Need some caffeine and looking for the best coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala?! Keep on reading, because I’m sharing all my favorites here, plus some popular coffee tours in Antigua as well!
Antigua (and Guatemala in general) is world-renowned for its super high-quality coffee (just like Panama and Colombia are). As a coffee lover myself, I was downright thrilled! Of course I made a long list of all the coffee shops and cafes in Antigua to add to my recent itinerary. The biggest problem? Narrowing down which ones to check off!
Antigua is home to a vibrant and eclectic coffee scene, with cafes and coffee shops dotted throughout the city. I swear, it seems like there’s at least a handful of cafes down each and every block. The city is just bursting with these charming cafes, each with its own unique personality and vibe.
Many have charming outdoor patios with relaxing atmospheres, knowledgeable (and friendly!) baristas, and use locally sourced coffee beans. It’s Guatemala after all — we’re talking about some of the best coffee in the world here! And, by supporting small, independent farmers in the region, these cafes in Antigua are also contributing to the local economy and community.
Others are known for their delectable chocolates, fresh juices, and colorful gardens. Some even have volcano views from their rooftop terraces!
Since cafe culture is such an important part of life here, you’ve gotta check out a few yourself while visiting Antigua. Plus, who doesn’t love stunning views of the city’s colonial architecture while sipping a freshly brewed cup of caffeine?! Wandering around checking out all the cafes is easily one of the best things to do in Antigua (at least in my book!).
Here’s a list of my favorite coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, plus a few I had on my list but unfortunately didn’t have time for! Lemme know down in the comments if I missed any good ones!
Coffee in Antigua, Guatemala FAQs
What makes coffee in Antigua, Guatemala so special?
This is Antigua – one of the finest coffee capitals of the world! Coffee here is meant to be sipped and savored; so don’t rush your morning cup. The region has a long history of producing high-quality coffee, and for good reason.
Firstly, the climate and soil are perfectly suited for growing coffee beans. The volcanic soil is rich in nutrients for the coffee plants, while the altitude and temperature create a slow growth process. All this ultimately leads to a more flavorful and complex bean.
Secondly, the traditional methods used to cultivate and harvest coffee in Antigua, Guatemala are still being used today – giving the coffee a unique and authentic flavor profile. Many of the coffee farms in the region are small and family-owned, and the beans are harvested by hand to ensure the highest quality.
But what really sets Antigua coffee apart from the others is the meticulous attention to detail during the roasting process. The beans are carefully roasted to bring out their unique flavor notes, ranging from chocolate and caramel to fruity and even floral.
With all this amazing coffee in Antigua, it makes perfect sense for the dozens upon dozens of coffee shops and cafes in Antigua. Which I happen to think is just the cutest colonial city in the highlands of the country!
Buying Beans to take Home in Antigua
I was so glad to find so many coffee shops in Antigua selling coffee beans from local farms. It was honestly quite hard to choose where to buy some, and honestly, I just picked the one with the prettiest packaging, haha. It’s currently sitting in my freezer waiting to be ground. Mmm… I’m so excited for those delicious smells to take over my apartment, haha.
When purchasing coffee beans in Antigua, Guatemala, it’s important to look for beans that are labeled as “single origin” or “estate coffee.” These terms indicate that the beans come from a specific farm or region, which ensures a higher level of quality and consistency in flavor.
The coffee shops and cafes will grind the beans for you on the spot, but I recommend waiting to do so until you get home! The sooner you drink the coffee after grinding the beans, the fresher your cup will be. Just like when I got home from Colombia, I put my bag of beans from Antigua straight into the freezer.
Antigua Coffee Farm Tours
Are you a diehard coffee aficionado and wanna learn all about the coffee in Antigua, Guatemala? You’ve gotta sign up for a coffee farm tour! You’ll see firsthand how the coffee is grown, harvested, and then processed, and even pick some of your own beans (called coffee cherries).
Many coffee farm tours also include a walk through the fields, a visit to the processing plant, and yes, of course a coffee tasting where you can sample the different flavors and roast levels of the coffee.
