Concepción Orellana Vera

“I have the feeling that the bees are a part of me; we are like one big family.”

Concepción Orellana Vera | Chile

In Puente Alto, Chile, on the edge of the Andes, Concepción Orellana Vera runs her beekeeping business “Apícola Doña Isidora” with tireless passion. It all began somewhat by chance in 1980, when a beekeeper friend offered the family two beehives. The initial desire to learn this traditional craft grew into a deep fascination that captivates her every day.

Today – more than four decades later – the 72-year-old, together with her husband and son, looks after around 400 bee colonies. Beekeeping is not just a profession for her, it is simply “life” for Concepción. It fills her with great pride to produce pure and natural honey and to pass on her profound knowledge to the next generation.

Treasures of the Chilean Andes

Concepción’s bees fly in a special ecosystem: an Andean valley traversed by rivers that captivates as a result of its native sclerophyllous vegetation. The characteristic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters defines the rugged landscape. Here the bees collect the nectar of native plants particular to this area, such as quillay, corontillo, litre and azulillo.

“My secret for good honey? Loving my work and always giving a little more than is necessary in every step of the process.”

Concepción Orellana Vera

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