A Lake Atitlán coffee tour isn’t just about tasting—it’s about tracing every bean back to its roots in the highlands.
Guatemala is world-renowned for its coffee, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Lake Atitlán. A coffee tour here is more than just a tasting—it’s a journey through lush coffee fields, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant Mayan culture.
Whether you’re biking through coffee farms or walking the cobbled streets of San Juan La Laguna, a Lake Atitlán coffee tour connects you to the land, the people, and the rich flavors of Guatemalan coffee.
As someone who has lived at Lake Atitlán for 20 years, I’ve explored every corner of this region and developed deep relationships with local coffee farmers. I know where to find the best brews and how to experience the region in a way that’s both authentic and unforgettable.
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes Lake Atitlán a coffee lover’s paradise, the top coffee tours you can experience, and the impact of coffee farming on the local community.
Key Takeaways:
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Lake Atitlán produces some of Guatemala’s best coffee, thanks to its high-altitude volcanic soil and ideal growing conditions.
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Both of Kayak Guatemala’s tours offer the chance to tour a coffee farm, either La Voz Coffee Cooperative or Shangri-La Coffee.
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Many farms in the region, like La Voz, focus on sustainable, organic practices that protect the environment and support local farmers.
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Guatemala’s coffee-growing traditions are deeply rooted in Mayan culture, making every cup part of a much bigger story.
A Brief History of Coffee in Guatemala
Coffee first made its way to Guatemala in the mid-1700s, thanks to Jesuit missionaries—but it wasn’t until a century later that it really took root, eventually becoming the backbone of the country’s economy.
Today, Guatemala is recognized around the world for its exceptional coffee. Grown in rich volcanic soil at high altitudes, our Arabica beans are celebrated for their complexity and flavour. The country is home to eight distinct coffee-growing regions, each offering something a little different in the cup.
Here at Lake Atitlán, San Juan La Laguna has earned a reputation as one of Guatemala’s standout coffee regions. Local farmers, many of them Indigenous, have joined forces through cooperatives that emphasize quality, sustainability, and fair trade practices. It’s a true community effort—one that not only produces world-class coffee but also supports local families and traditions.
What Makes Guatemalan Coffee Unique?
Guatemalan coffee has a reputation for being some of the best in the world, but what exactly sets it apart? It all starts with the land. Here in the highlands, coffee thrives at elevations above 1,500 meters, where cool mountain air slows the maturation of the coffee cherries, allowing the flavors to develop more complexity. The volcanic soil, rich in minerals, gives the beans a distinctive depth, often revealing hints of chocolate, citrus, and floral notes in every cup.
But it’s not just about the growing conditions. The way Guatemalan coffee is processed also plays a role in its exceptional quality. Most of the coffee here is shade-grown, meaning it matures under a canopy of native trees. This method not only enhances the flavor but also supports biodiversity, creating a more sustainable ecosystem. Farmers hand-pick each cherry at peak ripeness, ensuring only the best make it into your cup.
When it comes to brewing, Guatemalan coffee is incredibly versatile. If you enjoy a bright, aromatic cup, try a pour-over method like V60 or Chemex, which highlights the acidity and subtle fruit notes. If you prefer a fuller body with deep chocolate undertones, a French press or espresso will bring out the richness. And for something truly local, seek out café de olla, a traditional Guatemalan preparation that steeps coffee with cinnamon and panela (unrefined cane sugar), offering a sweet and spiced take on your morning brew.
Why Lake Atitlan is a Coffee Lover’s Paradise
Coffee is deeply woven into the fabric of life around Lake Atitlán. With its rich volcanic soil, high-altitude terrain, and temperate climate, the region offers ideal growing conditions for some of the world’s finest Arabica beans. But it’s not just about geography—centuries of knowledge, care, and cultural heritage go into every harvest.
Local Indigenous communities, particularly the Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Maya, have cultivated coffee here for generations, combining traditional farming methods with sustainable practices. The result? Beans that consistently rank among the best in Guatemala, known for their complex flavors and exceptional quality.
Here’s why this region is a must-visit for coffee lovers:
- Exceptional Coffee Quality – The combination of volcanic soil, high altitude, and ideal climate makes Lake Atitlán one of the top coffee-growing regions in the world.
- Complex Flavor Profiles – Guatemalan coffee is prized for its rich, well-balanced flavors, often featuring bright acidity, a medium-to-full body, and tasting notes of chocolate, citrus, floral, and nutty undertones.
- High Specialty Coffee Standards – Many select coffee beans from Guatemala align with specialty coffee standards, often scoring 80 or above on the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) grading scale, indicating excellent quality and flavor.
- Breathtaking Views – Coffee fields are nestled among dramatic mountains, with stunning views of the lake and its surrounding volcanoes.
- Rich Cultural Heritage – The indigenous Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel Maya communities have been cultivating coffee here for generations, blending traditional methods with sustainable practices.
