Located in Central America, Guatemala has a diverse economy. But since coffee arrived in the region more than 300 years ago, it has been one of the country’s economic mainstays.
There are coffee plantations in all 22 departments of the country, and more than 125,000 families make their living from coffee. According to the National Coffee Association (Anacafé), about 24.62% of the country’s agro-industrial exports are coffee.
Table of Contents
What is the coffee from Guatemala like?
Guatemala is one of the countries in Central America known for the quality of its coffee. The economic and cultural importance of this crop for the country is also reflected in the final product. As an exporting country, it produces green and roasted coffee with different characteristics.
The geographical diversity and the different microclimates allow the cultivation of different coffee varieties. In general, three types are distinguished depending on the altitude of the crops:
- Between 764 and 1,066 meters (2,506-3,497 feet) above sea level: Prime and Extra Prime (PM and EPW).
- Between 1,066 and 1,370 m (3,497-4,494 ft) a.s.l.: Hard and Semi Hard (HB and Semi HB).
- Above 1,370 m (4,494 ft) a.s.l.: Very hard (SHB).
As altitude increases, so does the quality of the coffee. Plants above 1,370 meters above sea level have more body, aroma, acidity and a particular flavor.
Tasting notes
As we have already seen, the characteristics of coffee depend greatly on the altitude and climate of the area where it is grown. Since Guatemala is very diverse in this regard, the characteristics of the coffees are also very different. In general, we can say that they are well-balanced coffees. The balance in terms of body, aroma, sweetness, and acidity is what distinguishes them.
The flavors of Guatemalan coffee are also very varied. You can find cups with fruity or chocolaty notes. In addition, there are notes of cocoa, honey, peach, and even hints of wine.
How is coffee grown in Guatemala?
Guatemala is one of the most geographically privileged countries for coffee cultivation. There are different zones and a variety of climates where the coffee tree can grow and develop optimally. The mountain ranges where coffee is grown are between 764 and 2,000 meters (2,506 to 6,561 ft) above sea level. This also makes Guatemala one of the main references for high mountain coffees of excellent quality.
On the other hand, it is a generally warm country, with constant temperatures between 19 and 32 °C (66-89 °F), with an average temperature of about 24 °C (75 °F). The coffee is grown in this area. It is therefore ideal for the development of the coffee tree.
Coffee production is mainly manual and consists of micro-producers. As a rule, they are indigenous communities.
The process begins with the planting of the coffee tree and in this case, according to Anacafé, 98% is grown in the shade. This is an important aspect because it is a cultivation method with many advantages.
On the one hand, more organic material is produced, which nourishes the soil and protects it from erosion. The surrounding trees also protect the coffee plants from strong winds at high altitudes and from too much sun. On the other hand, this creates new ecosystems and small forests that contribute to the preservation of local flora and fauna.
Production process
In countries that produce large quantities of coffee, machines are usually used to harvest the fruit. However, due to the topographical conditions in Guatemala, harvesting is done by hand. The beans are carefully selected one by one and harvested as soon as they are ripe. This ensures that only the sweetest and best fruits are harvested.
Then comes the processing of the coffee. Since both Arabica and Robusta coffee are grown in Guatemala, two methods are used to process the coffee. Let’s remember that, in general, there are two types of coffee processing: wet and dry.
In Guatemala, Arabica coffee is processed using the wet method, which is the best method. In this process, the coffee cherry is cracked open, the beans are cleaned of mucilage, washed, dried and finally threshed. The dry method is used for processing Robusta coffee. At the end of this process, the green coffee is ready for export or for roasting and distribution.
Coffee growing areas in Guatemala
Guatemala is a small country. However, all 22 departments have coffee plantations. This shows how important coffee is for the country. Because of its geographic diversity, coffee has special characteristics depending on the area where it is grown.
In Guatemala, there are a total of 8 coffee growing areas: Valle de Acatenango, Antigua, Atitlan, Coban, Fraijanes, Huehuetenango, Nuevo Oriente and San Marcos. Let’s now take a closer look at their distinctive features.
