When you think of Guatemala, what comes to mind? If you’re a coffee lover, then probably Antigua, Guatemala coffee. This Central American nation is renowned as one of the largest producers of the beloved black beverage worldwide. And nestled between three volcanoes lies the beautiful city of Antigua, where its famed specialty Arabica beans thrive in the high elevation and volcanic soil.
The history of coffee in Guatemala is a fascinating one involving Spanish conquistadores, 19th-century German immigrants, and a revolution. The past and present of Antigua, Guatemala, have been molded by the art of coffee production. From its humble origins to becoming a symbol of high quality and sustainability, Antigua’s coffee industry has played a central role in Guatemala’s cultural heritage.
The History Of Coffee In Antigua, Guatemala
Coffee plants first arrived on Guatemala’s shores in the mid-1700s, at the height of the Spanish Colonial era. Coffee isn’t native to Guatemala, and the original crops were brought over from the Caribbean island of Martinique by Jesuit missionaries. The plants were to be used to decorate the local monasteries and the properties of wealthy landowners.
Once the missionaries discovered that Guatemala’s soaring altitudes, volcanic soil, and pleasant climate were optimal for coffee cultivation, the colonists realized they had hit a gold mine. The country’s highlands—with an average elevation of 3,900 to 5,906 feet (1,200 to 1,800 meters)—provided cool, springlike temperatures with warm days and cool nights, ample rainfall, and nutritious soil containing minerals and ash.
The coffee cherries matured slowly in this fertile environment and developed a unique flavor profile that eventually made Guatemala synonymous with coffee.
By the early 1800s, coffee cultivation had become a major industry in Antigua. The region was close enough to the port of San José to allow for easy exportation to North America and Europe. The arrival of thousands of German immigrants—who brought with them advanced technologies for growing and processing coffee—during this period helped place Guatemala at the center of the global coffee map.
These newcomers introduced advanced farming methods like terrace cultivation, which maximized land usage in hilly areas and prevented water loss and erosion, as well as equipment for processing, sorting, and roasting coffee beans. Fincas (coffee plantations) that utilized modern agricultural processes like fertilizers and irrigation systems popped up throughout the region, boosting coffee yields.
The Germans emphasized quality and were determined to export only the finest coffee beans. To achieve this, they created sorting and grading processes that set the quality standard for Antiguan coffee and helped earn the region’s reputation as a producer of world-class coffee.
The arrival of the German immigrants fueled a cultural exchange that permanently shaped the coffee industry in Guatemala. The Germans brought with them their coffee brewing techniques, notably the use of a coffee filter, which has since become commonplace in Guatemala.
The blending of German and Guatemalan coffee practices created a diverse coffee scene that uses a wide range of brewing methods. If you visit Antigua, you’ll notice that many fincas still bear the names of their German founders, a nod toward their lasting coffee legacy.
The Antigua Coffee Revolution
The Antigua Coffee Revolution of the 1980s and 1990s transformed the coffee industry in the region, shifting its focus from conventional, mass-produced coffee to high-quality, specialty beans. This pivotal moment in Guatemalan coffee history was marked by renewed attention to quality, traditional cultivation practices, sustainable farming, and direct trade and relationships.
Coffee producers began practicing shade-grown cultivation, or growing coffee plants beneath taller trees, which shielded the coffee plants, improved soil health, reduced water loss, and encouraged biodiversity. Environmentally friendly growing techniques, including organic farming and fair trade certifications, were introduced.
Direct trade between coffee producers and buyers ensured that farmers received a fair wage for their products and allowed for a better understanding of the coffee supply chain and a closer buyer-seller relationship.
Thanks to the movement, Antigua’s coffee industry reached new heights and became internationally recognized as a producer of high-quality, specialty coffee. The region’s coffee beans quickly became a worldwide hit, leading to increased demand and higher prices for Antiguan coffee as it appeared in markets across the globe.
Antigua was soon associated with sustainable farming and excellence in coffee production. In addition to gifting the world with superior coffee beans, the Antigua Coffee Revolution also resulted in recognition and economic opportunities for coffee producers in Antigua.
Antigua was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 to honor its enormous contributions to the global coffee industry.
The Unmistakable Taste Of Antigua, Guatemala Coffee
Antigua, Guatemala coffee is hailed for its mouthwatering aroma and complex taste. Credit: Anja from Pixabay
Imagine this… you’re sitting at a coffee shop in Antigua, Guatemala, waiting at the bar while the barista prepares your order. As he hands you the cup, you’re captivated by the rich and enticing aroma. You sense notes of chocolate, caramel, and maybe even hints of floral.
As you take the first sip, you first notice the unique texture… it’s smooth, velvety, and full-bodied. The flavor is complex and balanced, blending sweetness, acidity, and body.
You taste notes of chocolate, which might be sweet like cocoa or more bitter like dark chocolate, along with the subtle sweetness of caramel and hints of nuts or spice. Perhaps you notice a light acidity or citrus taste that brings a liveliness to your cup. You might also detect slight floral notes.
Drinking a cup of Antiguan coffee is a delight for the senses.
The coffee beans brewed in that cup of coffee likely belonged to the Bourbon variety, a member of the Arabica species. Most of the coffee grown in Antigua is Bourbon, but you’ll find other varieties of Arabica, too, especially Caturra and Catuai.
Antigua lies in the central highlands of Guatemala between three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The region’s day-night temperature variation slows down the ripening process of the coffee cherries, helping them to develop sugars and acids slowly, creating a complex, well-balanced flavor profile. The fertile, mineral-rich volcanic soil also contributes to the coffee’s unique taste.
Cultivation And Harvest Process
Many fincas in Antigua still use the shade-grown cultivation method that became widespread during the Antigua Coffee Revolution. The trees that the coffee plants grow under protect the cherries from direct sunlight and provide three major functions: temperature regulation, moisture management, and biodiversity and soil conservation.
The trees shield the coffee plants from heavy rainfall, provide them with a water supply during dry periods, mitigate erosion, and support soil fertility. The taller trees also serve as a habitat for plant and animal species that function as a natural pest control system.
Antigua coffee cherries are always hand-picked. Credit: Wirestock on Freepik
Coffee cherries are traditionally harvested by hand in Antigua. Pickers identify the ripest cherries and harvest them by hand, one by one to avoid damaging the cherries. The pickers make several passes through the coffee field during harvest season, as the cherries ripen at different times.
Once harvested, the cherries are sorted and any damaged or unripe ones are thrown out. This tedious process ensures that only the finest cherries are selected for processing, drying, and roasting.
Processing, Drying, And Roasting
After the coffee cherries have been picked, the outer skin, pulp, and mucilage need to be removed before the coffee beans can be dried and roasted. This can be accomplished through wet or dry processing.
Wet processing (also called washed processing) is more popular in Antigua because it results in coffee beans with cleaner flavors and higher acidity, maintaining the desired flavor profile of Antigua coffee. In wet processing, the coffee cherries are submerged in water tanks, where the ripe cherries sink to the bottom and the unripe ones float.
Once the unripe cherries have been discarded, the mature ones are mechanically de-pulped, revealing coffee beans.
Washed coffee beans being mechanically de-pulped. Credit: Hai Van Nguyen Tong from Pixabay
In dry processing, the coffee cherries are spread out on a patio to dry naturally in the sun. Once dry, the outer layers are removed and the beans are left out to dry completely. When this method is used, the cherries need to be regularly turned to avoid fermentation and to permit even drying.
Dry processing of coffee cherries. Credit: Hai Van Nguyen Tong from Pixabay
When wet processing is used, the coffee beans are dried using mechanical driers or patio drying.
The high elevation, warm days, and cool nights of Antigua create the perfect conditions for coffee drying. The drying period is longer here, giving the beans time to develop complex flavors and aromas.
The roasting process causes chemical reactions to occur within the coffee beans, further shaping their flavor profile. The final flavor and aroma are determined by the duration and temperature of the roast. Coffee from Antigua, Guatemala, is usually medium to medium-dark roast, which achieves a balance between acidity and sweetness.
Coffee Tourism In Antigua Guatemala
Coffee lovers from around the world flock to Antigua, Guatemala, to experience its vibrant mix of history, culture, and coffee. If you’re searching for a destination with breathtaking landscapes, some of the best coffee fincas in the world, stunning and well-preserved Spanish Baroque architecture, exquisite coffee, and a storied past, Antigua should be at the top of your bucket list.
Antigua boats tourism experiences for any kind of traveler. Credit: Victor Hugo Cardenas
Coffee tourism in Guatemala took off in the late 20th century, as the Antigua Coffee Revolution was in full swing. As the world became more interested in specialty coffee, demand for immersive experiences grew. Coffee lovers wanted to see firsthand the process by which coffee cherries were transformed into their favorite cup of coffee.
Coffee farms in Antigua began offering fun tours, workshops, and cupping sessions for international coffee enthusiasts.
In the decades since Antigua’s coffee tourism infrastructure has exploded… Coffee farm tours, specialty coffee shops, and educational centers offering hands-on harvesting, processing, and brewing experiences have opened their doors and now cater to the droves of tourists that visit Antigua each year.
Here are a few caffeine-fueled activities you can enjoy on your next trip to Antigua:
- Coffee Farm Tours—where expert guides will walk you through the coffee cultivation process, varieties of coffee, farming techniques, and the area’s coffee history.
- Cupping Sessions—where you’ll learn to distinguish specialty coffee’s aromas, flavors, and characteristics.
- Coffee Brewing Workshops—where world-class baristas will show you brewing techniques like pour-over, French press, Aeropress, Espresso, and more.
