Anacafe, Guatemala’s nonprofit coffee producer organization, has identified eight coffee regions with distinguished profiles: Acatenango, Antigua, Atitlan, Coban, Fraijanes, Huehuetenango, Oriente and San Marcos.

Most of the coffee produced in Guatemala is washed, allowing distinctive flavors from each microclimate to shine through in the cup. Drawing on the expertise of longstanding employees who are dedicated to quality, Volcafe operates the famous Pastores wet mill in Antigua, as well as two large dry mills near Guatemala City.

The company supports producers with regular visits from its staff of three agronomists and nine field technicians. Volcafe’s farmer support organization (FSO) has established model farms and offers hands-on workshops to improve productivity, quality and resource management on each farm.

Just north of Guatemala’s “dry corridor,” undulating mountain ranges create microclimates that are home to diverse flora and fauna and allow smallholder farmers in the area to tend to coffee at altitudes of 1,600 to 1,900 meters. Floral aromas, strong body and great acidity are hallmarks of coffees from Cubulco.

East of Guatemala City, the mountainous Palencia/San Antonio region has been home to a robust coffee-growing tradition for generations. Although the coffees produced by the small and midsize farms here have been little-known gems for many years, they’re now being widely recognized for their excellence. Temperate weather and cool nights contribute to a sweet, rich cup profile with a chocolate mouthfeel.