Coffee originating from Guatemala is known to be some of the best coffee the Central American region has to offer. Guatemala’s climate is very diverse, and perfect for growing coffee. The country’s climate is so diverse, in fact, that seven different variations of Arabica coffee are grown here.
The region of Antigua is known for growing the best coffee in the country, and it’s highly sought after. The reason Antiguan coffee is so well loved is due to the three surrounding volcanoes, very young soil, constant 65% humidity, moderate temperatures, and whopping 4600-5600 mile high altitudes.
The region of Fraijanes Plateau recently had a volcanic eruption, also, leaving the surrounding soil full of rich minerals and ashes and contributing to marked acidity and a fuller body to the coffee.
In the Rainforest Coban region, you’ll find much more humidity, varied temperatures, rain throughout most of the year, and limestone and clay in the soil leaving the coffee with wine and fruit notes.
The Highland Huehuetenago region has a unique and subtropical micro-climate it gains from its border with Mexico, and the coffee produced here is of Antiguan standards and has key wine notes.
The Atitlan region grows very pronounced coffee that is crisp and high in acidity, this is due to the very organic (no fertilizer) soil that is used, the high altitude, and low pest issues.
Volcan San Marcos, Guatemala’s warmest region, gets the most rain and has the highest humidity, resulting in some delicious coffee.
And lastly, the Oriente region, where soil consists of clay and rock from the volcanoes, there is little rainfall, and a mild temperature – coffee here is full bodied and very aromatic.
Unfortunately, Guatemala has been experiencing high amounts of political instability, leading to problems on coffee farms, which in turn lead to widespread poverty, crime, and uneven land distribution. There have been recent democratic processes put in place, however, which will hopefully see this country and its farms to a time of prosperity once again.