Antigua: Coffee Farm Bike Tour & San Felipe Market Tasting

Summary

Cycle Antigua’s coffee trails, sample Guatemalan brews and meet artisans in vibrant San Felipe

You’ll cycle through Antigua’s lush coffee farms with a local guide, sample fresh brews right at the source, wander San Felipe’s artisan market (and maybe try your hand at candy-making), then cool off with unique fermented drinks before ending with an ice-cold beer back in town. Expect some laughs, real flavors, and moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — my shoelace got tangled in the bike pedal before we’d even left the Antigua office. Our guide just grinned and helped me untangle it, then pointed out which bikes had the softest seats (bless him). The air was thick with that earthy smell you get after rain, but the clouds held off as we pedaled out of town. Riding between rows of coffee plants was quieter than I expected — just the crunch of gravel under our tires and sometimes a bird calling from somewhere up in the shade trees. At one point, I tried to ask about the difference between arabica and robusta beans in Spanish; Li (our guide) answered patiently but I probably only caught half of it. Still, tasting that first cup right at the source — warm, slightly sweet, almost chocolatey — made it all click for me.

The ride to San Felipe de Jesús was short but lively; we passed a group of kids waving at us from behind a wall painted with wild colors. The handicrafts market there is busy without feeling touristy — woodcarvers with hands stained dark from their work, candy sellers laughing as they wrapped sweets in bright paper. There was this one moment where a woman offered us something called “fresco de suchiles” (Guatemala’s answer to kombucha apparently), and I hesitated because fermented drinks aren’t really my thing. But it was tangy and cold and honestly kind of perfect after biking around in long pants (which you’ll want for mosquitoes). I still think about that taste when I smell yeast now.

We ended back at the office with cold beers waiting — not fancy ones, just crisp and exactly what you want after a few hours on a bike. My legs were tired in that good way. There wasn’t any big speech or wrap-up; people just lingered for a bit talking about their favorite part. For me it was probably that first sip of coffee under the trees or maybe watching Li joke with the candy makers like old friends. So yeah, if you’re looking for some polished tour with matching shirts and rehearsed facts… this isn’t it. But if you want to actually feel Antigua — sweat a little, taste things you can’t pronounce yet — well, maybe give this coffee tour a go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coffee farm and artisan market tour

• Bike through coffee plantation trails
• Visit coffee museum and sample coffee
• Ride to San Felipe de Jesus village
• Explore handicrafts market and candy making
• Try fermented drinks on return
• Enjoy complimentary cold beer

Top questions

How long is the Antigua coffee bike tour?

The tour includes biking through coffee plantations near Antigua plus stops in San Felipe de Jesús; expect several hours total including tastings.

Is lunch included on this Antigua coffee tour?

No full lunch is included but you’ll get snacks, bottled water, fresh coffee samples, and tastings of local drinks along the way.

Do I need to bring anything special for this day trip?

You should bring long pants to protect against mosquitoes during parts of the ride.

Is this bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes—according to info provided it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What does “fresco de suchiles” taste like?

It’s Guatemala’s version of kombucha—tangy, slightly fizzy, served cold; most people find it refreshing after biking.

Are bikes provided on this tour?

Yes—the use of bicycles is included as part of your booking.

Does this include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tours start from CA Travelers’ office in Antigua.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle for riding through Antigua’s coffee farms and nearby villages, all entry fees and taxes covered by your booking, bottled water to keep you hydrated along the way plus snacks and samples—fresh Guatemalan coffee tastings at the plantation itself as well as local treats like “fresco de suchiles.” You’ll finish up back at the office with a complimentary cold beer before heading out on your own again.