tags: [] - coffee/geography - coffee/geography/south-america - coffee/geography/bolivia aliases: - Sud Yungas coffee - South Yungas Bolivia - Chulumani coffee - Irupana coffee Bolivia created: 2026-05-14 updated: 2026-05-14

Sud Yungas Coffee Region¶

Tags: #coffee/geography #coffee/geography/south-america #coffee/geography/bolivia Aliases: Sud Yungas coffee, South Yungas Bolivia, Chulumani coffee, Irupana coffee Bolivia Related: Bolivia MOC | Bolivia | Nor Yungas Coffee Region | Washed Process | Typica Status: ✅ Complete

Overview¶

Sud Yungas (South Yungas) is Bolivia's second coffee-growing region, located in southern La Paz Department at altitudes of 1,200–2,200 metres, south of the Nor Yungas zone. The region's key coffee-producing towns are Chulumani and Irupana. Sud Yungas produces smaller volumes than Nor Yungas and has a slightly lower international profile, but shares the same Yungas valley terroir characteristics — volcanic-origin soils, subtropical microclimate, and altitude-driven coffee quality. Typica and Caturra are the dominant varieties; washed processing is standard.

Geography and Terrain¶

Sud Yungas Province lies south and southeast of Nor Yungas, with the main coffee-growing valleys at 1,200–2,200 metres on the eastern Andes escarpment. The terrain, climate, and soils are similar to Nor Yungas; the region receives slightly less rainfall in some sub-zones. Chulumani (1,700 m) and Irupana (1,500 m) are the main agricultural towns.

Farming Systems¶

Smallholder cultivation on 2–4 hectare plots, predominantly shade-grown. Cooperative affiliation through FECAFEB is common; organic certification is widespread. Road access to Sud Yungas communities is challenging, adding logistics costs comparable to Nor Yungas.

Processing¶

Washed processing at cooperative and small-estate wet mills, following the same protocols as Nor Yungas. Dry season drying on patios and raised beds.

Varieties¶

Typica (dominant); Caturra; limited Bourbon on specialty farms. The variety profile mirrors Nor Yungas.

Cup Profile¶

Sud Yungas washed Typica (1,400–2,000 m): comparable to Nor Yungas; clean, sweet; citrus, caramel, stone fruit; slightly softer acidity in lower sub-zones; medium body. SCA 82–86 for quality lots. Some sub-zones with higher altitude achieve quality closely comparable to Nor Yungas.

Key Facts¶

Sud Yungas Province, La Paz Department; south of Nor Yungas; 1,200–2,200 m
Key towns: Chulumani (~1,700 m) and Irupana (~1,500 m)
Dominant varieties: Typica, Caturra
Processing: washed at cooperative mills; organic and fair-trade certified
Smaller volume and slightly lower international profile than Nor Yungas; comparable terroir potential

References¶

This article is part of All-About-Coffee.com - The comprehensive coffee knowledgebase.