Coffee tour in Guatemala during the coffee harvest season, which typically begins in late fall and can last through early spring, would be an excellent choice.
I have included Maps from Antigua to different farms.
Guatemala is one of the world’s leading producers of coffee, and Guatemalan coffee beans are prized for their distinctively moderately acidic and fruity flavor. Depending on the growing region, they also tend to be very sweet, with chocolate undertones and caramel.
Guatemala coffee growers produce Arabica beans in several varieties such as Bourbon, Catuai, Typica, and Caturra. The climate and environmental conditions of Guatemala’s famous coffee-growing regions are essential in giving Guatemalan coffee its remarkably well-balanced flavor.
Here are some regions and options to consider for a coffee tour in Guatemala:
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Finca Filadelfia Coffee Resort & Tours: One of the most popular coffee farms, offering tours that include the coffee production process from seed to cup, as well as tastings.
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De La Gente: This non-profit organization offers tours that focus on small-scale farmers and their traditional methods. They also offer a more intimate and community-focused experience.
2. Lake Atitlán
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Café La Voz: Located in San Juan La Laguna, this cooperative of small coffee producers offers tours showcasing their organic coffee production.
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Kaqchikel Women’s Coffee Cooperative: In San Antonio Palopó, this cooperative highlights the role of women in coffee production, providing insights into their unique practices.
3. Huehuetenango
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Finca El Injerto: Known for its award-winning coffees, this farm offers comprehensive tours, including a look at their innovative and sustainable practices.
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Coffee Cooperative Tours: Various cooperatives in the region offer tours that give visitors a deeper understanding of the community’s involvement in coffee production.
4. Cobán
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Finca Santa Margarita: This farm offers tours that include a visit to their coffee nursery, processing plant, and a coffee tasting session.
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Finca Chicoj: Known for its shade-grown coffee, this farm offers educational tours that explain their cultivation and processing methods.
5. Fraijanes Plateau
Planning Your Visit:
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Timing: Plan your visit between late October and early March to experience the full coffee harvest.
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Activities: Coffee tours typically include a visit to the coffee fields, an explanation of the growing and harvesting process, a tour of the processing facilities, and a coffee tasting.
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Booking: Many farms and cooperatives require booking, especially during the peak harvest season.
Additional Tips:
By choosing a coffee tour in Guatemala during the harvest season, you’ll gain a rich understanding of the coffee production process and the cultural significance of coffee in the country.