Our History

COTUC Mayan Specialty Coffee: A Legacy Born from the Earth and Rooted in the Soul

The story of COTUC Mayan Specialty Coffee is a journey that bridges generations, deep cultural roots, and a dream cultivated in the mountains of San Pedro La Laguna, on the shores of the magical Lake Atitlán. It is a tale of resilience, tradition, and Mayan pride that began over 30 years ago.

The Beginning: Francisco Cotuc González’s Vision

In 1940, Francisco Cotuc González, a humble farmer, began working the fertile lands of San Pedro La Laguna. With calloused hands and an unyielding spirit, Francisco saw coffee not just as a means of livelihood but as a legacy to pass on to his children.

San Pedro, with its ideal climate and nutrient-rich volcanic soil, became the perfect setting to grow a coffee of unmatched flavor and quality. Yet, during those times, coffee was primarily an export crop, and small producers rarely received recognition for their hard work. Despite this, Francisco persevered, believing in the transformative power of agriculture.

The Next Generation: Jenner Cotuc’s Passion

Years later, Jenner Cotuc, Francisco’s son, grew up surrounded by coffee plants and stories of his father’s dedication. Inspired by this legacy, Jenner developed a deep love for the land and its coffee. Determined to elevate his family’s work, he pursued agronomy for eight years, gaining advanced knowledge in cultivation, sustainability, and specialty coffee production.

For Jenner, it was not just about producing coffee it was about creating something that honored his roots and cultural heritage. His vision was not merely commercial but also social: to transform the perception of coffee grown by Mayan hands and prove its quality could rival the world’s finest.

The Opening of the Coffee Shop

That same year, Jenner opened the COTUC coffee shop in the heart of San Pedro La Laguna. More than a café, this space is a tribute to tradition, a meeting point between history and the present. Visitors can enjoy specialty coffee grown and processed locally while learning about the entire process—from cultivating the beans to preparing the perfect cup.

Additionally, the coffee shop serves as a window into the Mayan world. Every detail, from the design of the space to the stories shared, is meant to honor the Tz'utujil identity and share it with the world.

Our Vision: A Coffee That Bridges Worlds

Today, COTUC Mayan Specialty Coffee is more than a business—it is a movement. Through our coffee, we aim to connect people to our roots and demonstrate that Mayan hands, which have nurtured the land for generations, can produce specialty coffee that competes on a global scale.

Our vision is to build a future where cultural richness and sustainability go hand in hand, where every cup of coffee offers not only exceptional flavor but also a story of tradition, resilience, and pride. We are more than coffee; we are culture, we are family, we are COTUC.