Combustion Sources
80% of the drying of coffee beans is carried out with Guardiola-type (drum) drying machines. The combustion source used is fully renewable, as firewood from coffee trees and shade trees is employed. It is strictly forbidden to employ firewood derived from forest clearing. In addition to wood, heat is derived from the burning of coffee parchment or husk.
The pergamino, (parchment) removed from the green coffee been is used in combination with wood to generate excellent heat for the even drying of coffee beans.
Below is a cost chart of the firewood utilized in the coffee drying process during the 2005-2006 crop:
| Drying Machine | Firewood Tasks | Frequency | Total Tasks |
| Large | 5.62 | 20 | 112.4 |
| Small | 2.81 | 28 | 78.68 |
| Columnar | 1 | 15 | 15 |
| Static | 0.5 | 11 | 5.5 |
| Total | 211.58 | ||
| Cost per task | Q.60.00* | ||
| Cost | Q.12,694.80* |
The other 20% of all the coffee beans produced at El Faro Estate is sun-dried on patios. (*) Values expressed in Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)