Situated just a stone's throw from Jalapa, in the State of Veracruz, Coatepec is undoubtedly a place worth visiting if coffee is one of your passions. The delectable aroma that permeates the air in Coatepec both instantly delights the nose and offers a wonderfully warm welcome to visitors. Located in one of Mexico's richest coffee-growing regions, and a particularly lush and beautiful part of Veracruz, the charm and peacefulness of this town offers a refreshing break from Mexico's busy cities and popular tourist spots. It additionally boasts the added honor of being among Mexico's "Magical Towns", an honorary list compiled by the National Tourism Department, giving further grounds to start scheduling a trip to this Mexican coffee haven.
Cafes and outlets galore
The center of Coatepec, distinguished by its lovely Zocalo and the San Jeronimo church and gardens, is a beautiful setting for sampling the local product. Around the Zocalo itself, there are numerous cafes with al fresco seating where you can enjoy an americano or cappuccino and simply watch life go by and observe the happenings in the town plaza. However, an even more enchanting side of Coatepec is to be found in the great number of smaller coffee outlets, some with just a coffee bar or a handful of tables and chairs, which are dotted around the town as you walk a block or so away from the Zocalo. A good starting place is just behind the San Jeronimo church, where on Cuauhtemoc Street you will find a clusture of coffee outlets and gift stores.
A local favorite
Cuauhtemoc Street is home to La Onza, a favorite coffee outlet among locals and visitors alike, and a family run business with roots that go back generations. They have a superb range of coffees and will take delight in helping you choose the beans for your ideal brew. They also stock a lovely range of gifts, including manual coffee grinders which should appeal to any enthusiast who relishes the ritual of grinding their beans the old-fashioned way. Be aware though, manual grinders are great for just one cup or two but not to be contemplated for larger quantities! And just a door or so away from La Onza, you can find other outlets and gift stores not to be missed.
Coffee creations
On display in the cafes and outlets as well as stores specializing in handcrafts, you can find a lovely range of gifts and souvenirs created by local artisans who have put imaginative use to coffee beans and wood. From earrings to key rings, and carved clocks to full domino sets, the variety of creations is a feast for souvenir shoppers. In addition to the handcrafts, you can also find a variety of candies, chocolates, liqueurs, preserves and more, all derived from coffee beans. And after a day of touring the town, there is no better nightcap than a "Torito", the local liqueur made from sugar cane which, among the wide range of flavors to be encountered, needless to say includes coffee.
Coffee Museum and Sanctuary
To indulge further in the coffee culture of the town, and learn more about coffee production in the zone, take a trip to El Café-tal Apan coffee museum (Museo del Café) which is situated on the road from Coatepec to Las Trancas, just a few minutes out of town. A 45-minute guided tour will leave you with a lovely aftertaste and somewhat more knowledgeable about coffee. You will also find the museum's shop offers a nice range of gifts and souvenirs and of course a chance to pick up some of their coffee beans. And if that doesn't quench your thirst, then visit the Coffee Sanctuary, situated 6kms from town, where your can immerse yourself in the beautiful flora and fauna of Coatepec; birds, coffee plants, fruit trees, orchids, cedars and more.
Karen Green - Writer, teacher, therapist and mother.
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