Coatepec Coffee Museum (Museo del Café)
The Basics
While you can visit independently, it’s much easier to reach the Coatepec Coffee Museum as part of a convenient guided tour, on which you’ll tour the working plantation, stopping en route to sip samples of locally grown coffee. The museum explains the process of everything found growing nearby and is a fount of coffee knowledge. For a full day of Veracruz adventure, combine the museum and coffee-tasting with a Xalapa and Coatepec day trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
Foodies and coffee fans alike will want to visit the Coatepec Coffee Museum, although kids might not find it all that interesting.
The Coatepec Coffee Museum is at a high elevation, so pack layers as it can get cool.
If visiting independently, expect the tour to take around an hour.
Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip, as it might be slippery underfoot.
There’s another coffee museum situated on Calle Constitución in downtown Coatepec; a good option for those with limited time.
The Coatepec Coffee Museum is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Situated just a 15-minute drive from the center of Coatepec, Veracruz, the Coatepec Coffee Museum is most easily accessed by private vehicle or organized tour. You can also make your own way there independently from nearby Xalapa, just 8 miles (13 kilometers) north. Don’t confuse the Coatepec Coffee Museum (aka Cafe-tal Apan) with the Museo del Café in the downtown.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
While the Coatepec Coffee Museum is accessible and open year-round, it’s best to visit outside of the rainy season (June, July, and August), during which time Veracruz can also be oppressively hot. Go in the morning for a quieter experience, as most people tend to arrive in the afternoon for their coffee tour.
Mexican Coffee
Largely unknown to much of the world because of limited exports, the coffee found in the Veracruz hills is rich in flavor, mildly acidic, and unforgettably smooth. However, there are plenty more coffee-growing regions in the country. Oaxaca is a great spot to pick up fresh, local coffee beans (either whole or ground). Chiapas is another must-visit coffee region, while Mexico City—with its many third-wave coffee shops—is also an excellent option.