Guatemala Origin Trip 2027: Agenda and FAQs
We started traveling to Guatemala in February 2026, with the Lab's very first coffee origin adventure. The story behind these trips is rooted in connections—truly what specialty coffee is all about. In February 2020, I volunteered with a USAID-funded venture called Farmer to Farmer, which recruited me as a coffee subject-matter expert to support Chica Bean in the process of opening their retail cafe space. I traveled there where I met (and subsequently fell in love with) the entire Chica Bean team, including Dona Maritza, whose farm we'll visit on this trip. A couple of years later, I returned with a Higher Grounds colleague (shout out to Karin!) to help Chica Bean with improving some of their roastery and production systems, and now I have an incredible friendship with the people behind this amazing company. With organizational support from Nick of Good Impacts and Abbi of Chica Bean, I’m thrilled to present the coffee-loving public with an opportunity to dive deeper into the story of coffee, guided by folks who truly love what they do. It’s in perfect alignment with Higher Grounds’ tagline: Exceptional coffee from a world of good friends. I can't wait to travel with you!
--Jennifer
The itinerary below is from our first trip in 2026; while the details will be similar, please stay tuned for a 2027 version!
MORE DETAILS
Dates: January 23-30, 2027
Total cost: $2399 ($500 deposit to reserve your spot)
This origin trip is a joint effort coordinated by the HG Coffee Learning Lab, Good Impacts, and Chica Bean.
Spots are limited, but you can reserve your place today with a $500 deposit. The remaining balance will be due by January 1. Once you have paid the deposit, you will receive a registration form, instructions for paying the balance, and additional information via email.