There’s quite a few tours to pick from, but not all are created equal. Here’s a few popular ones:
- Coffee Culture Full-Day Tour from Antigua: Not only will you tour a coffee plantation and taste some of the finest coffee in the world, but you’ll also walk around Antigua with a local, learning all about Guatemala’s rich culture. Kinda like two tours in one!
- Sip N Cycle Half-Day Bike Ride and Coffee Tour: Cycle the backroads from Antigua to the best coffee farm in the valley! You’ll see the coffee plantation, and learn all about the entire process from picking to packaging. And of course sample a whole bunch of different varieties and blends of coffee.
- Antigua ATV Coffee Tour: Caffeine and adrenaline in one tour – what could be better?! Ride an ATV to a local coffee plantation, where you’ll discover the entire coffee making process from seed to mug. Definitely one of the most exciting things to do in Antigua.
Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Antigua, Guatemala
Finally, what you probably came here for — my favorite coffee shops and cafes in Antigua! Get ready for lots of caffeine.
12 Onzas
Let’s start with one of my all-time favorite cafes in Antigua, Guatemala – 12 Onzas! As soon as I walked in, I knew I had found my coffee shop. When you know, you know, right?! Aesthetics is just as important to me as the actual coffee, so of course I was naturally drawn to 12 Onzas.
Their branding is so spot on; I could spend all morning in there and never get tired of staring at those gorgeous turquoise tiles. The space is very cute and sleek and bright and modern – I totally felt like I was in a chic coffee shop in Sydney or Southern California. I loved the juxtaposition of the old school walls amongst the minimalist design. It all just works!
Photos used with permission from 12 Onzas
Plus, there’s a gorgeous back patio filled with green, leafy plants everywhere – such a serene spot to chill for a while! I can see 12 Onzas being a great space to work since the wifi is nice and strong and there’s plenty of power outlets.
As soon as I walked in I could tell the atmosphere was super warm and welcoming, and the staff were all incredibly friendly. While unnecessary, I appreciated that menus were in both English and Spanish! I’m trying to learn but it doesn’t help that I only make it to Spanish-speaking countries a few times a year (I’d love to do a Spanish immersion program in Antigua someday).
Of course the coffee here is top notch, and I love how they roast their own coffee beans right there in the shop. They actually sell bags of beans on the shelves right next to the counter, so pick up a bag to bring home yourself (the packaging is oh so cute as well).
Choose from the many excellent coffee drinks (like flat whites and cold brew, with plenty of various milk options – regular, soy, almond, and oat).
12 Onzas also has an amazing brunch, with some really fun menu items. Think red velvet beet coffee, pink lattes, penguin cake, pink beet hummus, gorgonzola mushroom buns, banana bread, and oh so much more. Everything sounded absolutely delicious, and I’d love to come for a bite next time. I didn’t expect them to have a full brunch/lunch menu so I had unfortunately already eaten that morning (sad face).
Don’t sleep on this place – it’s got by far the best latte in all of Antigua. They actually have 2 locations in Guatemala City as well, which I’m hoping to check out on my next trip!
El Gran Cafe
Another coffee shop in Antigua, Guatemala that I absolutely adore is El Gran Cafe. The spot is super aesthetically pleasing, with its mini hexagonal tiles, gorgeous floral flooring, and super cute packaging. I love being inside pretty places, and El Gran easily fits the bill.
Photos used with permission from El Gran Cafe
The staff who work here are incredibly kind – I couldn’t decide what to get and they didn’t rush me at all. Next time I’m gonna try a mocha – some say it’s the best they’ve ever had!
In a rush? El Gran Cafe has “coffee of the day” (cafe del dia) so you don’t even need to make a decision, haha. My kinda place.
I love how the cafe owner works directly with the producers to pay a fair price for the coffee beans. All the beans are bought directly from the farm/origin, including Finca La Esperanza (a pioneer in certified organic coffee beans), Finca El Pintado (one of the most historic farms in the Antigua region), and Finca Santa Isabel (a farm who uses very advanced agricultural practices). Kinda cool to know exactly where your coffee is coming from!
