The 7 Best Guatemalan Coffee Beans

Although Guatemala is not an enormous country, it is home to a wide variety of climates. Many of these climates are ideal for the growth of coffee trees. Guatemalan coffee regions such Antigua and Huehuetenango produce what is considered to be some of the best single origin beans in the world. These regions have become established as high end Guatemalan coffee brands, and for a good reason!

Antigua, perhaps the most prestigious coffee growing region in Guatemala, is located in a valley that is nestled between three large volcanoes. Coffee trees benefit immensely from the young, fresh, nutrient rich soil provided by the surrounding volcanoes. The high altitude allows the development of a more rich flavor via an extended growth period. The rainy and dry seasons that occur in the valley are distinct and the humidity remains constant. All of these factors contribute to the extremely high quality of Antigua coffee.

Huehuetenango is another well known, distinguished coffee growing region that produces some very highly regarded coffee. Huehuetenango is situated in the highlands of Western Guatemala. This region also flourishes from the rich, nutrient packed soil and high altitude. This region differs from the valley in which Antigua resides in that it is far less sheltered by mountains. A higher annual rainfall, humidity and temperature gives this subtropical region a distinct climate, and gives rise to the distinguished Huehuetenango coffee bean.

Antigua and Huehuetenango make up the majority of this list, as they offer a large variety of high quality Guatemalan coffee brands. But there are other regions that deserve your attention! One such region, San Marcos, experiences the highest temperature and rainfall of any coffee growing region in Guatemala. These extreme growing conditions lead to coffee profiles that are distinguished and delicious!

So what does a typical Guatemalan coffee taste profile consist of? Although there is quite a variety, you can expect something like this!

This may come as a shock, but we firmly believe that the best way to really assess a Guatemalan coffee taste, is to try it for yourself!

Guatemalan coffee farms are typically found at high elevations, often tucked into a mountainside or atop a plateau. Warm weather, a high amount of rainfall, and nutrient rich soils contribute to highly favorable growing conditions. But geography and weather do not deserve all of the credit... Guatemalan coffee farms are very well taken care of, and it shows. The farmers deserve a lot of credit too, and without them, Guatemalan beans would not be the same!

The history of coffee in Guatemala is closely intertwined with its colonial past and the development of its economy. Coffee was introduced to Guatemala in the mid-18th century, during the Spanish colonial period.

Coffee cultivation began on a small scale, primarily in the Antigua region, which had favorable climate and volcanic soils ideal for coffee production. The first coffee plants were brought to Guatemala from the Caribbean island of Martinique. The Bourbon variety of Arabica coffee, known for its exceptional quality, was particularly favored in Guatemala.

By the early 19th century, coffee had gained popularity, and its cultivation expanded to other regions of Guatemala. Large coffee plantations were established in various regions such as Cobán, Huehuetenango, and Fraijanes, taking advantage of the diverse microclimates in the country. These regions offered different altitudes, rainfall patterns, and soil types, contributing to the development of unique flavor profiles in Guatemalan coffee.

Coffee production in Guatemala flourished during the 19th century and became a vital part of the country's economy. Coffee exports brought significant wealth to Guatemala, attracting foreign investors and stimulating infrastructure development. The profits generated from coffee fueled the growth of cities like Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango.

During the early 20th century, coffee production faced challenges due to volatile market prices and the impact of diseases such as coffee leaf rust. Despite these setbacks, coffee remained an important agricultural commodity, and efforts were made to promote the quality of Guatemalan coffee.

In the mid-20th century, the National Coffee Association of Guatemala (Anacafé) was established to support coffee farmers and promote the industry's development. Anacafé focused on improving agricultural practices, research, and marketing strategies to enhance the reputation of Guatemalan coffee globally.

The Antigua Coffee Region, with its picturesque landscapes and well-preserved colonial architecture, has become a popular tourist destination for coffee enthusiasts. Visitors can explore coffee farms, participate in cupping sessions, and learn about the cultivation and processing techniques that contribute to the renowned flavors of Guatemalan coffee.

Here are our 7 best Guatemalan coffee beans! We think that these are stand out examples of the quality that comes out of Guatemalan coffee farms. Take a look, hopefully you find something new to try!