Most people think of Colombia when they think good coffee and while that is true, Guatemalan coffee, especially from Antigua, is ranked one of the highest in the world by most expert coffee guides. Antigua offers a dark-bodied Arabica coffee, grown at nearly 5,000 feet above sea level in rich, volcanic soil. The beans used in their coffee are medium-sized and produce a rich, robust, and smooth flavor. We always go back home with a few more pounds of fresh coffee beans! Here are 6 cafes where we enjoy a good cup of java.

Bella Vista Coffee

6a Avenida Norte 1, Antigua Guatemala 03001, Guatemala
Bella Vista Coffee has great espresso, lots of milk alternative options, the best french toast and breakfasts, AND a beautiful, panoramic rooftop view of Antigua town. They also have plenty of tables, decent WIFI, and outlets to get caught up on some work.

Barista Cafe

5a Avenida Norte 4, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Barista Cafe is a sunny, airy, and spacious cafe right in the central plaza. It is a Guatemalan coffee chain, but blends perfectly into the town’s charm. I have probably spent more time here than in any other cafe. It is a great place to meet or use as a base when traveling with a group. They offer the standard espresso drinks, size correctly, offer varied milk alternative options, and are priced well. You can also purchase freshly roasted coffee beans here for about $8/lb.

Ganache

5a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala 03-001, Guatemala
Ganache is a light and bright nouveau-French style cafe. The espresso-based drinks are solid and they have milk alternatives. They offer an excellent breakfast and light lunches. Ganache is even better known for their desserts including creme brûlée , tiramisu, mousse, and more.

Cafe Estudio

2da Calle 4ta Avenida # 2-A 2 Calle 4 Avenida Norte Antigua Guatemala, Antigua Guatemala 03-001, Guatemala
This centrally-located cafe is small but is a quiet and comfortable place to have attentively-created coffee with a baked item. They offer an appreciable flat white along with the rest of the standard espresso-based drinks. This cafe also offers a basic Guatemalan breakfast.

Collecto Cafe & Museo

6 Avenida Norte y, 5a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala 03-001, Guatemala
The Collecto Cafe is a pretty new and centrally-located cafe. The atmosphere verges on hipster and they offer a wide array of coffee preparations, including pour-overs. There are also French macaroons and other dessert items.

The Refuge Coffee Bar

6 Avenida Norte y, 5a Calle Poniente, Antigua Guatemala 03-001, Guatemala
The Refuge Coffee Bar has been around for years and always impresses serious coffee-lovers. The cafe is on the smaller-side and guests can sit at the bar counter. The cafe is unpretentious, quietly confident, and drinks are consistently good.