Out of all the cafes in Antigua, I decided to buy a bag of beans for my husband here! The barista was able to explain all the differences in the beans and the different flavor profiles they had which I greatly appreciated since I’m definitely no expert.
My only gripe with El Gran Cafe? There’s not much seating in the shop, but well worth the wait if you don’t wanna take your coffee para llevar (to go)!
Artista de Cafe – Speciality Coffeeshop
Artista de Cafe is another charming coffee shop with cool branding and loads of plants located on a quiet street in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s a great place to grab a cup of coffee or tea, and their milk is actually delivered fresh daily from a local farm (how cool is that?!).
Photos used with permission from Artista de Cafe
They offer a wide variety of coffee and non-coffee drinks, like cappuccinos, mochaccinos, matcha lattes, turmeric lattes, and green tea. They’ve also got some really good gluten-free carrot cake.
The downside of this coffee shop is that they can only make one drink at a time due to their setup. So, if things get busy, you’ll have to wait. Definitely worth it though. Plus, the coffee can be kinda expensive compared to other coffee shops in Antigua. I’ll gladly overpay if it means hanging out in an airy and chic minimalistic space – yes, I’m a sucker for anything trendy and cool, haha.
You can totally tell the ambiance is amazing with great vibes and music, and the staff is friendly and accommodating for the digital nomad crowd. The wifi at Artista de Cafe is great for Zoom video calls, although I’m told it may not work as well if the cafe gets busy.
If you have the chance to visit Artista de Cafe, be sure to try an affogato. It’s rumored to be downright amazing!
Cafe Estudio
I included Cafe Estudio on this list of best cafes in Antigua because of its incredible rooftop terrace, with views of both Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes! A great way to spend an hour or so, soaking up the views. However, there’s hardly any shade up here so remember your sunscreen and a hat.
This coffee shop offers seasonal coffee flavors like amaretto and pumpkin spice, along with a small selection of cakes, smoothies, crepes, sandwiches, nachos, and guacamole. Ugh I so wished I tried the french toast, one of the main highlights of Cafe Estudio.
What’s better than hanging out in a charming flower garden, listening to calming music in the background, with a snack or two and some coffee? Since the internet’s reliable and the atmosphere is quiet, I can see it being a great place for all you digital nomads to get some work done.
Alegria Cafe
Consider yourself a coffee connoisseur looking for the best cafes in Antigua, Guatemala? You need to add Alegria Cafe to your list, located less than a block away from the city center.
The interior design of this cafe is gorgeous and features funky artwork by local artists. The shop actually partners with local artists on exclusive limited-release merch, so if you see something you like, buy it then and there – it may not be available next time you pop in!
Photos used with permission from Alegria Cafe
Not only is the interior worth checking out, but of course the coffee is expertly prepared and super delicious. I swear, all the baristas are super talented. The cold brew tonic, iced mocha (delicious but not too sweet), avocado toast, green goddess smoothies, affogatos, and kombucha all come highly recommended.
And if you have a sweet tooth, there’s cookies! Think peanut butter with chocolate and sea salt, and oatmeal with coconut oil, honey, and raisins — both simply divine.
While I didn’t have any work to do (hello vacation!), the cafe’s known to have flawless wifi, making it an ideal spot to get some remote work done on your laptop.
Basically, everything about this cafe is top notch – I loved the aesthetic, coffee presentation, art on the walls, and overall vibe. Super spacious, too! Easily one of the best coffee shops in Antigua, Guatemala. Don’t miss it. And if you happen to catch one of their vintage pop-ups, make sure to grab a few things – you won’t regret it!
Cafe Sky
Cafe Sky is probably one of the most popular cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, so of course I had to include it on this list. It’s known for its breathtaking views of the Agua and Fuego volcanoes from the rooftop terrace, as well as the surrounding area and city below.
