Why is coffee grown in Panama’s temperate highlands?

Coffee is grown in Panama’s temperate highlands primarily because the Arabica variety, which is the most common type cultivated in these regions, requires a cool subtropical climate to thrive.12

While Panama is a tropical country where the lowlands remain hot year-round, its mountainous terrain creates distinct climatic zones based on elevation. The temperate zone, located at altitudes between 2,300 and 4,900 feet (700 to 1,500 meters), provides the specific temperature range and environmental conditions necessary for Arabica coffee. Unlike the hardier Robusta variety, which can grow at lower altitudes, the delicate Arabica plant requires these higher elevations, along with specific moisture and shade conditions, to successfully produce fruit.312