Nestled in the heart of Central America, Guatemala is a small country with a giant reputation in the coffee world. Known as one of the top 10 largest coffee producers globally, Guatemala supplies some of the finest beans to markets in Europe and Japan. The country’s unique diversity of climates—ranging from lush forests and towering mountains to serene lakes—imbues Guatemalan coffee with exceptional qualities: fragrant aroma, bright acidity, rich body, and complex flavor notes that linger long after the last sip.
According to Homegrounds.co, a Spanish forum for coffee enthusiasts, “Coffee from Guatemala is the perfect balance of full-bodied, strong, and sweet, with a gentle acidity and chocolate flavor notes.” These characteristics have earned Guatemalan coffee a loyal following worldwide and cemented its position as the country’s second most important agricultural export, providing livelihoods for over half a million people. Impressively, 97% of coffee producers in Guatemala are small growers, each contributing to the nation’s celebrated coffee culture.
Meet the Innovator: Jose Miguel Echeverria
Among those who have dedicated their lives to Guatemalan coffee is Jose Miguel Echeverria, a 35-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Teco Coffee House, Guatemala’s first coffee shop equipped with a cupping lab and coffee roaster. Echeverria’s passion for coffee began unexpectedly at the age of 16 when he took a student job at a coffee shop. What started as a way to earn pocket money quickly blossomed into a lifelong calling.
After honing his barista skills at various coffee shops, Echeverria sought to deepen his understanding of coffee. In 2010, he joined El Injerto Farm, a renowned coffee producer that has been operating since 1900 and winner of the Best Coffee of Guatemala award in 2021. “El Injerto was my university,” he recalls. “They taught me everything—how to grind, roast, and perfect the processes that create exceptional coffee.”
Under the mentorship of El Injerto Farm, Echeverria competed in local barista contests, eventually winning the Guatemalan National Barista Championship in 2014. This victory earned him the honor of representing Guatemala at the World Barista Championships in Italy. “It was one of the best experiences of my life,” he remembers, despite the language barrier that added to the challenge.
Photo by – Jose Miguel Echeverria, Teco Coffee
From Guatemala to Seattle and Back Again
Echeverria’s coffee journey took an exciting turn when he met Sebastian Simsch, co-founder of Seattle Coffee Works, during the championships in Italy. In 2015, Simsch invited him to work in Seattle, an opportunity that would transform his career. Moving to the U.S. posed its challenges—particularly not knowing English—but Echeverria persevered, learning the language and immersing himself in the coffee culture of a global hub.
“The first days were tough,” he admits. “Some days, I just wanted to go back. But I decided to keep fighting.” With determination, Echeverria gained invaluable experience, experimenting with coffee varieties from around the world and expanding his expertise.
Creating a Coffee Community
Returning to Guatemala, Echeverria channeled his passion and newfound knowledge into creating Teco Coffee House, which opened its doors on his birthday, March 7. The venture, co-founded with his father, is more than a coffee shop—it’s a hub for coffee education and collaboration. “We are the first coffee shop in Guatemala with a laboratory and roastery,” Echeverria says proudly. “Our mission is to connect producers, grinders, roasters, and consumers, creating a community where everyone can learn and share the love for coffee.”
A Legacy Brewed with Passion
Guatemala’s coffee industry thrives on stories like Echeverria’s—stories of resilience, innovation, and a profound love for the craft. Every cup of Guatemalan coffee tells a tale of the small farmers, skilled baristas, and visionary entrepreneurs who pour their hearts into every bean.
So, the next time you sip a cup of coffee, let it remind you of Guatemala—a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and one of the world’s most exceptional coffee traditions.
Photo by – Jose Miguel Echeverria, Teco Coffee