Guatemala’s volcanic highlands produce some of the world’s most celebrated coffee beans. Renowned for their balanced body, complex flavor profiles, and aromatic richness, these beans offer a consistently superb cup that appeals to a wide range of palates. From the iconic Antigua valley to the high-altitude farms of Huehuetenango, each region imparts unique characteristics, making Guatemalan coffee a staple for connoisseurs and daily drinkers alike.
Choosing the right bag, however, can be a challenge given the wealth of options. This roundup is designed to guide you through the best offerings available, highlighting distinct roasts, certifications, and flavor notes. Whether you prioritize a bold dark roast, a stomach-friendly low-acid brew, or a certified organic single-origin, our selections for 2025 will help you find your perfect Guatemalan coffee match.
The Best Guatemalan Coffee Beans for Your Home Brew
- VOLCANICA COFFEE COMPANY Guatemala Antigua Coffee
- Guatemala Peaberry Coffee, Whole Bean, Antigua
- Low Acid Organic Coffee by Java Planet
- Dam Good Coffee – Guatemalan Dark Roast
- Two Volcanoes Coffee – Gourmet Guatemala Whole Bean
- Guatemalan Coffee, Whole Bean by Cubico Coffee
- Guatemala Coffee, Antigua, Whole Bean, USDA Organic
- Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Guatemala
- Mayorga Organics Cafe Cubano Dark Roast Coffee
VOLCANICA COFFEE COMPANY Guatemala Antigua Coffee
For those who appreciate a robust and intense cup, this dark roast from Volcanica is an excellent choice. Sourced from the renowned Antigua region, this reserve coffee is known for its rich, bold character. The flavor profile is defined by deep caramel notes, a pleasant earthiness, and a smooth, smoky finish that lingers on the palate.
Beyond its flavor, this coffee stands out for its commitment to safety and quality. The beans undergo rigorous phytosanitary testing before export and are analyzed in a lab upon arrival for mycotoxins and mold. They are then roasted at temperatures exceeding 400°F, ensuring a fresh and pure coffee experience free from impurities.
Guatemala Peaberry Coffee, Whole Bean, Antigua
This offering features the unique Peaberry bean, a natural mutation where a single, round bean forms inside the coffee cherry instead of the usual two flat-sided beans. Many coffee enthusiasts believe Peaberries possess a more concentrated and complex flavor. This medium roast from Antigua delivers a heavy body and a lively cup with subtle spicy and smoky overtones, culminating in a superb sweet finish.
The medium roast level is carefully applied to allow the true flavor characteristics of this special bean to shine through. Like its counterpart from Volcanica, this coffee is also subject to a meticulous testing process for mold and quality, providing peace of mind with every sip of its remarkable taste.
Low Acid Organic Coffee by Java Planet
If you love coffee but your stomach does not, Java Planet provides a fantastic solution. This single-origin coffee is specifically noted for its low acidity, making it a gentle yet full-flavored option. Grown in the Huehuetenango region, the beans are shade-grown under guava, plantain, and banana trees, which impart subtle fruit undertones to complement the primary caramel and chocolate notes.
This coffee is committed to purity and sustainability. It is made from 100% organic, specialty-grade arabica beans that are independently tested for mold and heavy metals. Furthermore, it is Smithsonian Bird Friendly certified, supporting farmers who engage in sustainable agricultural practices that protect wildlife habitats.
Dam Good Coffee – Guatemalan Dark Roast
Dam Good Coffee lives up to its name with this Certified Organic and Fair Trade dark roast. As a single-country origin coffee, it offers a pure taste of Guatemala with a rich body and smooth, spicy chocolaty undertones. This profile makes it an ideal candidate for creating a rich and satisfying bulletproof coffee.
The commitment to ethical sourcing through Fair Trade certification means you are supporting responsible practices and community development. The organic certification ensures the beans are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, resulting in a clean and robust cup that is both good for you and for the farmers who cultivated it.
Two Volcanoes Coffee – Gourmet Guatemala Whole Bean
This single-estate coffee is grown at the base of two volcanoes in Guatemala, where the mineral-rich soil contributes to its distinct and delicious flavor. As a rare, single-origin coffee, it provides an unblended, authentic taste experience that stands out from blended coffees. The medium roast is designed to highlight the bean’s natural earthy flavors and unique aroma.
Two Volcanoes Coffee is roasted in small batches, a labor-intensive process that guarantees an even roast and superior quality. This meticulous approach allows for greater control, ensuring that each bean is roasted to perfection and that the best possible flavor is drawn out in every batch.
Guatemalan Coffee, Whole Bean by Cubico Coffee
Cubico Coffee offers a premium, single-origin experience sourced directly from farms in Antigua, Guatemala. Their gourmet whole beans are roasted to perfection to bring out the deep, rich flavors and aromatic qualities inherent to the region. This coffee is for those seeking a luxurious and authentic taste of Central America.
This product is an excellent choice for the health-conscious and environmentally aware consumer. The beans are 100% organic, ensuring they are grown without chemicals or pesticides. This commitment to organic farming results in a pure cup of coffee and supports sustainable agricultural methods.
Guatemala Coffee, Antigua, Whole Bean, USDA Organic
This coffee is sourced from the prestigious Finca Nueva Granada Estate in Antigua, promising exceptional quality and a distinctive character. It offers a rich and full-bodied experience, but with a surprisingly complex flavor profile that includes sophisticated notes of honey, apple, tea, and floral brown sugar.
The medium roast level is key to this coffee’s appeal, as it strikes a perfect balance that highlights the bean’s natural characteristics without overpowering them. It is also certified Kosher and USDA Organic, meeting strict standards for those with specific dietary preferences and a focus on organically grown products.
