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
3 | Fernando’s Kaffee
Less hipster and more of a traditional, mom and pop café, Fernando's Kaffee seems to be a local mainstay in the community. While their coffee is very good, I would also suggest ordering a traditional Guatemalan breakfast, which includes eggs, plantains, tortillas, beans and some cheese.
OPENS: 7AM
BEST FOR: sitting out on a nice patio, delicious coffee and breakfast
DON’T MISS: their simple Americano is quite good
COST: latte (Q25), typical breakfast (Q30)
WI-FI: yes
CREDIT CARDS: yes
4 | El Viejo Café
This Parisian-style café and bakery has great street watching opportunities, as well as really delicious options of baked goods (especially the almond croissant). While they do offer Wi-Fi and plenty of tables, I probably wouldn't come here to work - especially on the weekend since it can get quite busy.
OPENS: 6:30AM
BEST FOR: homemade croissants and loaves of bread
DON’T MISS: the latte and breakfast options are delicious
COST: Americano Q15, croissant Q12-15, breakfast plate Q45 (comes with black coffee)
WI-FI: yes
CREDIT CARDS: yes
5 | Alegria Café
Another super hip coffee shop, Alegria Café is located just steps from Antigua's main plaza. This colorful café includes lots of cool local artwork and books, plenty of comfortable benches and tables, and locally roasted coffee beans.
OPENS: 7AM
BEST FOR: hip café vibes, unique food and drink offerings
DON’T MISS: if you are feeling up to it, try to sesame milk latte - it’s definitely a different flavor
COST: Q28 for a latte
WI-FI: yes, but no laptops are allowed on the weekend
CREDIT CARDS: yes
6 | Fat Cat Coffee
Located on the same street as 12 Onzas, this modern coffee shop is another A+ place to head to in the morning to get some work done or to just caffeine up before a long day wandering around Antigua. The Wi-Fi is strong, the drinks are delicious and the vibe is productive.
OPENS: 7AM
BEST FOR: refreshing iced drinks on a hot day, productive atmosphere
DON’T MISS: the iced chai, lattes and Frappuccino's
COST: Q28 for a latte, Q30 for an iced chai
WI-FI: yes! And plenty of tables
CREDIT CARDS: yes
📌LOCATION
7 | The River Coffee House
Located a bit farther from the hubbub of the main touristy area of Antigua, the River Coffee House is much quieter than other cafes on this list. Another perk of this one is that due to its location, it is really easy to explore some of the nearby churches that make Antigua so famous - including the San Francisco Sanctuary and Iglesia Escuela de Cristo.
❔GOOD TO KNOW: not that this should matter, but this café is quite religious. When I visited they were blasting some strong spiritual music.
OPENS: 8AM
BEST FOR: cheap and delicious coffee, good WI-FI, plenty of tables to work at, really quiet - especially in the morning
DON’T MISS: tasty Americanos
COST: Q15 for an Americano, Q25 for a latte, Q28 for a dirty chai
WI-FI: yes
CREDIT CARDS: yes
8 | Café La Parada
The final coffee shop I recommend checking out in Antigua is going to be this smaller, less-coffee-shop-and-more-coffee-stop spot near Iglesia de la Merced (the bright yellow church on the northern side of town). Similar to Fernando Kaffee, Café La Parada seems to be a local favorite - especially for the older generation (it is highly likely that you will be rubbing shoulders with older gentlemen reading the local paper while sipping your coffee).
I would suggest stopping in for a quick Americano or latte before heading out on whatever adventure you have planned for the day.
OPENS: 6:45AM
BEST FOR: a quick cup of coffee - especially to go
DON’T MISS: their tasty and cheap Americanos
COST: Q15 - Q20 for a simple Americano (depending on size)
WI-FI: yes, but not too many tables to work at
CREDIT CARDS: yes
Guatemala produces some truly delicious coffee, and by far one of the best places to experience this rich part of the country's culture is in the historic town of Antigua. And these 8 coffee shops are definitely some of the best places to head to in order to try the tasty elixir for yourself.
If you have any questions or comments about these 8 cafes - or just Antigua and Guatemala in general - please feel free to leave them below or reach out directly.
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PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR ADVENTURING IN GUATEMALA
| Reusable water bottle: we love LARQ water bottles since they are the world's first self-cleaning water bottle and water purification system. Plus, they are rechargeable!
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► Find our full sustainable travel packing list here.
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