Day with Guatemalan Coffee Farmers

San Miguel Escobar, Guatemala

Day with Guatemalan Coffee Farmers

Half Day |

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the heart of Guatemala's coffee culture with Lokal Travel. Nestled in the picturesque rural communities near Antigua, our half-day adventure offers a unique window into the world of Guatemalan coffee farming.

As an avid coffee enthusiast, you'll have the chance to delve deep into the art of coffee cultivation and processing, guided by the experienced farmers of the San Miguel Escobar cooperative. They've honed their craft for years and are eager to share their knowledge of producing specialty-grade coffee – the pride of Guatemala.

Your day begins with an immersive experience of a coffee farmer's life. You'll gain hands-on experience with the machinery used in coffee processing and witness the journey of coffee beans from farm to cup. The highlight of your visit is a trip to a farmer's home, where you'll participate in traditional coffee roasting methods, an art that has been perfected over generations.

Beyond coffee, embrace the broader cultural riches of Guatemala. De la Gente, a foreign-owned nonprofit, collaborates with coffee farming communities to foster economic growth and improve local lives. During your visit, you'll not only meet these remarkable farmers and artisans but also engage directly in their daily activities. Whether you're crafting a unique souvenir or learning to prepare pepian, the national dish of Guatemala, each moment is an opportunity to build lasting memories.

This experience, suitable for anyone with a love for cultural immersion and culinary adventures, is available throughout the year. Starting at either 9 am or 1 pm, you can enjoy a 3-5 hour tour with flexible departure dates. Although lodging isn't included, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the local area on foot, experiencing the authentic charm of Guatemala's small towns and villages.

A bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the journey, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. While there's no WiFi and cell service is limited, this adds to the charm of disconnecting and fully immersing yourself in the local way of life. Food is available for purchase, with the option to arrange a traditional Guatemalan lunch for an extra cost.

This tour is designed for a minimum of two travelers, making it perfect for couples, friends, or small groups looking to explore the rich tapestry of Guatemalan culture and its famed coffee tradition.

Right for You?

Duration

Half Day

Travel Style

Cultural Immersion and Foodie Fun

Languages

English and Spanish
A translator will be present because local farmer does not speak English.

Physical Activity

Light activity

Location

Rural Communities and Small Towns/Villages

Connect

Wifi: None
Cell: Limited
Starts at:

$43/person

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Speaks: English and Spanish

Highlights

  • Experience a day in the life of a coffee farmer!
  • Learn about and utilize the machinery used to process coffee.
  • Visit the farmer's house and roast coffee in the traditional way.
  • Share a cup of coffee with the farmer and his/her family.

Details

Schedule

9 am or 1 pm departure time, 3-5 hour experience

Availability

Flexible Departure Date
All year

Group

2 travelers minimum

What's Included

Lodging

None

Guide

Bilingual guide

Food

Available for purchase (extra $)
A traditional Guatemalan lunch can be arranged at an extra cost.

Transport

Walk

Traveler Reviews

Aidan

Intimate and authentic

This visit to the coffee farm of Don Manuel was an unexpected highlight of our 10 day trip to Antigua and Lake Atitlan. We had already had some very exciting experiences hiking up to the active volcano Fuego and swimming in Lake Atitlan, but this tour of a working coffee farm was exceptionally enjoyable. The village of San Miguel Escobar lies at the foot of Volcán Agua just outside Antigua. We arranged the tour through the De La Gente and Lokal networks. Our group of 6 was picked up in Antigua and we were taken to the home of Manuel Gómez, patriarch of one of the 14 families that comprise the San Miguel Escobar coffee cooperative. From there we were taken on foot up to the coffee fields. Over a leisurely stroll, Manuel explained many aspects of coffee plant cultivation, showing us lots of examples, and we got to harvest some ripe coffee cherries ourselves. We then returned to the farmhouse where we roasted and ground beans, under the guidance of Señora Gómez, in her actual kitchen, on her woodstove. We then sat down at the courtyard dining table, tasted the coffee we had helped make, and ate a delicious Guatemalan lunch. Every aspect of the tour was relaxed, informative, and very intimate. Special kudos to interpreter and moderator Jonathan.
December 2023


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Your Local Host

De la Gente

De la Gente

Foreign Owned Nonprofit

De la Gente works with coffee farming communities to create economic opportunity that improves the quality of life of their families and communities. You can meet farmers and artisans and work alongside them in their homes, as you create your own souvenir, not

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Getting There

Transport options

Taxi and Tuk Tuk
Tours start from the plaza San Miguel Escobar - 10 minutes by taxi or tuk tuk from Antigua.
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