Fresh Roasted Coffee, Organic Guatemala
This Organic Guatemala Huehuetenango is revered for its exceptionally balanced flavor and smooth body. It presents a mildly acidic and citrusy cup with pleasant hints of milk chocolate, creating a truly delectable and approachable brew. The beans are a blend of Bourbon and Caturra varietals, grown at high altitudes and processed using the fully washed method.
This coffee holds both Fair Trade and USDA Organic certifications, assuring ethical sourcing and organic farming practices. It has also undergone independent third-party testing for mold and mycotoxins, with results confirming it is toxicologically safe and free from detectable trace levels of contaminants.
Mayorga Organics Cafe Cubano Dark Roast Coffee
Mayorga Organics brings a distinct Latin-inspired profile to the table with their Cafe Cubano Dark Roast. This coffee is crafted to deliver the intense, sweet, and strong flavor characteristic of a traditional Cuban-style coffee. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer a powerful and sweetly rich dark roast that stands up well to milk or can be enjoyed as a potent espresso.
As a brand, Mayorga Organics is committed to providing high-quality, organic products. While specific certifications for this particular product are not listed in the provided features, the company’s focus on organic sourcing and roasting to order ensures a fresh and flavorful product that supports sustainable agriculture.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your Next Bag of Guatemalan Coffee
When we look for our next bag of coffee, Guatemalan beans are always a strong contender. But with so many regions and roast levels, it can be tricky to know where to start. I think the best approach is to understand a few key factors that make these coffees so special. Let’s break down what you should pay attention to.
First, consider the growing region. Guatemala has several distinct microclimates, each producing beans with a unique character. The volcanic soil and high altitudes are a big part of what creates such a complex cup. Antigua is probably the most famous region, known for its well-balanced profile with chocolatey and spicy notes. If you prefer something a bit brighter and fruitier, a bean from Huehuetenango, with its wine-like and acidic tones, might be more your speed. For a richer, heavier body, coffees from the Fraijanes plateau are a great choice. Knowing the region gives you a solid hint about the flavor profile you can expect.
Next, let’s talk about the roast. This is a personal preference, but it dramatically affects the final taste. A light roast will preserve the bean’s inherent qualities, letting you taste the nuanced floral, fruity, or citrus notes that are a hallmark of high-quality Guatemalan coffee. A medium roast is the sweet spot for many, bringing out a wonderful balance of sweetness, body, and acidity—think of those classic chocolate and nutty flavors. A dark roast will give you a bolder, smokier cup, but it can overshadow some of the unique regional characteristics. I usually recommend starting with a medium roast to get a true sense of what the bean has to offer.
Finally, don’t overlook the details on the bag. Look for the roast date, not just a “best by” date. Coffee is at its best within a few weeks of roasting, so fresher is better. Also, check if it’s a single-origin coffee or a blend. Single-origin beans from a specific farm or region will give you a pure, unadulterated taste of that particular terroir. When we compiled our list of the 9 best Guatemalan coffee beans we recommend in 2025, we prioritized beans that were freshly roasted and transparent about their origin. Paying attention to these details will help you find a bag you will truly enjoy, whether you’re using a drip machine, a French press, or a pour-over setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Guatemalan coffee different from other coffees?
Guatemalan coffee stands out because of the country’s unique geography. With rich, volcanic soil, consistent rainfall, and high altitudes across its growing regions, the beans develop a remarkable complexity. You often get a cup that is well-balanced, with a clean finish and a full body. Unlike some single-origin coffees that might focus on one dominant note, Guatemalan beans frequently offer a layered experience with hints of chocolate, fruit, spice, and nuts all in one sip. It’s this consistent quality and depth that has made it a favorite for generations.
Which Guatemalan coffee region is the best?
I don’t think there’s a single “best” region—it really depends on your personal taste. Antigua is the most famous for a reason, producing a classic, balanced coffee with notes of cocoa and a smoky sweetness. However, if you’re looking for something more vibrant, Huehuetenango is fantastic for its bright, wine-like acidity and fruity aromas. Cobán produces coffees with a softer, more floral and tropical fruit profile. The best way to find your favorite is to try a few different regional offerings and see which flavor profile speaks to you the most.
Should I choose a light, medium, or dark roast for Guatemalan beans?
This is one of the most common questions I get. For your first time trying a specific Guatemalan bean, I almost always suggest a medium roast. It strikes a perfect balance, allowing the bean’s inherent chocolatey sweetness and nuanced acidity to shine through without being too sharp or too smoky. Light roasts are great if you want to experience the bean’s most delicate floral and fruity notes. Dark roasts are a good option if you prefer a bolder, richer cup with less acidity, but know that some of the unique regional characteristics might be muted. Your brewing method also plays a role here, so feel free to experiment.
How should I brew Guatemalan coffee?
Guatemalan coffee is versatile and works well with most brewing methods. For a method that highlights its clarity and nuanced flavors, a pour-over like a V60 or Chemex is excellent. A French press will emphasize the coffee’s full body and rich, chocolatey notes, giving you a heavier, more textured cup. If you’re an espresso lover, the balanced profile of a medium or medium-dark roast from Antigua makes a fantastic shot or a base for milk-based drinks. The key is to use a consistent grind size appropriate for your brewer and fresh, filtered water.
Are the beans on your list suitable for espresso?
Absolutely. Many of the beans we consider for our recommendations are well-suited for espresso. Typically, a Guatemalan coffee with a medium to medium-dark roast profile is ideal. These roasts develop the sugars and oils that create a beautiful, rich crema and a flavor that stands up well on its own or when mixed with milk. Look for tasting notes that include chocolate, caramel, or nuts, as these tend to translate very well into the espresso brewing process. When we look for the 9 best Guatemalan coffee beans we recommend in 2025, espresso compatibility is always a key factor we consider for at least a few of the selections.