Antigua Guatemala - March 24-27

Discover the rich coffee culture of Antigua, Guatemala - the "Napa Valley" of specialty coffee. Join us for an unforgettable travel experience filled with exploration, education, and cultural heritage.

Coffee Professionals/Roasters: This is an amazing chance to source direct-trade coffees from an incredible coffee origin, and dive into all it takes to produce Antiguan coffees from seed to cup. Elevate your business and reignite your passion for coffee, while immersing in the true current climate of our industry. 

Coffee Enthusiasts: Spend a week in a culture dedicated to coffee, agriculture and art. Learn about coffees journey and be the specialty coffee ambassador for your friends and family. Escape to the magical city of Antigua and get a true behind the scenes, Anthony Bordain style of experience beyond the tourism crowds. 

Book now for March 24-27th 2025

Itinerary (example, some destinations may change and activities will be added as we get closer to the dates)

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Antigua’s Cafes

Morning:

• Arrival in Antigua: Check in to your boutique hotel or eco-lodge with views of the surrounding volcanoes, if already arrived, meet at El Gran Cafe for coffees and introductions. 
• Guided Walking Tour: Walking tour of Antigua’s charming cobblestone streets, learning about the city’s colonial history, architecture, and vibrant culture.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan meal at Rincón Típico, known for its delicious roast chicken and tortillas made on-site.

Afternoon:

• Café Hopping & Tasting Tour: Visit some of Antigua’s top specialty coffee shops to experience Guatemala’s coffee culture firsthand. Stops include:
   
  • Fat Cat Coffee House – Known for its precision brewing and variety of single-origin coffees.
  • Artista de Café – Offers beautifully crafted espresso drinks.
  • Fernando’s Kaffee – A roastery and café that also offers local chocolate.

Evening:

• Happy Hour at Café Sky,  enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
• Optional evening stroll through Parque Central, where locals and visitors gather for live music and street performances.

Day 2: Coffee Farm Visit & Chocolate Workshop

Morning:

• Visit Finca La Esperanza: Embark on a half-day guided tour of this renowned coffee estate just outside Antigua. Learn about the entire coffee production process, from seed to cup, tour the drying patios and processing stations.
• Coffee Cupping Experience: Fresh Crop coffees from Antigua and surrounding areas on the table, a professional coffee tasting method used to evaluate flavor profiles.

Lunch:

• Have lunch in nearby San Juan Del Obispo featuring locally sourced ingredients and Guatemalan flavors.

Afternoon:

• Chocolate-Making Workshop: Head to

• Fernando’s Kaffee in Antigua for an interactive chocolate-making class. Learn about cacao cultivation, roast your own beans, and make your personalized chocolate bar.
• Visit Cerro de la Cruz, a scenic hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping views of Antigua and its surrounding volcanoes.
• Visit the Mill at Finca La Esperanza to watch coffees arriving from the fields 

Evening:

          •Dinner at Como Como, a cozy bohemian bistro with Guatemalan twists on classic dishes.

Day 3: Coffee Farm Visit & Cultural Excursions

Morning:

• Visit Finca La Azotea: This family-owned coffee farm and cultural center offers a deep dive into traditional coffee growing techniques and sustainability efforts. The tour includes a visit to the Casa K’ojom Mayan Music Museum, where you’ll learn about indigenous instruments and music traditions.

Lunch:

• Enjoy a delicious meal at the farm’s café or head back to Antigua for lunch at La Fonda de la Calle Real, known for its authentic Guatemalan dishes.

Afternoon:

• Explore San Antonio Aguas Calientes: Visit this nearby village famous for its intricate hand-woven textiles. You can watch local artisans at work and purchase unique, handmade souvenirs.
• Stop by Valhalla Macadamia Farm, where you can take a short tour of the macadamia nut plantation and try macadamia pancakes.

Evening:

• Dinner at Hectors Bistro, a rustic restaurant offering a fusion of Guatemalan and international cuisine.
• Optional: Visit Suelo Vinos for natural wines or Antigua Brewing Company for craft beer and rooftop views.

Day 4: Coffee Farm Visit & Nature Adventure

Morning:

• Breakfast at Cafe Boheme - rooftop volcano views as we sip coffee, smoothies and enjoy desayuno typico
• Visit Finca El Pintado: Located just outside Antigua, this coffee farm offers a unique perspective on organic and shade-grown coffee. The tour includes a walk through the plantation’s lush landscape, culminating in a freshly brewed cup of their signature coffee.
• Visit to El Cubo and Ecofiltro factory - see first hand some of Guatemala’s most exciting start up companies at this co working space as well as tour the EcoFiltro factory and learn about water quality and stewardship efforts

Lunch:

• Picnic lunch at El Cubo or return to Antigua to dine at El Tenedor del Cerro, an art-filled restaurant offering spectacular views of the valley.

Afternoon:

• Visit Parramos: A nearby town where we will visit an altar of local Harvest if many local crops. Enjoy hand roasted coffee over a fire and a traditional coffee ceremony and celebration of La Cosecha
• Shop for Souvenirs: Return to Antigua and explore Nim Po’t, a large artisan market offering traditional crafts, textiles, and jewelry.

Evening:

• Farewell Dinner: Celebrate the end of your trip with a memorable dinner at El Refectorio at Casa Santo Domingo, a fine-dining restaurant set in a former monastery with beautiful candle-lit ambiance.
• Take a final evening stroll through Antigua’s lit streets, soaking in the magical atmosphere of this historic town.

Optional Day 5: Visit Lake Atitlan, Finca Pachuj & Finca Patzibir

Morning:

• Visit Pachuj & Patzibir: Located near Lake Atitlan, these coffee farms offer a unique perspective on organic and shade-grown coffee. The tour includes a hike through the plantation’s lush landscape, and discussions on farming techniques and history. 

Lunch:

• Picnic lunch at the farm or return to Antigua to dine at Toliman Restaurant, a restaurant offering spectacular views of the lake and Central American cuisine. 

Afternoon/Evening:

• Drive back to Antigua: Head back to Antigua for a final night and Friday night out on the town. 
• Stay at the Lake: Spend a couple days on the Lake. Visit the lakeside villages of San Pedro, San Juan and San Marcos. 

Additional Tips:

• What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
• Getting Around: We will provide private transportation for the coffee farm visits or hire a local guide. 
• Hotels and Lodging: Lodging recommendations TBD