UNLOCKED: GUATEMALA
Enjoy these items from Guatemala.
Coffee Beans
These single-origin beans come from Café Sol, a beloved small-batch roaster in Antigua known for their direct relationships with local coffee growers. Grown in volcanic soil at high elevation, this coffee offers a rich, balanced flavor with hints of chocolate and citrus. Brew them however you like — pour-over, French press, or espresso — and enjoy a cup that connects you directly to the region you'll explore on this journey.
Drinking Chocolate
Handmade chocolate discs are a traditional way to enjoy chocolate in Guatemala. Made from just sugar and locally sourced cacao, they’re meant to be crumbled into a cup and blended with hot milk or water to make a richly spiced drinking chocolate. It's a warm, comforting ritual that dates back to ancient Maya civilization.
Zacapa 23 Rum
Zacapa 23 is Guatemala’s most renowned spirit — a solera-aged rum crafted from the first pressing of local sugarcane juice and matured at high altitudes in the mountains. Smooth and complex, it offers deep notes of vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and spice, and is consistently ranked among the world’s best rums. Each bottle is adorned with a handwoven petate band, a traditional Guatemalan palm fiber braid that honors the artistry of local women weavers and reflects the rum’s deep cultural roots. Sip it neat or pour it over ice.
Qualzalteca
Quetzalteca is a sugarcane-based aguardiente (or “firewater”) widely enjoyed throughout Guatemala — especially in the western highlands. Distilled for over 85 years, it comes in various flavors and strengths. While it can be sipped straight (with a bit of bravado), locals often mix it with soda or juice for a festive and casual drink. Think of it as Guatemala’s spirited answer to tequila or pisco — bold, local, and full of character.
Worry Doll
These handmade worry dolls originate from the indigenous people of the highlands and are still lovingly crafted by artisans today. According to Mayan legend, when you’re feeling troubled, you tell your worries to a small doll before placing it under your pillow at night. By morning, the doll is said to have taken your troubles away. Whether you use it for tradition or simply as a keepsake, it carries a piece of Guatemalan storytelling and belief.
Chocolate Covered Fruit
Chocolá is a Guatemalan chocolate maker that celebrates the country's deep roots in cacao cultivation. The chocolate in your gift box is paired with one of Guatemala’s tropical fruits — guava, coconut, or pineapple — for a sweet, chewy bite that balances bright fruit flavors with smooth chocolate. It’s a small taste of the country’s proud bean-to-bar craft and vibrant agricultural bounty.
Ludlow Charlington Mug & Gift Card
Enjoy a Ludlow Charlingtons mug and gift card for your favorite coffee drinks before the trip. Stop by the café to ease into the spirit of the trip!
(For those joining from outside of Chicago, we’ll substitute a different item for the gift card.)