How Many Coffee Regions Does Guatemala Have? Introduction to Guatemala's Coffee Regions

For professional coffee knowledge exchange and more coffee bean information, please follow Coffee Workshop (WeChat public account: cafe_style)

FrontStreet Coffee - Introduction to Guatemala Coffee Growing Regions

1. Acatenango Valley

The Acatenango Valley reaches altitudes up to 2000 meters (6500 feet), featuring dense shade and a unique ecosystem. The nearby Fuego Volcano's continuous eruptions enrich its coarse, sandy soil with various minerals. Temperate sea breezes from the Pacific, along with a distinctly seasonal climate, allow coffee from this region to be sun-dried and processed using traditional family methods accumulated over many years.

Acatenango Valley Cup Profile:

Pronounced acidity, with significant and pleasant dry and wet aromas. Good body with a clean, long-lasting aftertaste.

Note: Frag/Aroma: Aroma/Flavor, Flavor: Taste, Acidity: Acidity, Balance: Balance, Body: Body, Aftertaste: Aftertaste, Overall: Overall (Impression)

2. Antigua Coffee

Antigua's coffee growing region is characterized by rich volcanic soil, low humidity, abundant sunshine, and cool nights. This valley is surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Among these, Fuego Volcano is one of Guatemala's three most active volcanoes. Frequent eruptions bring volcanic ash that enriches Antigua's soil with minerals. Volcanic pumice in the soil helps retain moisture, compensating for Antigua's relatively low rainfall. Additionally, this region features particularly dense shade that protects coffee plants from occasional frost.

Antigua Coffee Cup Profile:

Rich wet aroma, good balance, high sweetness, with an elegant and refined mouthfeel.

3. Traditional Atitlán

Atitlán is one of Guatemala's five volcanic coffee growing regions, with the richest organic matter content among all five. 90% of Traditional Atitlán coffee is grown on the steep volcanic slopes along Lake Atitlán's shores. Daily breezes stirring the lake waters are an important factor affecting the region's microclimate. This area has accumulated excellent cultivation and processing techniques over many years.

Traditional Atitlán Cup Profile:

Refreshingly intense aroma, bright acidity, and full body.

4. Rainforest Cobán

Cobán is characterized by year-round cloudiness, rainfall, and a cool climate. The majority of Rainforest Cobán coffee is grown in the region's distinctly undulating and misty mountain terrain, heavily influenced by Atlantic basin limestone and clay. Cobán has two seasons: rainy season and very rainy season.

Rainforest Cobán Cup Profile:

Distinct fresh fruit flavors, balanced body, and pleasant aroma.

5. Fraijanes Plateau

This region features volcanic soil, high altitude, abundant rainfall, and variable humidity. Volcanic ash from Pacaya, Guatemala's most active volcano, provides essential minerals to the region's soil. The dry season offers ample sunshine, and although morning clouds and dew are heavy, they dissipate quickly. Therefore, 100% of the region's coffee is processed using natural sun-drying methods.

Fraijanes Plateau Cup Profile:

Bright and consistent acidity, abundant aroma, and delicate body.

6. Highland Huehue

Among Guatemala's three non-volcanic coffee growing regions, Highland Huehue is the driest and highest altitude area. Dry, hot winds from Mexico's Tehuantepec Plateau protect the region's coffee from frost, allowing cultivation up to 2000 meters (6500 feet). Due to its remote location, all coffee farmers must process their own coffee. Fortunately, the region has countless streams, allowing small processing facilities to be established almost anywhere.

Highland Huehue Cup Profile:

High, pleasant acidity, full body, with wine-like aftertaste.

7. New Oriente

Coffee from this region has been grown exclusively by small farmers since the 1950s. Today, every farming household in the mountainous area is a coffee production unit. This region was once Guatemala's most remote and poorest area but now shows vibrant vitality. With rainy and cloudy conditions, New Oriente was an ancient volcanic area where soil evolved from volcanic metamorphic rocks, resulting in rich minerals and balanced nutrition, unlike other volcanic coffee regions.

New Oriente Cup Profile:

Balanced flavor, full body, with chocolate notes.

8. Volcanic San Marcos

San Marcos is the hottest climate area among Guatemala's eight coffee growing regions, with the highest rainfall reaching 200 inches (5,000 millimeters). The rainy season begins earlier than in other regions, and coffee trees also flower earlier. Like other remote areas in Guatemala, Volcanic San Marcos coffee is grown and processed by small farmers. Due to frequent rainfall during the rainy season, most coffee is first pre-dried in the sun, then finished using Guardiola dryers.

Volcanic San Marcos Cup Profile:

Subtle floral notes in both aroma and flavor, pronounced acidity, and good body.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473