La Azotea plantation was originally a farm growing an insect used in making red dye. The invention of chemical dyes eventually collapsed the conchineal industry. In 1883, doña Dominga Mont purchased the plantation and her son-in-law, don Marcelo Orive, converted it to the cultivation of coffee.

In 1908, don Marelo’s son, don Alberto Orive, increased the size of the farm and modernized the mill. The plantation and the coffee mill are still operated by don Alberto’s grandchildren who in the year 2000 converted part of the plantation to a museum complex: Centro Cultural La Azotea. Today, “La Azotea Estate”, not only produces and processes Antigua’s finest coffee, but also hosts over 3000- tourists a month.