Cumulus travels to Guatemala
High altitude and mineral-rich soil make Guatemala one of the world’s primary coffee-growing regions, with optimum conditions for cultivating prime Arabica beans. Known for its rich and distinctive flavor profiles, Guatemalan coffee is some of the globe’s most sought-after, and we source from the region for a few of Cumulus’ blends. Our friend—and 4th-generation coffee expert—Christian Schaps, a Guatemala City local, weighs in with some tips on how to best experience this magical part of the world.
Before venturing beyond the capital city, indulge in a coffee by El Injerto. This renowned producer is consistently awarded for having the country’s best coffee, and they have four coffee shops that bring the rare and nuanced flavors of fresh-from-the-farm beans to life. “They keep winning for a good reason,” Christian affirms. Savor a cup of cold coffee, energized for the next leg of your journey.
"They keep winning for a good reason."
- Christian Schaps
No trip to Guatemala would be complete without a pilgrimage to Tikal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a remarkably preserved window into the ancient Maya civilization. Nestled within the rainforest north of Guatemala City, many of the city’s original structures—erected around AD 700—still stand, including temples, royal palaces, six grand pyramids, and various other residential and civic buildings.
The breathtaking and diverse landscape, which nurtures the production of exceptional coffee, is a major allure of Guatemala. Lake Atitlán is a prime example of this enchantment: formed by a volcanic eruption nearly 100,000 years ago, it is the deepest lake in Central America and one of the most stunning, with sapphire waters framed by volcanoes and lush flora and fauna. One of the area’s hiking trails, the Atitlán Nature Reserve, is set on a former coffee plantation; the coffee grown here is renowned for its robust flavor, courtesy of the volcanic soil.
Visit Caoba Farms on the edge of town, a bohemian former coffee farm-cum-gathering place and café with live music, a farmers market, yoga classes, and a farm shop—don’t miss the sandwiches on homemade sourdough bread. In the area, incredible coffee abounds; Christian recommends visiting Finca Santa Clara, the Zelaya family’s farm, where they have cultivated some of the region’s best coffee for over a century.
From the rooftop, you can see the lava as it flows from the surrounding volcanoes.
- Christian Schaps
Don’t miss a stop at La Nueva Fábrica, a non-profit arts space that showcases contemporary artists and hosts a residency program. Down the street, the gallery-esque Que Onda Vos sells striking locally made textiles and handicrafts, spotlighting independent artists—their handblown crackling glassware is perfect for the Cumulus brews. Dinner is best enjoyed at Aqua. “From the rooftop, you can see the lava as it flows from the surrounding volcanoes,” Christian says.