Acatenango Valley
| Location | South of the country, in the department of Chimaltenango. |
| Altitude | 1,310 to 1,981 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 13 to 31°C |
| Harvest season | December to March. |
| Taste | Good balance, full body, acidity, and flavor. Medium aroma. |
This region of Guatemala is one of the most important for coffee cultivation. Not only because it grows the most hectares with this plant, but also because it is the only one with a denomination of origin. This means that it has a seal that certifies that the quality of the product is because it was grown and processed there. And this is justified. It is a predominantly mountainous area that produces excellent high mountain coffee. In addition, the temperature and climate conditions allow the coffee tree to grow well.
On the other hand, the region is located in a mountain range of volcanoes, of which Acatenango is the most important. This means that the soils are of volcanic origin and therefore have a very good structure and fertilization. These soils give the coffee ideal characteristics and contribute to its higher quality.
Antigua Guatemala
| Location | South of the country, in the department of Sacatepéquez. |
| Altitude | 1,500 and 1,700 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 17 to 22°C |
| Harvest season | November to March |
| Taste | Balance between aroma, acidity, and body. Fine aftertaste and sweetness. |
Antigua is another privileged region for coffee cultivation. It is located in a mountain range surrounded by three volcanoes: Fuego, Agua, and Acatenango. This makes it fertile land with volcanic soils and low humidity. In addition, this type of soil helps to retain more water, which is perfect to compensate for the low rainfall in Antigua. It is also characterized by regular fog, so plants are planted in the shade for protection.
All three volcanoes are active, so the Fuego occasionally produces a light ash rain. It is full of important plant nutrients and therefore very useful in sufficient quantities.
Atitlan
| Location | Southwest of the country, in the department of Sololá. |
| Altitude | 1,500 and 1,700 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 20 to 22°C |
| Harvest season | December to March. |
| Taste | Pronounced acidity, good body, aroma, and aftertaste. Citrus notes. |
Like other regions, Atitlán is located in an extensive chain of volcanic mountains. However, the soils here are the richest and most nutrient-rich of any coffee-growing region in the country.
Coffee trees are grown near Lake Atitlán, which is associated with the namesake volcano. Thus, coffee is grown in an ideal soil of volcanic origin, which is very fertile and nutritious. Therefore, they have a more pronounced acidity than in other areas.
Cobán
| Location | In the center of the country, in the department of Alta Verapaz. |
| Altitude | 1,310 and 1,700 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 15 to 20°C |
| Harvest season | December to March. |
| Taste | It is a balanced, full-bodied coffee with medium acidity. It has a mild aroma and fresh fruity notes. |
It is one of the freshest coffee-growing areas, but rainy and cloudy. In fact, the well-known “chipi chipi”, a constant haze, is typical of this region. Therefore, coffee is usually grown on the more tropically influenced hillsides of the Atlantic basin.
Fraijanes
| Location | South of the country, in the department of Guatemala, on the road to El Salvador. |
| Altitude | 1,310 and 1,828 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 12 to 26°C |
| Harvest season | November to February. |
| Taste | It has a medium body, a slightly high acidity and a very pleasant aroma. |
The climatic conditions in this region are ideal for quality coffee. It is grown at high altitudes, with good rainfall and high humidity, and is located in a volcanic mountain range. One of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes, Pacaya, provides fertile, nutrient-rich soil. In addition, the soil is optimally supplied with minerals by its occasional ash rains.
Huehuetenango
| Location | Central-western part of the country, in the department of Huehuetenango. |
| Altitude | 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 20 to 24 °C |
| Harvest season | January to April |
| Taste | It has fine and intense acidity, with delicious wine notes and an excellent body. |
This region is one of the best producers of highland coffee because the cultivated areas are up to 2,000 meters above sea level. As we have seen, most areas are cooler and more humid.
However, Huehuetenango tends to have a drier and more tropical climate. Therefore, it is naturally protected from frost, which can affect the quality and condition of the beans. It also produces delicious tasting coffees with very special wine notes.
Nuevo Oriente
| Location | Easternmost part of the country, in several departments bordering Honduras. |
| Altitude | 1,300 and 1,700 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 17 to 25 °C |
| Harvest season | December to March. |
| Taste | It offers a cup with a good balance, body, and aroma. It has a medium acidity and notes of chocolate. |
Coffee is one of the products that have brought the most life and development to this region. Today, almost all the farms in the region are coffee farms. It is located in an ancient volcanic area, so its soils are rich in minerals and very fertile. Some of the peculiarities of the coffee are the chocolate notes and its low and pleasant acidity.
