Community Impact: How Hacienda Iluminada Supports Local Maricao Families
Buenos Dias Everyone!
We care deeply for our co-workers and the entire community of Maricao. After Hurricane Maria devastated our island in 2017, one story in particular drove our mission home. A co-worker called us, heartbroken, explaining that he had lost his home, had a newborn daughter, and barely had enough money for diapers and food.
We received many calls like this from our team. In those moments, we realized that Hacienda Iluminada was more than a passion project; it was a crusade to bring hope back to the community of Maricao. This is an ongoing mission, and it's how our coffee farm continues to impact the lives of our community today.
-If it’s good for EARTH it’s GOOD for YOU
Rooted in Community: Why Your Coffee Matters
In 2014, when Hacienda Iluminada was born, we made a promise to the mayor of Maricao: we weren’t just going to grow coffee; we were going to grow the futures of the whole community. In a municipality where the median household income is just $23,107 and the poverty rate nears 48%, our coffee farm is a lifeline. Every stable job, educational initiative, and cultural program we support is an act of survival for our people.
Maricao’s economic challenges are rooted in its history. The decline of large-scale coffee production, coupled with the end of a federal tax break that drove away manufacturing, created a lasting economic gap. This was compounded by a series of devastating natural disasters, including Hurricane Maria in 2017, which wiped out most of the island's crops and left a scar of destruction that is still visible today. Faced with a lack of opportunity, many of our natives have left for the U.S. mainland, further straining the local economy.
When you visit our coffee farm, YOU become part of a powerful ripple effect that extends beyond the lattes you drink. You directly help with our communities education, culture, and local economy, helping us with our mission to grow a stronger future for Maricao.
Job Creation & Economic Stability
Before it was known for its economic hardship, the mountainous town of Maricao was famous for producing coffee so exquisite, it was a favorite among European royalty and even the Pope. Now, it's a place where we are rebuilding a legacy.
In Maricao, coffee is one of the few reliable industries that can sustain families long-term. At Hacienda Iluminada, we've committed to providing more than just seasonal work. We believe in providing consistent, year-round jobs, which is a lifesaver to many of our hardworking hands in a town where the average annual income is just $16,644. This stable employment allows our team members to plan for the future, invest in their homes, and provide for their children without the uncertainty of seasonal wages.
But the impact of these jobs is much bigger. From the hardworking hands of our farmers at Hacienda Iluminada, we were able to grow into the 787 Coffee brand you see today. With YOUR support, we have not only revived specialty Puerto Rican coffee, but have established it as a leading contributor to global coffee culture. When you buy our single origin Puerto Rican coffee, whether from our farms or our coffee shops. YOU are directly supporting a powerful economic multiplier, where the money stays in Maricao and circulates, creating new opportunities for all the citizens, truly making it an act of supporting local.
Partnerships with Neighboring Farms
After Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico’s agriculture, local recovery efforts reclaimed more than 30,000 acres of farmland across the island. The damage was immense, but our community refused to let go. We collaborate with a network of 14 neighboring farms in Maricao, forming a true support system where no farmer stands alone.
This interconnected network is a core part of our mission. We regularly share equipment, provide free knowledge on the best farming practices, and offer guidance on new technologies. Our goal is to ensure that every local farmer can get a fair price for their coffee, protecting them from fluctuating market prices and preventing them from having to sell their land. This collaborative spirit helps build Maricao’s economy against unexpected circumstances, whether from storms or market prices, we are building a stronger and more resilient community for everyone.
Stop waiting! Step into our fields, our roastery, and our story. Tour spots available now! tap on link below
If it’s GOOD for earth, it is GOOD FOR YOU!
Educational Programs & School Support
Hacienda Iluminada's investment in the next generation is deliberate. We believe in providing resources that families often can't afford, which is why we support local schools with supplies and educational workshops. Our contributions have included hundreds of notebooks, art supplies, and educational kits for primary school students in Maricao.
But our educational mission goes deeper. We offer training programs and resources for our farmers and their families, teaching them about shade-grown techniques, soil preservation, and other sustainable practices. We are excited to see more and more young people wanting to join our team at Hacienda Iluminada, eager to learn the trade and traditions of our land.
Through these educational efforts, we want to focus on molding a new generation of coffee growers who have the knowledge and tools to succeed on their own terms, ensuring the future of specialty coffee in our community.
Cultural Preservation & Coffee Tourism
For us, coffee is the very soul of Maricao. It's the foundation that supports many families' livelihood, and we want YOU to enjoy the process and be a part of our mission to grow futures.
Join us on a journey to the BEST COFFEE FARM IN Puerto Rico. Book your Hacienda Iluminada coffee farm tour and see firsthand how your support helps preserve our heritage and build a stronger community. Your visit is a direct investment in the people of Maricao, your experience into a powerful act of hope.
We hope to see YOU SOON!
Experience the Best! Visit Puerto Rico’s Premier Coffee Farm!
Come see the Maricao Mountains for yourself. Walk through volcanic soil, listen to the springs that feed the farm, and taste coffee grown with integrity. Whether you’re here for a tour or to take home a bag, Hacienda Iluminada offers a taste of Puerto Rico you’ll never forget.
From our hands on Hacienda Iluminada to your cup, 787 Coffee is on a mission to redefine what it means to drink Puerto Rican coffee.
We grow every single bean ourselves.
We practice real sustainable farming—no greenwashing, just love for the land.
Every sip you take supports local farmers, protects our forests, and keeps our coffee legacy alive for the next generation.
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Come to Maricao. Walk the fields. Smell the fresh-roasted beans. Feel the heartbeat of Puerto Rico in every single cup.
👉 Ready to taste the tradition? Book your unforgettable Hacienda Iluminada coffee tour today at HaciendaIluminada.com!