Photos used with permission from Cafe Sky
To fully appreciate the views, I highly recommend coming early in the morning before the clouds roll in and obstruct the volcanoes. That happens more than you think unfortunately!
While the views are absolutely stellar, the terrace is much smaller than it looks AND you’ll be sitting in the blistering sun since there’s little to no shade up there. Just something to keep in mind.
Cafe Sky is a great spot for breakfast or brunch, with a fairly large menu selection. However, the food can be a bit pricey, so it’s important to keep in mind that you’re really paying for the view. Fine by me, as volcanoes are definitely not something I see back home in San Francisco, haha.
I cannot believe I didn’t make it here myself – I was too busy wandering the city and checking out all the other things to do in Antigua, Guatemala! Next time for sure!
Cafe Cafe Guatemala
Cafe Cafe Guatemala is one of the trendiest cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, so of course I had to check it out. We loved just how cute the cafe was decorated, with such a cool ambiance and cute decorations.
It comes with no surprise that there’s even dedicated spots for Instagram photos, haha. Thankfully, the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food and service. We popped in when we were frantically on the lookout for some food before our chocolate-making class, and I totally wish we had more time to savor the cafe.
Coffee photo used with permission from Cafe Cafe Guatemala
The space is kinda indoor and outdoor, which I really liked, especially since there was a nice breeze that afternoon. The service is excellent, and you can tell the baristas really know their stuff and are super talented.
Want something super creative? Order a latte with some art of the Guatemalan flag! How cool is that?! – photo on IG
The cafe is a great spot to get breakfast or lunch, as the food is not only fresh but also very delicious. The fruit juices are freshly made (my favorite!!!), and there’s plenty of foodie options to choose from, including specialty coffees, frappes, blackberry crepes, smoothie bowls (my Rainbow Bowl loaded with fresh fruit was delicious), salads, sandwiches, and fresh lemonades.
Amanecer Juice Bar
Amanecer Juice Bar is a popular juice bar and coffee shop located right in town. It’s known for its fresh juices, smoothies, and delicious coffee, and the second I saw its colorful mural inside, I knew I needed to pop in for a drink.
The name “Amanecer” means “sunrise” in Spanish, which totally reflects the cafe’s focus on healthy and fresh ingredients to start your day right. We love a good play on words here, haha.
Photos used with permission from Amanecer Juice Bar
The juice bar has an extensive menu of fresh juices and smoothies made with locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Popular options include the “Green Power” juice (with spinach, cucumber, apple, and ginger), and the “Tropical Paradise” smoothie (with banana, pineapple, and mango).
I decided to sit for a smoothie bowl as I was kinda hungry, and lemme just say – it was one of the best smoothie bowls I had in my entire life. Such a huge portion I couldn’t even finish my bowl despite how delicious it was.
In addition to all those fresh juices and smoothies, Amanecer Juice Bar also serves a variety of coffee drinks, including cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos. A colorful little spot to relax and enjoy your drink in such a cozy and bright atmosphere!
Fernando’s Kaffee
Fernando’s Kaffee is one of the most popular coffee shops in Antigua, Guatemala. And for good reason – there’s a beautiful courtyard with excellent coffee and food and CHOCOLATE! Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the shop’s known for its ridiculously high-quality coffee, sourced directly from Fernando Moscoso’s family’s coffee farm.
Plus, there’s loads of cocoa items here, which of course puts the shop high on my list, haha. It’s actually technically also a chocolate factory, so that makes a lot of sense. Don’t miss the hot chocolate – it’s known to be some of the best in all of Antigua! Perfect on a chilly day.
Photos used with permission from Fernandos Kaffee
Fernando’s Kaffee offers a variety of coffee and chocolate drinks, including espressos, cappuccinos, drinking chocolate, lattes, and even cacao juice, all made with their own beans/cacao. There’s also homemade pastries and baked goods, (made fresh daily!), plus dark and milk chocolate bars, cocoa nibs, and chocolate spread. The ultimate chocolate heaven.