- Hands-On Experiences – Unlike a simple café visit, these tours take you into the fields where you’ll see every step of the coffee-making process firsthand.
La Voz Coffee Cooperative: Our Partners in Sustainable Coffee Production
In the hills above San Juan La Laguna, one cooperative has quietly earned a reputation for producing some of the finest and most responsibly grown coffee in the region. La Voz Coffee Cooperative is a standout not just for the quality in your cup, but for the values behind every bean. Rooted in community, sustainability, and tradition, La Voz reflects the best of what Lake Atitlán’s coffee culture has to offer.
Here’s what makes La Voz truly exceptional:
- Certified Organic Coffee – Grown using traditional, eco-friendly methods like shade-growing, composting, and natural pest control.
- Award-Winning Quality – La Voz has earned accolades, including recognition in the prestigious Cup of Excellence competition and sustainable agriculture awards, affirming its specialty coffee industry leadership.
- Direct Farmer Support – The cooperative ensures fair wages and empowers local farmers through education and training programs.
- Exceptional Coffee Flavors – Coffee from La Voz features complex notes of dark chocolate, citrus, and floral undertones, with a smooth, well-balanced finish.
- 100% Arabica, Shade-Grown Coffee – Cultivated under a canopy of native trees, enhancing flavor and supporting biodiversity.
- Pure & Natural – None of the coffee plants have been genetically modified.
- Clean Land Practices – The soil has never been exposed to waste sludge, avoiding contamination from harmful chemicals like PFAS.
- Glyphosate-Free – Guatemala bans glyphosate, ensuring coffee is cultivated without harmful pesticides.
TOP TIP >> Bringing coffee home? Always opt for whole beans and grind fresh before brewing. Store them in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture, to preserve those delicate flavors. And if you want to make sure you're getting the best, look for specialty-grade beans, like those from La Voz Coffee Cooperative, which are grown with care and expertise by farmers dedicated to preserving Guatemala’s coffee legacy.
How to Experience Lake Atitlán’s Coffee Fincas For Yourself
So, how can you experience a place like La Voz—and the broader coffee culture of Lake Atitlán—for yourself? We offer two unique ways to do just that, depending on the kind of adventure you’re after.
For those who want to soak up the rich culture of San Juan La Laguna at a relaxed pace, our San Juan Weaving & Coffee Tour blends art, tradition, and coffee into a day of meaningful exploration.
Prefer to stay active and take in the landscape on two wheels? Our Villages Bike Tour offers a more dynamic route through lakeside trails and coffee fields, with an optional visit to one of the region’s top coffee farms.
Two different rhythms, same authentic connection to the land, the people, and the coffee.
1. San Juan La Laguna & Weaving Cooperatives Tour – A Cultural and Coffee Experience
If you’re curious about where your coffee comes from—not just the process, but the people and traditions behind it—this experience offers a meaningful look at one of Lake Atitlán’s most celebrated coffee villages. San Juan La Laguna is home to some of the region’s best-known cooperatives, where coffee is cultivated by hand using traditional, organic methods passed down through generations.
Alongside your coffee experience, you’ll also get to explore other aspects of local life, from traditional crafts to herbal medicine—adding depth and context to the community that produces your cup.
This tour is ideal for…
- Those interested in how coffee fits into the broader context of Mayan culture and daily life
- Visitors looking to combine a coffee experience with a deeper cultural immersion in a vibrant local village
👉 Book the San Juan Coffee & Weaving Tour Here
2. Villages Bike Tour – Cycle Through Coffee Fields
If you’d rather take in Lake Atitlán’s coffee country on two wheels, this scenic cycling experience offers the perfect blend of movement, landscape, and local life. You’ll ride through quiet Mayan villages and farmland, passing coffee fields that stretch across the hillsides—with the option to visit one of the region’s top coffee cooperatives at the end of your ride.
It’s an active, immersive way to connect with the lake’s coffee-growing regions while soaking up panoramic views and village charm along the way.
This tour is ideal for…
- Active travelers who want to pair physical adventure with their coffee tour
- Those interested in journeying for kilometers through beautiful coffee fields, for a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on Guayemala’s coffee production
👉 Book the Villages Bike Tour Here
A Bit About Us…
At Kayak Guatemala, we’ve been sharing the beauty, culture, and adventure of Lake Atitlán for over 20 years. Founded by locals and long-time residents who fell in love with the lake’s magic, we’re passionate about creating meaningful, low-impact experiences that connect travelers with the people and landscapes that make this region so special.
We’re all about creating amazing adventures tailored just for you. Whether you want to cycle through coffee fields, kayak on the lake, or explore Mayan culture, we can help you design the perfect itinerary.
📧 Email us at booking@kayakguatemala.com to start planning your trip today.
👉 Check out our full range of tours here.