San Marcos
| Location | Southwest of the country, in the department of San Marcos. |
| Altitude | 1,300 and 1,800 meters above sea level. |
| Temperature | 21 to 27 °C |
| Harvest season | December to March. |
| Taste | It has a delicate fruity aroma and pleasant flavor, with good acidity and a medium body. |
It is another of the regions with the richest soils, which are volcanic in origin. The namesake volcano provides the perfect nutrient enrichment. It is also the warmest and rainiest area and since the rains start earlier than in other regions, the coffee trees blossom earlier. Because the rains there are more unpredictable, the coffee must be dried in two steps: in the sun and then in a cylindrical dryer called a Guardiola.
Coffee varieties grown in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the coffee-growing countries where both Arabica and Robusta coffee are grown. According to Anacafé, Arabica coffee accounts for 96.4% of the crop, while Robusta coffee accounts for only 3.6%. This is a fact that must be taken into account, as Robusta coffee is more resistant to pests and diseases. For this reason, the trees are much more profitable and help support the smallest producers. However, the higher quality of Arabica coffee still prevails.
In Guatemala, many varieties of Arabica are grown. The best known and most widely grown are Catuaí, Caturra, Bourbón, Mundo Novo, Typica, Pache, Pacamara, Gesha, Castillo, and many others.
What makes Guatemalan coffee so special?
One of the keys to a high-quality, balanced coffee with the best aroma, body, and acidity is the environment in which it is grown. Guatemala is one of the most geographically privileged countries for growing coffee. Most coffee-growing areas have a cool, constant climate and are located in volcanic mountain ranges. The numerous active volcanoes provide the plants with an extra dose of nutrients. Not only through the soil, but also thanks to the occasional but light ash rain, which provides important minerals to the coffee plants.
For this reason, Guatemala is one of the most outstanding and internationally renowned coffee-growing countries. Proof of this is the designation of origin of the coffee harvested and produced in the Valle de Acatenango region. This seal is also an incentive for coffee producers to always maintain the highest quality standards and to constantly search for ever more innovative processes.
Another distinctive feature of Guatemalan coffee is that it is grown in the shade. The different types of trees help the coffee plants to develop better. On the one hand, they protect them from the constant rain and fog in Guatemala, and on the other, they provide organic matter that nourishes the soil.
This, along with the tradition and dedication of the coffee-growing communities, which are usually indigenous, make this coffee very special. The beans are hand-picked and harvested at the perfect time of ripeness. In 2018, the coffee tradition in Guatemala was even declared as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
The 10 best coffees in Guatemala
After getting to know Guatemala, its coffee-growing areas, and its cultivation process, it’s time to know what coffee varieties come from this Central American country. That’s why we’ve compiled the 10 best Guatemalan coffees you can find on the market!
Volcanica Coffee Guatemala Reserve
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Chocolate, nutty and sweet finish.
Roasting degree: Dark.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
Volcanica Coffee is one of the most prominent brands for the distribution of premium coffee beans. This coffee comes from the fertile, volcanic soils of the Santa Barbara estate in the Antigua area. It was grown at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level.
You can enjoy a coffee with strong acidity, a good body, and an intense aroma. Perfect for those who prefer a cup with a full flavor thanks to the dark roast.
Volcanica Coffee Organic Coffee from Guatemala Huehuetenango
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Apricot, honey, pistachio, spices, molasses, and honeysuckle.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
This coffee comes from Guatemala’s best coffee region, Huehuetenango. It is grown, harvested and produced by small but fine estates with rich volcanic soils. You can enjoy a 100% organic coffee that gives a delicious, balanced cup with fruity notes, vibrant acidity, and an excellent body.
Volcanica Coffee Peaberry Guatemala Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Strawberry. Clean, bright, and balanced flavor.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
Peaberry beans are among the most special, finest, and best tasting beans. Usually, only 5% of the coffee of a harvest is of this type, so you can enjoy a very special taste.
