Learn about GuatJava Coffee Shop and Roastery in Antigua, Guatemala.
As a permanent nomad with a caffeine addiction I love experiencing different coffee cultures around the world by Campbell & Alya of Stingy Nomads. Traveling through Latin America is a coffee lover’s dream, the country names sound like reading the menu at your favourite coffee shop; Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Central America is a small region, but the countries have distinct microclimates resulting in different and unique coffees being produced here.
About coffee in Guatemala
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Guatemala with its lush nutritious soils, high altitude plantations and temperate climate produces some of the finest coffees in Central America and in the world. Traveling around this beautiful country it was unreal not only to see the amazing variety of climates and geographical regions, but also to taste the difference in origin of different brews.
Eight coffee regions are found in Guatemala that produce Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) quality coffees. These include Acatenango Valley; Antigua, Traditional Atitlan, Rainforest Coban, Fraijanes Plateau, Highland Huehue, New Oriente and Volcanic San Marcos
We loved the cosmopolitan, colonial city Antigua, doing a lot walking around the cobblestone streets lined with multi-coloured houses under terracotta roofs. The picturesque streets with Volcano Agua in the background are any photographers dream.
Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is not only a spectacular tourist destination it is Guatemala’s oldest and most famous coffee producing region. The three magnificent volcanoes Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego that enclose this valley fortify the rich soil by spewing volcanic ash. The surrounding coffee plantations sit between 1500 and 1800 meters above sea level and have ideal coffee growing conditions – rich soils, ample rain and sun and relatively consistent temperatures.
The famous Caturra and Bourbon coffee beans produced here is known for full bodied coffee with Chocolate, Caramel Sweetness and Citrusy flavours; and bright and lemony acidity.
GuateJava Cafe and Roastery, in Antigua, Guatemala.
There are an abundance of modern, trendy cafes sprawled throughout the historic city, the perfect place to enjoy the afternoon in a cozy environment with wifi. The best quality coffee from Antigua is often exported, so if it is top quality coffee you are after do a bit of research and don’t head in to the first touristy coffee shop. We can recommend our favorite place in Antigua – GuateJava Cafe and Roastery.
It is an excellent café and roaster serving high-quality Guatemalan coffees accessed from local communities. The place is small and very cozy; an interesting mix of old and new, a traditional colonial building and modern interior design. A great spot to enjoy coffee with the volcano view, the best views are from the window tables.
If you’re really into coffee roasting you can take a class and local workshop to learn about coffee culture and the roasting process. If you want you can experiment and make your own blend mixing different beans, they will roast and grind it specially for you. In addition to coffee they sell nice hot chocolate.
Local desserts and cakes are a perfect addition to a good cup of coffee or cappuccino. The staff here is amazing; very friendly, talkative and helpful. If you’re lucky to meet the owner, William, he’ll be happy to tell you more about local coffee culture. GuateJava is a great place to come and chill with a cup of coffee and a cake in between visiting sights and exploring the town. They sell different beans as well so you can buy some to take back home.
Campbell & Alya / Stingy Nomads
