rural home and established the first gravity-fed coffee plantation in Panama. Additionally, he designed and patented the "sifón," a mechanism used to separate good beans from the bad, which is still employed by coffee plantations worldwide.

1924

1929

The first export

In 1929, Finca Lérida exported its first shipment of Panamanian specialty coffee to Germany, establishing Panama's reputation as one of Europe's premier producers of exotic and high-quality coffee.

1929

Today

Finca Lérida

This rich history is woven into the fabric of Finca Lérida, making it an extraordinary destination for coffee enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring pursuit of excellence.

Today

OUR TEAM

We are a team of 40 collaborators, with nearly all of them being local residents, working together to deliver the highest quality experience to our guests.

The professionalism of several team members reflects our expertise and dedication. Sara Borrero, our Executive Chef, specializes in healthy cuisine and ensures the selection of the finest ingredients to deliver exceptional flavors.

Cesar Valdes is not only an expert in birdwatching but also a connoisseur of coffee. His profound knowledge in these areas enriches the experiences we create, ensuring moments that leave a lasting impression.

Juan Carlos, an invaluable member of our staff, extends a warm welcome to our guests. With a focus on guest reception, he goes above and beyond to ensure unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations.

Maritzel Montes oversees the financial aspects of Finca Lérida.

With our diverse talents and shared commitment to excellence, we strive to provide our guests with an unparalleled experience that showcases the best of Finca Lérida.