- Barista Training—where you’ll learn the art of preparing coffee, including espresso extraction, milk steaming, latte art, and how to create an eye-catching coffee menu.
- Coffee History and Culture Tours—where you’ll discover historic coffee plantations, original coffee mills, and coffee museums. Dive into the past and learn how coffee has shaped Antigua’s economy and culture for centuries.
You can’t miss the Coffee Cultural Festival which takes place each February and celebrates the important historic role coffee has played in Guatemalan history and culture. Expect folklore performances like traditional dances, concerts, art displays, plays, and storytelling sessions alongside coffee tastings, barista competitions, workshops and seminars, and local foods and crafts.
Experiencing The Coffee Journey: From Farm To Cup
Take a coffee tour to experience the cultivation and harvest process firsthand. Credit: Mario Carvajal
A trip to Antigua would be incomplete without witnessing the farm-to-cup coffee journey firsthand. If you’re on the hunt for a coffee tour, you can’t go wrong with De La Gente (“From the People”), a fair trade, a non-profit coffee company dedicated to eliminating exploitative practices in the coffee industry. They work with small-scale coffee producers to help them thrive economically and become more sustainable.
A coffee tour with De La Gente will take you to San Miguel Escobar, a coffee community outside Antigua.
Their website promises “round-trip transportation from Antigua to the producer’s home, Spanish-English interpretation, a tour through the coffee fields including a demonstration of traditional roasting and grinding, a cup of coffee in the producer’s home, and a free 12-ounce bag of roasted coffee”. The best part is that your payment directly benefits small coffee farms in the region.
Another top option is Finca Filadelfia, a coffee plantation that has been operating since 1870. The farm’s coffee beans are unique—they’re Arabica, but with a variation… the finca splices together baby Arabica and Robusta coffee plants, lending Robusta hardiness to the Arabica plants.
The two-hour tour includes a walk-through of the entire farm-to-cup process, plus a sampling of Finca Filadelfia’s specialty coffee. For an additional cost, you can sign up for an advanced tasting session.
Finca Filadelfia is a resort complete with beautiful accommodations, restaurants, a pool, massages, a bar, hiking, bicycle rentals, and more. Picture yourself waking up and sipping a cup of some of the world’s finest coffee as you happily gaze at the lush, volcanic highlands surrounding you. If that sounds like your dream come true, it’s time to book a vacation to Finca Filadelfia…
Best Coffee Brands From Antigua, Guatemala
- De La Gente—they sell green and roasted coffee beans from three coffee-producing regions in Guatemala: Antigua, Atitlán, and Huehuetenango.
- Finca Filadelfia—this estate has been producing coffee since 1866 and is committed to sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming methods.
- Bella Vista Coffee—a family-owned coffee farm that produces gourmet, sustainably-grown beans with outstanding flavor and aroma.
- Volcanica Coffee Company—a specialty coffee roaster selling single-origin coffees from volcanic regions worldwide. They offer USDA Organic medium and dark roasts from Antigua, as well as beans from other areas of the country.
- La Azotea Estate—a historic coffee plantation, La Azotea also boasts a coffee museum and guided tours. Their coffee has chocolate and nutty notes with caramel and fruity undertones.
All of these coffee brands from Antigua, Guatemala, exemplify the rich tradition and commitment to quality and sustainability found in this region. However, if you’re keen on delving deeper into the broader spectrum of Guatemalan coffee, we invite you to explore our comprehensive guide on the “6 Best Guatemalan Coffee Brands“. By clicking on the link, you’ll unearth more brands worth tasting and savoring. Dive in and immerse yourself in the best that Guatemala has to offer in the realm of coffee!
Where To Buy Coffee In Antigua, Guatemala
Guatemalan specialty coffee shop El Gran Café—located in the heart of Antigua—sells certified Organic coffee beans from fincas on the outskirts of the city both online and in their shop. If you’re in town, be sure to stop by for a cup of expertly prepared coffee and let their knowledgeable staff help you select the right beans to take home. If you can’t make it in person, you can visit their online store.
Check out the following specialty coffee shops in Antigua where you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable cup of coffee (and buy beans to take home, too:
- Café Condesa
- Fat Cat Coffee House
- Café Estudio
- Bella Vista Coffee
No other destination does coffee better than Antigua, Guatemala. With its world-famous brews, idyllic landscapes, magnificent architecture, and dedication to sustainability and the environment, this city is a coffee connoisseur’s dream come true. You’ll set out on an unforgettable journey as you wander the cobblestone streets, getting lost in Antigua’s rich history.
Whether you’re a coffee expert or simply enjoy the art of a delicious brew, the sights, and aromas of Antigua’s dynamic coffee scene are sure to captivate you.
Get ready to satisfy your senses and set off on a trip that will inspire you to appreciate coffee in a whole new way.
¡Buen viaje!