Have Your Next Cup of Coffee in Guatemala! A Coffee-Inspired Trip to Antigua

Just outside Antigua are a number of commercial and artisan coffee farms where you could trace the journey from cherry to cup. Finca Filadelphia offers tours where you can drive into the mountains—through the fertile volcanic fields—and learn first-hand about the harvesting, washing, and roasting processes. Naturally, have a cup or two of coffee at the cafe before or after your tour.

In town are a number of coffee shops worth a visit, where local entrepreneurs have created great spaces featuring beans from local producers and single-origin brews. At cafes such as Cafe Sol, Fat Cat, and 12 Onzas, not only do you choose the roast you’d like, but you also choose how your pour-over is prepared—with a Chemex, French press, siphon, origami, Kalita, etc.

There’s also plenty to do beyond coffee. You could hike on the lava fields of Pacaya Volcano, tour the local market—the third largest in the country—and join a cooking class to make Guatemala's national dish (a stew called pepián), unwind at your hotel with a massage, or visit local museums and artisan shops.

Antigua’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, blending centuries-old Guatemalan traditions with creative global influences. Here, you’ll discover everything from street food with hearty stews and fresh tortillas right off the grill, to globally influenced farm-to-table restaurants, to fine dining. It’s a culinary scene that feels both deeply rooted in heritage and boundary-pushing.

Some favorite spots—from more casual to higher-end—include:

• Rinconcito Antigueno: A casual, local favorite in the heart of Antigua with generous, inexpensive plates of traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Think hearty stews like hilacha, fresh corn tortillas, and roasted chicken in an open-air courtyard. Bring cash, as sometimes credit cards are not accepted.

• Barriga Llena, or "Full Belly," serves up twists on global street food, elevating dishes like pork dumplings or fish and chips and infusing a Guatemalan flavor. The menu changes frequently.

• Bistrot Cinq is a charming French-style bistro two blocks from Antigua’s central plaza. The kitchen—run by local talent—serves a rotating menu of French classics made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

• Quiltro is Antigua’s premier fine‑dining destination, offering an artfully curated 10‑ or 12‑course tasting menu that weaves together Guatemalan ingredients with global techniques, served in an intimate, open‑kitchen setting.