One of the unique aspects of Fernando’s Kaffee is its coffee roasting process, which takes place right in the cafe. You can even watch as the coffee beans are roasted, and then purchase bags of freshly roasted coffee to take home with you! Doesn’t get fresher than that.
If you’ve got time, make sure to sign up for a coffee tasting and a tour of their coffee farm! You’ll get an in-depth understanding of the coffee-making process, and really appreciate how much time and energy goes into brewing the perfect cup.
And don’t miss the lovely house cat who hangs out in the shop! The back courtyard is quiet and cozy, perfect for a little cafe. I reckon it’s a great place to get some work done.
Cafe Sol
We popped into Cafe Sol on a whim because I was getting hangry and hot, and needed a cold drink and something to snack on. Well, what’d ya know, it ended up being one of our favorite cafes in Antigua!
Photos used with permission from Cafe Sol
Their branding is so spot on (super cozy and inviting), and my parfait fruit bowl was super fresh (it even had loads of passionfruit in it which most don’t!). My friend said her coffee was some of the best she’s ever had.
Unfortunately I realized too late (after we left!) that they’ve got a small rooftop terrace/garden with a view of Volcan Agua upstairs – perfect when you want some fresh mountain air with a side of cute tiny hummingbirds!
It’s a great spot for breakfast, with items like oat pancakes, huevos rancheros, and spinach omelettes on the menu. If you’re feeling spicy definitely order the El Diablo, an iced coffee drink with chili peppers, cocoa, and cinnamon.
Since Cafe Sol’s on the edge of town, I don’t think many people make it here which is such a shame!
Algo Bueno (in Ojala Hotel)
We stayed at Ojala Hostel, so naturally, spent a lot of time at Algo Bueno, the cafe/bar connected to the hotel. The “desayuno típico” (typical Guatemalan breakfast) is really yummy and filling, with a selection of egg dishes, beans, fried plantains, fresh tortillas, fruit, and yogurt bowls.
And the best part – it was included with our stay! You could tell they only use fresh and natural ingredients in all their food/drinks.
If you’re staying at the hotel, there’s free morning coffee available which is greatly appreciated! My friend ordered a speciality drink, the cold dirty chai from the coffee shop, and said it was one of the best they’ve ever had. The wifi worked really well so my friends were able to get some work done in the courtyard.
But the outdoor seating area is really what makes Algo Bueno one of the best cafes in Antigua, Guatemala. Just look at all those leafy green plants, gorgeous landscaping, and cozy hammocks to relax in. Plus tons of natural light!
Don’t miss the stunning backyard garden with the most beautiful purple flowers hanging from the structure and hummingbirds flying around. So much attention to detail – I’d move in if I could. I can’t think of a better spot to walk down to every morning!
Cafe Boheme
Cafe Boheme is a cute and colorful place to sip some coffee or hot chocolate, and indulge in a sweet tart (or two). It’s a super chill area and just feels extremely peaceful. Cafe Boheme is actually a popular French spot and I definitely recommend it for breakfast or a mid-day snack if you’re in the area. Those fresh raspberry tarts look oh so perfect and delicious.
We came here for the rooftop terrace view and lemme just tell ya, it did not disappoint. On a clear day, you can even see the volcanoes that surround Antigua. Always super impressive. Just know you’ll need to grab one of the 4 or 5 tables at the end of the terrace to get the great views (I didn’t realize this and we unfortunately sat on the opposite side).
Fat Cat Coffee House
Serious coffee drinkers, this coffee shop is for you. Fat Cat Coffee House offers a wide range of coffee options, including espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and a wide variety of pour-overs, all made with locally sourced and freshly roasted beans. Try a flat white, affogato, and/or a cortado (with a strong body and strong hints of dark chocolate – yum!)! You can really tell they love their coffee here.
Photos used with permission from Fat Cat Coffee House
It’s not as vibey or aesthetic as other cafes in Antigua, but still worthy of a visit for their downright delectable coffee. How a true coffee shop should really be judged, right? Some even say they’ve truly got the best coffee in all of Antigua. Can’t beat that!
