Walking along what has become a lively little boulevard on Avenida Los Libertadores in Paracas, you’ll notice several small businesses lining the street. One, however, stands out immediately: warm colors, a welcoming atmosphere, and a sign that reads Puerto Specialty Coffee.
Puerto Specialty Coffee opened in 2024 as a 15-square-meter space. Behind the project is Natali Jauregui, an educator by training who studied early childhood education at UPC. During the pandemic, she was forced to teach through a screen, an experience that didn’t feel right to her. Seeking a return to in-person learning, she moved to Cusco in 2021 and began teaching at Kuska School, part of El Albergue in Ollantaytambo.
Living there changed her perspective. She discovered the wide spectrum of flavors found in Peruvian coffee and the deep pride locals have in its origin. “Everywhere I went, people would say, ‘ This coffee is from Quillabamba, and that makes it taste better,” she recalls. That sense of identity stayed with her.
In 2022, she took a sabbatical year to dive into coffee: visiting farms, studying barismo, and learning about origins and processes. By the end of that year, she had a clear idea—to open a café in Paracas and bring specialty coffee culture to her hometown in Ica.
Finally, in October 2023, her brother César found the long-awaited spot in Paracas. Natali took it and opened Puerto Specialty Coffee in February 2024: a small bar, a few carefully placed tables facing the counter, and a lot of heart. The response was immediate. Today, it’s a hotspot for travelers and locals who value a well-made cup.
Rooted in Ica
The brand’s visual identity is closely tied to Paracas. The café’s palette draws inspiration from the natural tones of the Paracas National Reserve. Coffee bags and takeaway cups feature the port’s latitude and longitude coordinates in Morse code, alongside images of the Humboldt penguin and the parihuana.
Natali also shares a story tied to the region: a legend says that after landing in Paracas, José de San Martín rested under a palm tree. When he opened his eyes, he saw a flock of red-and-white birds, said to have inspired the colors of Peru’s flag. Details like these give the café a strong local character.
She continues to build on this identity by developing a visual collection inspired by the area’s wildlife. Many visitors come to Paracas for birdwatching and marine life, and the brand embraces that connection to the place.
A New Puerto
As Puerto Specialty Coffee grew in popularity, the original space quickly reached its limits. Today, the café operates in a larger 50-square-meter location just steps from where it began, allowing more seating and a broader coffee experience.
The new space now includes a dedicated brewing bar, where guests can explore three varieties and origins prepared using methods such as V60, Chemex, and Origami, alongside two espresso origins at the main bar. This setup gives visitors the chance to taste Peruvian coffee in multiple expressions, from classic espresso drinks to carefully brewed filtered cups.
The menu is complemented by cookies and brownies, plus sandwiches made with bread from baker Jimena Ballón of El Pan de la Reserva, known for crafting one of the standout panettones of 2024. A caprese sandwich with cheese, tomato, and basil, as well as a chicken sandwich, are served on her “islote” bread—a ciabatta-style loaf—while the avocado toast comes on her “Mendiola,” made with dates and pecans.
IN THE KNOW: Puerto Specialty Coffee is located on Av. Los Libertadores in Paracas. Just a short drive or walk from the Hotel Paracas. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Puerto Specialty Coffee is part of a new rhythm in Paracas. Between ocean views, wildlife excursions, and desert landscapes, the town is evolving into a destination where travelers can also connect with Peru’s specialty coffee culture.
