14.5573° N, 90.7332° W
NOTHING HELPS START A PERFECT DAY LIKE A DELICIOUS CUP OF TRADITIONAL GUATEMALAN COFFEE. LUCKILY, ANTIGUA HAS SOME TRULY A+ CAFES. BELOW ARE 8 OF THE BEST!
Guatemala has been actively cultivating coffee since the 1850s and up until roughly 10 years ago it was the largest producer of coffee in Central America (Honduras now holds that title). In the beginning, most of the coffee was grown in the southern half of the country - specifically in the Antigua and Amatitlan areas. But, due to a lack of knowledge, technology and capital, the initial growth of the coffee industry was not as quick in Guatemala as it has been in other coffee-growing nations.
Today, the country's coffee growing sector is run by Anacafe, an organization that was created in the 1960s and presently runs various coffee laboratories, a program for children and even a coffee magazine. They also have established a Guatemala Coffees brand and defined 8 specific coffee regions in the country.
➳ You can learn more about Anacafe and the Guatemalan coffee culture here.
In Antigua, coffee shops can be found on almost every street corner. From modern hip cafés serving up oat milk lattes to more traditional spots that also serve up delicious Guatemalan breakfasts, you can find a variety of coffee shops for whatever vibe you are looking to experience.
Below, in my opinion, are 8 of the best coffee shops in Antigua. If you are a coffee fiend like me or just someone curious to taste what traditional Guatemalan coffee tastes like, then make sure to add these 8 spots to your travel itinerary.
MAP OF THE BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
THE 8 BEST COFFEE SHOPS IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
1 | 12 Onzas
This was probably my favorite coffee shop in all of Antigua. The vibe, the coffee, the Wi-Fi, the location - it was all pretty perfect. I would say that if you are looking for a hip café experience and want to try some delicious local coffee (and/or eat a healthy breakfast) definitely come here.
OPENS: 7AM
BEST FOR: healthy breakfast, remote working, its nice back garden
DON’T MISS: their breakfast plates and Americanos (get both for ~Q65)
COST: Q25 for a latte, Q20 for an Americano
WI-FI: yes, and good tables inside and outside on their patio for working
CREDIT CARDS: yes
2 | El Gran Café
While not the best place to head to to get some work done - there aren't any tables - this small, modern café does serve up some darn good coffee. I would suggest stopping here in the morning before a full day of exploring Antigua.
Plus, you can purchase locally grown coffee in various sizes and roasts in their small store.
OPENS: 8AM
BEST FOR: delicious coffee, cool modern vibe
DON’T MISS: the iced latte is delicious
COST: Q25 for a latte
WI-FI: not sure...
CREDIT CARDS: yes