UNLOCKED: GUATEMALA

Join Key Travel Advisors & Ludlow Charlingtons for a coffee-inspired travel experience.

Step beyond the coffee shop… to the origin.

Join Ludlow Charlingtons and Key Travel Advisors on a 5-day, 4-night escape to Guatemala, where some of the world’s finest beans are grown. Immerse yourself in Guatemala’s coffee traditions and culture through hands-on experiences visiting coffee plantations, participating in a cupping session with local experts, and visiting vibrant cafés. It’s a journey – for casual coffee fans and aficionados – into the culture, craft, and community behind every cup.

Our home base will be Antigua, a charming colonial city set against a backdrop of volcanoes, and known for its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, vibrant markets, and deep-rooted coffee culture and expertise. Following this experience, choose to extend your stay in Antigua, other sites in Guatemala, or elsewhere Central America.

Highlights:

Pre-trip welcome event and orientation.

Curated coffee-themed gift basket.

Authentic experiences with local experts.

Five star accommodations.

Expert guides and all trip logistics.

Opportunities to extend your travel.

Itinerary and Inclusions:

  • Meet your fellow travelers at Ludlow Charlingtons and get excited for your upcoming trip with small bites, (coffee-based) cocktails, and travel inspiration. Pick up your curated gift basket with Guatemalan beans and destination-inspired surprises.

  • ¡Bienvenidos a Guatemala!

    Today you’ll arrive in Antigua, a charming colonial city set against a volcano backdrop, and known for its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, vibrant markets, and deep-rooted coffee culture.

    Check into our hotel and walk around the town square before meeting fellow travelers for our welcome dinner with local flavors at a nearby restaurant. Unwind with fellow travelers, and get excited for the trip ahead!

  • Today you’ll visit a commercial coffee estate on the outskirts of Antigua. Here, you’ll learn about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of beans; meet the purveyors of the estate; and sample coffees right at the source. We’ll have lunch together at the estate before returning to Antigua.

    The afternoon and evening are yours to relax and explore.

  • This morning choose between a market visit and participatory cooking class, a bean-to-bar chocolate workshop, or a visit to local artisans.

    Whichever you choose, make sure to make time in the afternoon for our informal café crawl to see Antigua’s serious coffee culture and meet its entrepreneurs.

    Dinner is on your own tonight.

  • Today you’ll visit a small, speciality coffee farm, which offers a contrast to the larger commercial estate from Day 2. Visiting a small outfit is an intimate experiences, where you’ll be invited into the farm in a different way.

    Afterwards, return to Antigua to explore or relax (a massage at the hotel spa, perhaps?) before tonight’s celebratory dinner.

  • Alas, our trip has come to an end. Grab one more latte at a local café, say goodbye to new friends, and savor in the new experiences and memories.

    Guests may choose to transfer to Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, or extend their travels in Antigua, Guatemala, or the region.

PRE-TRIP WELCOME EVENT. Light bites, drinks, and great company at a trip orientation held at Ludlow Charlingtons.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

CURATED GIFT BASKET. A Ludlow Charlington-curated, coffee-centric gift basket with Guatemalan beans, treats, brew gear, and other select items.

BESPOKE ACCOMMODATIONS. Four nights accommodations at a 5-star property in Antigua.

GUIDED ACTIVITIES. Coffee estate visits and activities, Antigua artisanal experience, and coffee café crawl.

MOST MEALS. All breakfasts at your hotel, two dinners at selected local restaurants, and one lunch at the coffee plantation.

Travel to and from Antigua, hotel incidentals (room service, hotel bar tab, spa services, etc.), meals not listed above, travel insurance, and tour leader/local guide gratuities.

NOT INCLUDED:

YOUR HOST:

Naji Al-Awar is the owner of Ludlow Charlingtons, a coffee enthusiast, and community builder. He founded Ludlow Charlingtons in August 2021 to bring good people together over great coffee, support sustainable suppliers, and raise awareness for Chicago’s shelter dogs through partnering with Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

[No pressure here, Naji, but penciling this in in case you are open]

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo (5 stars) is built within the ruins of a 17th‑century Dominican convent. Part hotel and part museum, Casa Santo Domingo features beautifully restored colonial architecture, tranquil gardens, on‑site galleries, and a full-service spa — all within a short walk of Antigua’s central square.

El Convento Boutique Hotel (5 stars) sits on a cobblestone street opposite the ruins of an 18th-century convent. This boutique hotel has 26 well-appointed suites, a small outdoor pool, and roof terrace and is an ideal base for exploring Antigua.

*Hotels are subject to change based on availability.

ANTIGUA HOTELS:

What are the arrival and departure details?

The experience will begin at the Antigua hotel on the afternoon of the first day and end at the hotel after breakfast on the last day. The closest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. Key Travel Advisors can help arrange air and transfers to Antigua.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Who is going on this trip?

Groups are typically 10-20 guests, and include independent travelers, couples, and friends traveling together. This experience is created for the broader Ludlow Charlington community, but we welcome all interested guests ages 18 and over.

What travel documents do I need?

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Guatemala. You must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the expected date you will leave Guatemala.

What is the cancellation policy?

You may cancel 60 days or more from the first day and receive a full refund less a $350 service fee. Cancellations between 30-60 days from the trip start will receive a 50% refund. There is no refund for cancellations within 30 days of the start.

TRIP DATES & PRICE COMING SOON

JOIN THE INTEREST LIST: