Meet Leonardo

As the founding president of the Orígenes Cooperative (Cafe Origines), Leonardo has long been a steady and trusted leader in the cloud forest community of Mendosayoc — one of the heartlands of Yungas. Originally from Calca, he made Mendosayoc his home in his youth, raising his family and dedicating his life to the land and people around him.

Over the decades, Leonardo’s leadership has helped guide the community through transformation. Once, he had to walk nearly 20 hours to reach the nearest town. Today, thanks in large part to his determination, a major infrastructure project is underway to build a road that will connect Mendosayoc to the rest of the region.

Leonardo is also a proud father of three — one a police officer, and two who have followed paths as local tour guides, continuing his legacy of service and connection to the land.

We at Yungas are honored to share Leonardo’s story and grateful to have him as part of this regenerative coffee journey — a living example of perseverance and leadership rooted in the cloud forests of Peru.