[nate_meurer]

The Andes rival the Himalayas in all respects.

Shipping freight by road to the Pacific means going through Argentina and Chile. I don't think Peru and Bolivia have the maintained roads to do it.

As far as I know, there are only four paved mountain passes between Argentina and Chile. Paso Paso de Jama is probably the most practical, and I think the one carrying the most freight currently.

The other three-- Cardenal Antonio Samoré, Paso Libertadores, and Pino Hachado-- are much farther south.

None of these routes would be cost effective for the international coffee trade at any scale. Take a look at some photos of Paso Libertadores to see what I mean.