A Journey to the Heart of Coffee Country

As a surfer, I’m always on the lookout for the next wave, but this time, I found myself drawn inland, away from the ocean’s embrace, to the lush highlands of Ciudad Vieja. The allure? A coffee tour that promised to reveal the secrets behind my morning ritual. My wife and I, both adventurers at heart, couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore the world of coffee from bean to cup.

Our guide for the day was Baudillo, a passionate coffee farmer whose knowledge of the craft was as deep as the ocean. He picked us up from our hotel, and as we drove through the verdant landscape, he shared stories of the land and its people. Arriving at his farm, we were greeted by rows of coffee plants, their leaves glistening in the sun. It was a sight to behold, much like the perfect wave waiting to be ridden.

Baudillo walked us through the meticulous process of coffee cultivation, from the selection of the best beans to the careful nurturing of the plants. His dedication was evident, and I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the patience and precision required in surfing. Each step in the coffee-making process was a testament to the hard work and passion of the farmers, and I left the farm with a newfound respect for the craft.

Savoring the Flavors of Sacatepéquez

The second part of our journey took us to Baudillo’s home, where the real magic happened. Here, we were treated to a coffee tasting experience that was nothing short of extraordinary. Baudillo’s wife welcomed us with warm smiles and delicious homemade tortillas and beans, the perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors of the coffee.

Baudillo introduced us to a variety of brewing methods, each one enhancing the unique characteristics of the different coffee varieties. As he explained the nuances of each method, I was reminded of the way surfers talk about the subtle differences in wave breaks. It was a sensory journey, much like riding a wave, where every sip revealed new depths of flavor.

The highlight of the tasting was crafting our ideal cup of coffee. With Baudillo’s guidance, we experimented with different blends and brewing techniques until we found the perfect balance. It was a moment of pure joy, akin to catching the perfect wave, and one that I will cherish for a long time.

Bringing a Piece of Ciudad Vieja Home

As the day came to an end, we had the opportunity to purchase some of Baudillo’s own coffee beans. The prices were reasonable, and we couldn’t resist bringing a piece of Ciudad Vieja back with us. The beans now sit proudly in our travel kit, a reminder of the incredible journey we embarked on.

Reflecting on the experience, I realized that much like surfing, coffee is an art form that requires passion, dedication, and a deep connection to nature. The Sacatepéquez Coffee Tour was more than just an exploration of coffee; it was a celebration of the people and the land that make it possible.

For those of you who, like me, are always chasing the next adventure, I highly recommend taking a detour from the waves to explore the world of coffee. It’s a journey that will enrich your soul and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. Coffee Tour