Coffee Tour: Countries in Central America and South America With the Best Coffee
Have you ever wondered where you can find the best coffee in Latin America? Well, some of the best coffee in the world comes from Latin America! Coffee in Latin America is a huge part of the culture and an important export for many Hispanic countries.
Coffee arrived in Latin America in the early 18th century. Today, Latin America produces about 60% of the coffee that people consume around the world. The climate is perfect with moderate rain and lots of sunshine.
If you love coffee, it’s time to learn more about this fascinating plant. Read on to discover the best coffee in Latin America.
Coffee Culture in Latin America
More than 45 countries around the world grow coffee. Soil, altitude, microclimate, and growing conditions all play a role in the taste of coffee. Various processing methods also affect the flavor and color of coffee. For coffee connoisseurs, it’s important to know how and where it grows and why it tastes the way it does.
Some coffee lovers want to experience the coffee culture for themselves. Going to a coffee plantation, learning about the soil, and tasting the fresh coffee is a worthwhile experience.
Honorable Mention: The Highs and Lows of Puerto Rico’s World-famous Coffee
Top 10 Countries in Central America and South America With the Best Coffee
Let’s learn more about the 10 countries with the best coffee in Latin America!
1. Guatemala
Guatemala is a mecca for coffee farmers for good reason. Coffee in Guatemala grows at an altitude over 5,000 feet, (1524 meters)(which is why the coffee has such a distinctive and robust flavor.
Guatemala has nutrient-rich volcanic soil and a subtropical climate that makes the perfect environment to grow some of the most delicious coffee beans in the world.
Coffee beans in Guatemala usually have a full-bodied and rich cocoa flavor and even a toffee sweetness that travelers and locals love.
2. Colombia
Colombia is the 3rd largest coffee producer in the world. Many people around the world consider Colombia’s coffee to be the best. Most of the coffee in this South American country grows in the cordilleras (mountain ranges) of the Andes.
The hilly soil provides a variety of climates that makes harvesting possible year-round. Colombian coffee tends to be medium-bodied with a citrus acidity that makes it fruity, mild, and even a bit fermented. The Arabica bean is the most common bean in Colombia.
See also: An Exploration of Colombia’s Unique Coffee Culture
3. Bolivia
Bolivia’s diverse topography and altitude and microclimates are ideal for coffee trees. This South American coffee producer is the 5th largest country in South America to produce Arabica coffee. Its heirloom varietals like Caturra and Typica are organically grown.
What’s challenging in Bolivia is drying the coffee beans due to the humid climate. The coffee in Bolivia is medium-bodied. Many say it’s as good as Colombian coffee, and it continues to grow in popularity.
4. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is another major Central American coffee producer. What’s amazing about Costa Rican coffee is its wide variety of flavors because the coffee grows in diverse regions of the country.
The coffee in Costa Rica has a good body, bright acidity, and a delicious fruity taste.
5. Ecuador
Ecuador is famous for growing beans that make some of the most popular instant coffee. Instant coffee is a staple in almost all Ecuadorian households.
In Ecuador, family farms are the main producers of coffee. They offer both Robusta and Arabica coffee, and most of the production is consumed in the country. If you go to Ecuador, be sure to have an organically grown cup of coffee.
The coffee in Ecuador has a thin to medium body with some acidity. They are working hard to grow the market and export more coffee to bigger countries to boost their economy.
6. Venezuela
Venezuela produces about 1% of the world’s coffee. They used to rival Colombia in the production of coffee, but Colombia’s coffee has become popular worldwide.
The best-known coffee in Venezuela is the Maracaibo coffee which has a good body and a rich and sweet flavor. It’s mild in acidity and sometimes fruity.
7. Cuba
For two centuries, Cuba’s Arabica coffee was one the most popular in Latin America. This coffee in Latin America is dark roasted, ground finely, and mostly prepared in espresso form.
Coffee in Cuba grows in the eastern part of the country where the soil is fertile and the climate is favorable. Cuba produces some of the best organic coffee. Its body is rich and the acidity strong. If you love a good espresso, this is the place to go.
8. Dominican Republic
The coffee in the Dominican Republic is high in acidity but with a soft taste that locals and travelers love. The contrasting flavor gives this Caribbean coffee a distinguished taste.
Dominican coffee has a rich body and is usually consumed early in the morning. This coffee in Latin America has a well-balanced texture that you’ll definitely want to try if you visit this Caribbean island.
9. El Salvador
El Salvador’s coffee is usually Pacamara or Bourbon. It has a unique taste and strong aroma. It has a gentle taste so if you’re a new coffee drinker, this coffee is ideal for you. This coffee in Latin America is of the highest grade since it is grown 3,937 feet ( 1,200 meters) above sea level.
Coffee that grows between 2,952 to 3,937 feet (900 to 1,200 meters) is considered “high grown” and anything below that altitude is “central standard.” Altitude is an essential part of coffee’s quality level. Although the altitude makes the coffee grow slower, the end result will be some of the best coffee you’ll ever have.
10. Chile
Chile’s coffee industry is slowly and steadily growing. Tea is as popular in Chile as coffee; both are consumed regularly.
There aren’t many highlands in Chile, and that’s why growing coffee beans is more challenging. Chile’s national coffee organization Asociación Nacional de Profesionales y Amantes del Café (National Association for Professionals and Coffee Lovers) (ANAPAC) are working hard to promote the nation’s coffee industry.
The best South American coffee in Chile is mild in body and low in acidity. Most is consumed locally, and many travelers love it!
Travel to Latin America and Enjoy the Best Coffee!
Now that you’ve learned where to find the best coffee in Latin America, it’s time to start planning your trip! Traveling or living in any of these Hispanic countries is the ultimate immersive experience!
Spanish continues to grow in the U.S. According to The Economist, a person can earn $50,000 to $125,000 extra just by knowing a foreign language. If you move or visit one of these beautiful countries, it’ll open doors so that you can start a business or work there! Coffee is also a lucrative industry to learn more about. It’s essential to learn Spanish and tap into this fascinating market.
Learning Spanish empowers you to make your travels more enjoyable—and it’s an investment in your career. Sign up for a free trial class at Homeschool Spanish Academy before your trip to Latin America. Check out our flexible programs and affordable prices and choose the best fit for you.
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