Mexico's 'Coffee Capital' Is Tucked Away In Mountains With Trendy Cafes And Vibrant Streets

Mexico may not be what comes to mind when you think of the top countries to visit for coffee. However, the town of Coatepec might just change that. Tucked in the mountains in Veracruz you'll find the small and quaint destination of Coatepec, considered by many to be the "Coffee Capital" of Mexico. Veracruz has a long history with the beloved brew as the first place in the country where coffee was imported by the Spanish. Coatepec has kept this history alive with its local beans, annual coffee festival, and many specialty cafés and coffee bars. Though it may not lead the pack when it comes to coffee production volume, the town produces what some would argue is the highest quality beans in all of Mexico.

Besides having a thriving java culture, Coatepec offers visitors a real visual treat with its brightly colored historical buildings and vibrant markets. A stroll through the center of the city, near the Miguel Hidalgo Park, reveals charming colonial architecture, buttery yellow storefronts, and a canopy of lush trees over the streets. It's the ideal place to grab an espresso or a cappuccino and watch the world go by.

For a taste of Coatepec's coffee culture, simply head to the historical town center and sample the caffeinated beverages served at the neighborhood's many cafés. To truly immerse yourself in the buzzy scene, consider joining a tour guided by a professional instead. One captivating in-depth tour is the Coffee Museum and tasting tour available on Viator. The experience lasts four hours and takes visitors to Coatepec's best coffee-centric spots, including a behind-the-scenes location not known by many outsiders.

The tour, available in both English and Spanish, begins at the Museo del Café, a museum that houses coffee processing plants, antique rooms, stunning gardens and green spaces, and a souvenir shop (to find that perfect gift for your favorite coffee lover back home). You'll then be taken in a 4x4 vehicle to an authentic coffee plantation. From the grounds, you can learn more about the farm's Arabica bean production and even get a peek at the breathtaking waterfall nearby. The highlight of the day: a coffee bean tasting, followed by a meal of tacos and drinks.

The majority of visitors who have taken the tour gave it a rating of five stars. On Tripadvisor, one reviewer named Maria Nery C shared, "It was a great experience, with very warm and professional attention, and a tour that invites you to adventure." Another user named Dream16489890158 wrote, "Spectacular tour of the coffee plantations and views of the Pixquiuac [sic] River with its waterfall full of vulture nests, great coffee tasting and a very complete breakfast. The attention of Ángel the guide inside the coffee plantation and of Marina in the museum has been spectacular, without a doubt much more than recommended."

Coatepec makes for a relaxing (albeit caffeinated) escape any time of year, but be aware that it can get pretty rainy in the mountain town. Therefore, it's best to visit during the dry season between November and April — especially if you plan to be outdoors visiting the coffee plantation and other local sites. However, if you want to time your visit for the annual coffee festival, book your trip during May instead to participate in the action.

The easiest way to reach Coatepec is via bus from Mexico City or Xalapa. You can also fly into the Veracruz International Airport and rent a car to drive to Mexico's Coffee Capital. The drive takes just under two hours.

Consider adding a few other stops on your trip to Coatepec. Xico, just 25 minutes away, features waterfall views, artisan coffee (like its neighbor), and delicious local food, including the town's signature Xiqueño mole. An equally short drive north will bring you to Xalapa, Veracruz's capital city offering museums and a thriving nightlife scene. Further away on the coast is Heroica Veracruz, one of the best places in Mexico for history buffs.