Other cute coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala:
- Cafe Condesa: Cafe Condesa’s been serving coffee daily since 1993, in a gorgeous colonial setting with three courtyards right in the main Central Park of Antigua. And breakfast is served all day long, woo! Can’t get much better than that. Their house blend is 100% Antigua coffee; it’s a mix of three roasts to give a subtle aroma and lots of flavor.
- La Vid Coffee Roasters: Looking for high quality coffee? Come here – La Vid’s got a killer cold brew and a rotating selection of pour overs. It’s evident they take their coffee seriously and trendy combos or overly sweet syrups aren’t their thing. While La Vid is definitely a coffee shop and not a cafe (they specialize in coffee and even roast their own beans), you’ve gotta try their famous carrot cake square. The interior is minimalist and rustic, although unfortunately not very well lit, so it may be hard to do work here.
Photos used with permission from La Vid Coffee Roasters
- Starbucks: Okay, okay. I get it — yes, I’m including Starbucks on this list of the best coffee shops and cafes in Antigua, Guatemala. But hear me out! This location has one of the prettiest courtyards you’ll ever see, and not only at a Starbucks, but in general. As soon as we walked in I was amazed. Just look at all those colors and Guatemalan touches! Makes sense since the cafe was designed with the input of local artists and artisans to truly capture the colorful spirit of the colonial city.
- El Viejo Café: One of the oldest cafes in Antigua, Guatemala, open for over 25 years. Sip some coffee amongst the rustic decor, including antique coffee grinders and photographs of the city’s colonial past. They’ve got great cortaditos here, a type of coffee drink with a strong, rich espresso flavor and a touch of sweetness. El Viejo also has a bakery & pastry shop, and even a gelateria.
- Union Cafe: Very colorful and trendy with a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and the prettiest floral wallpaper around. The coffee is excellent, and the food is always fresh and delicious. Try a beetroot latte and a breakfast burrito (with a side of fresh watermelon). This is a great spot to hang out with friends, catch up on some work, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in a cool and stylish setting.
- Rooftop Antigua: We loved hanging out at Rooftop Antigua one evening for sunset, and it honestly kinda feels like a hidden gem in the city. You could’ve guessed it, but the main draw of this cafe is the terrace with views to ALL THREE VOLCANOES and breathtaking views of the colonial city. The service can be kinda slow and the menu isn’t anything crazy special, but honestly, who cares?! You come here for the absolutely spectacular views – the drinks and food are just to keep you full and satisfied while you’re staring out at sunset.
Photos used with permission from Rooftop Antigua
- La Bruja: This charming little spot is completely vegan, so I highly recommend La Bruja if you’re plant based, or not! My friends ordered a few empanadas so of course I had to try a few bites. They’ve also got fresh smoothies, falafel and black quinoa burgers, and even gluten free pizzas. Sit outside in the back courtyard by the large fountain – such a relaxing atmosphere and so lively with all the other shops/restaurants nearby.
- Cafe La Parada: The café interior is no frills and down to earth, and leans a bit towards 50’s Americana, with their metal signs and silly coffee jokes, haha. But the coffee is just wow – locally sourced from Huehuetenango (often considered the best in the entire country), roasted locally in Antigua. You might even hear Taylor Swift on the radio. Delicious, inexpensive coffee and great wifi – can’t go wrong here! Delicious lattes, fresh croissants, and great people! Some argue it’s the best coffee in Antigua, Guatemala!
I could have spent weeks just sitting in coffee shops on the lookout for even more cafes in Antigua, Guatemala. It’s just that kinda place, considering there’s a cute cafe around every corner, haha. I can’t wait to come back and take my husband next time – I know he’ll love spending lazy mornings at all these cafes in Antigua.
Which of these coffee shops and cafes in Antigua will you visit on your next trip to Guatemala?! Did I miss any special ones?!
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