Coffee? Macadamias? Avocados?
Guatemala grows a variety of coffees, each with subtle differences from one another, but Guatemala Antigua gets rave reviews as the country's best-known java ambassador to the world. Coffee fans can tour a finca (plantation) that's 20 minutes northwest of Antigua. If your interests run more to macadamia nuts or avocados there are nearby farms that raise those, too. Make reservations at least one day in advance for any of the following tours. All excursions include samples and, of course, products for sale.
The Avocado Tour. Transportation can be arranged to this avocado plantation 20 minutes outside the city with pick-up in front of Antigua’s cathedral on the Central Parque, a much easier option than trying to find the farm yourself. The Q120 price includes transportation, the two-hour guided tour in Spanish or English, and samples of avocados and guacamole at the conclusion Km. 63.5 Carretera de Parramos a Calderas, Antigua, Sacatepéquez, 03001. 5126–7940; www.eltourdelaguacate.com.
Finca Filadelfia Estate. The estate has been family-owned and run since 1870. Coffee tours are offered daily at 9 and 11 am and 2 pm, and take you from cultivating and harvesting to roasting and tasting. If you have a group of two to five people, a two-hour Latte Art Session—by prior reservation only—guides you through the preparation of a variety of latte beverages, a great knowledge-souvenir to impress the folks back home. Antigua, Sacatepéquez, 03001. 7831–1191; www.rdaltoncoffee.com. Coffee tour, Q125; Latte art session, Q175. Closed Sun. .
Valhalla Experimental Station. Valhalla offers daily macadamia tours from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Guests can sample and purchase macadamia nuts, chocolates and macadamia skin care products. Proceeds from tour fees and purchases fund a sustainability program that encompasses reforestation and provides employment to area farmers. An on-site café features macadamia-themed food including that farm’s yummy pancakes. Antigua, Sacatepéquez, 03001. 7831–5799; www.exvalhalla.net. Tours: Q110.