It was grown in the coffee-growing region of Antigua at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level. The volcanic soils also give this coffee an excellent body, rich aroma, and pleasant fragrance.
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Guatemala Huehuetenango Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Chocolate, cherries, and spices.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
This coffee was grown and carefully processed in the privileged region of Huehuetenango. It is characterized by a soft body, but with plenty of aroma and flavor. It is ideal if you prefer a delicate and not so strong cup. It has a medium acidity, notes of cherry, chocolate and spices, and a full-bodied aftertaste.
In addition, these beans went through a special process in which they were selected and controlled entirely by hand. Thus, in fact, only the best samples were packaged.
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Dark Guatemalan Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Wood and spices.
Roasting degree: Dark.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
This is another top quality coffee from Huehuetenango. Not only was it grown at an ideal altitude and in fertile volcanic soils, but it was also harvested and picked by hand. This ensures that only the best beans are selected for commercialization and you get a cup of excellent quality.
It is perfect for those who prefer their coffee full-bodied. It has a pure flavor, full body, spicy aroma, and very little acidity.
Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Organic Coffee Guatemala Huehuetenango
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Milk chocolate, orange, and good balance.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
Not only a balanced coffee with rich flavor and pleasant aroma, but also 100% organic. It was grown in Huehuetenango with sustainable and natural methods. Proof of this is the USDA organic seal and fair trade certification. In this way, it contributes to the preservation of the ecosystem and provides the best conditions for the development of coffee.
As a result, you can enjoy a balanced cup that starts with delicate notes of milk chocolate and ends with a citrusy hint of orange. Its medium roast is ideal for those who prefer a milder, yet aromatic coffee.
Java Planet Organic Coffee from Guatemala
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Chocolate, caramel, and slightly fruity notes.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
If you love coffee with a good taste and strong aroma, but organically grown, this will be one of your favorites. It comes from the region of Huehuetenango and was grown in the shade of different trees such as guava and banana.
As a result, you get a cup with delicious chocolaty notes and a soft, fruity aftertaste. In addition, it is certified bird-friendly and is grown without pesticides or chemicals. It is definitely an absolutely delicious and much more natural alternative.
Café Azotea Guatemala Antigua Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Chocolate, nutty and sweet finish.
Roasting degree: Dark.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
It is grown and produced by Café Azotea, a coffee farm museum with more than 100 years of experience. It is located in Antigua, at over 1,500 meters above sea level, a privileged area due to its volcanic soil and stable microclimate. You will enjoy a coffee with intense flavor, a deep aroma, and slightly sweet notes. So you get all the tradition and quality of Guatemala in one cup.
It comes in a 793 g package. The coffee is roasted and immediately packed in bags sealed with triple laminated valve lids. This provides better protection and ensures the freshness of the coffee. It is also packaged in a handmade bag typical of the country, which makes it perfect for gifts.
Café Azotea Guatemala Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Fruity, intense flavor, sweet notes, delicate aroma.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
This is another coffee of the traditional brand Café Azotea, which deserves to be among the best coffees of Guatemala. It was grown at an ideal altitude and in nutrient-rich volcanic soils. This one has a medium roast, so it has a good body and a fine aroma, and is much more balanced overall. It is perfect for those who prefer a milder coffee with fruity notes and an intense aroma.
Good as Gold Coffee Guatemala Pacayalito Coffee
Coffee bean variety: Arabica.
Tasting notes: Chocolate and fruit.
Roasting degree: Medium.
Coffee type: Whole bean.
It is a coffee with all the quality of Guatemala. You will enjoy a cup with delicious chocolate notes, a fine aroma, and a soft body. Good as Gold Coffee’s advanced air roasting technology ensures that you get a bean with a perfect medium roast point. This also gives it a more intense flavor and roasts it more evenly without burning.
Conclusion
The coffee tradition in Guatemala was not declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of the nation for nothing. Coffee is an essential part of its culture, which is why the country has managed to establish and maintain a good international reputation. Together with its topography, stable climate, and volcanic soils, this makes Guatemala one of the cradles for the best coffee.
And if one country’s coffee is not enough for you, we have more recommendations:
