Xela, also known as Quetzaltenango, is the second-largest city in Guatemala and is nestled in the Western Highlands at a breathtaking (literally) 2400m altitude. This charming city is characterized by colonial architecture, vibrant Indigenous Maya culture, and breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes, such as Santa Maria and erupting Santiaguito. Although many travellers only pass by Xela to start the three-day hike to lake Atitlan, Xela is absolutely worth visiting and lingering around.
Need itinerary ideas for Xela? Read my other post for more information and tips on what to do in Xela as a slow traveller.
Although I had initially planned to stay in Xela for a month or two, I ended up living there for nearly eight months! As soon as I arrived, I was drawn to its cool but sunny climate, friendly locals, and the strong sense of community. And because living in Xela was so incredibly affordable - if you plan to stay here for a month contact Kevin from The Yoga House - I had plenty of budget left to explore the coffee scene. So as a guide on where to eat or drink coffee in Xela, here is a selection of my favourite six cafes in Xela.
PS. The yoga classes at the Yoga House, which is less than a minute walking from Hostel Casa Kiwi and Hostel Casa Seibel, are good and very affordable! They cost 20qt per class (about 2,50 EUR/USD), 50qt per week (about 7 EUR/USD, with 10 classes a week if you want to), or 150qt for a month (20 EUR/USD). If you rent a room yoga is included in your rent :)
Each of these offers a unique experience that reflects the city’s diverse character. As a digital nomad myself, I also included a digital nomad rating for each of these. In any case, if you are visiting Xela, know that there are multiple digital nomad-proof cafes near you!
1. Chinajul
Location: 7a Calle, Zone 1, Xela, or here on GoogleMaps.
Vibe: Chinajul is a cozy, intimate café located in the heart of Xela's historic center. The décor is a blend of rustic and modern, with exposed brick walls, wooden furniture, and local artwork adorning the walls. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a perfect spot to unwind or catch up on some reading.
Digital Nomad rating: For digital nomads, or the many people studying Spanish or K'iche at one of the local language schools, this is one of the best cafes in Xela in my opinion. The wifi connection is stable and fast, the coffee is great and affordable, and the staff is very friendly. You will regularly see people working here with laptops or even having meetings alongsides coffee-sipping travellers. The only thing is that besides the pastries there are no breakfast or lunch options, so you cannot spend the entire working day here.
Menu Highlights: Chinajul is known for its artisanal coffee, brewed to perfection using beans sourced from local farms. They have six different brewing methods on the menu that you can choose from when ordering an espresso or black coffee. So if you are a coffee fanatic this is the place to be. They also have cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates, and teas. And for the ones preferring vegetable-based milk they offer almond milk. Pair your drink with a slice of their delicious homemade pastries.
Why Visit: This café stands out for its commitment to supporting local farmers and its dedication to sustainability. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a quiet place to relax or a digital nomad, Chinajul is a must-visit.
2. Habitual
Location: 12 Avenida, Zone 1, Xela, or here on GoogleMaps.
Vibe: Habitual offers a chic, minimalist vibe with clean lines, large windows, and plenty of natural light. The café is popular among young professionals and students, making it a lively spot to people-watch or get some work done.
Digital Nomad rating: Although I have worked here a few times, it is not my favourite place as a digital nomad. The internet is good and the coffee and pastries are great, but it is close to a busy road and so can get quite noisy. It is also quite small, so I personally do not like to sit here for too long as I am occupying space for other potential customers.
Menu Highlights: The menu at Habitual is contemporary, featuring a variety of specialty coffees, fresh juices, and a varying selection of homemade pastries. My favourite characteristic about their pastries is that they do not use a lot of sugar. Their lime cheesecake is one of my favourite cheesecakes I have ever had. They also offer a dark chocolate brownie and delicious pistaccio cookies. They offer oatmilk as a non-dairy alternative.
Why Visit: Habitual is the go-to spot for those who appreciate a modern aesthetic and high-quality coffee. The owners are also super friendly and always up for a talk if you want to.
3. Mandarina
Location: 15a Avenida, Zone 1, Xela,
Vibe: Mandarina is a vibrant open-air café that stands out for its elaborate menu and homemade sourdough bread. This is one of the most popular cafes and restaurant amongst travellers and expats and you will surely run into someone you know here. The owner Mandarina is a ray of sunshine that always tries to remember the names of her customers and the other employees do the same. It’s a great place to hang out with friends, enjoy a casual meal, or simply soak in the artistic surroundings. No worries about the outside aspect in rainy season as they have some covered areas too!
Digital Nomad rating: For digital nomads, this is one of the best cafes in Xela! I have spend so many mornings and afternoons here on my laptop I lost count. I mostly like it because it is outdoors, the wifi is generally stable (although not as good as in Chinajul), and they offer breakfast and lunch. This means you can sit and work here the entire day.
Menu Highlights: Mandarina offers a diverse menu with something for everyone. Their specialty smoothies, made with fresh local fruits, are a must-try. They also make their own sourdough bread, which is delicious and one of the reasons I could stay in Xela for so long - as a dutch person, bread is a key element of my daily consumption. The café also serves a variety of sandwiches, wraps (my favourite), tacos, homemade pastries, and of course coffee! For a non-dairy alternative they offer coconutmilk and oatmilk.
Why Visit: If you’re looking for a café with personality, Mandarina is the place to be. The creative vibe and extremely friendly staff make it a favorite among both locals and travelers. Their menu is incredible and with its outdoor terrace it is a nice place to escape the bustliness of Xela while still being in the city.
4. Cebada Pan & Cafe
Location: 9a Calle 9-47, Zona 1, Xela, or here on GoogleMaps.
Vibe: This cafe will make you feel like you are in Paris or in Amsterdam for a bit. The design is chic and modern, with a dark green wall bringout the freshly baked croissants in front of it. This is a fairly new place but it is already quite popular with many people sitting down or taking croissants to go.
Digital Nomad rating: I have sat here with my laptop and it is nice with good wifi, but as it is small and popular it is not a place to sit for too long when you notice you are taking up space from other customers. But if you are there on a quiet afternoon, this is a very nice place to enjoy coffee and croissants to fuel your creative working power.
Menu Highlights: This place is all about croissants! These croissants are a must-try! With fillings ranging from pear and ricotta to pistaccio cream, you will not find better croissants in Xela. They might even be the best you will find in the whole of Guatemala. Their coffee is also good and they make a good (though very sweet) chai latte. They offer various non-dairy milks.
Why Visit: The croissants are incredible. That's it. That's all you need to know.
5. 5M
Location: 9a Calle, Zone 3, Xela, or here on GoogleMaps.
Vibe: 5M is a trendy, modern café located slightly outside the bustling center of Xela, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. The interior is sleek and stylish, with a mix of industrial elements and cozy seating. The barrista is very friendly and always up for a chat!
Digital Nomad rating: It’s a popular spot for remote workers and students, thanks to its fast Wi-Fi and ample workspace. I would also say that this is one of the cafes that feels the most creative with its cozy atmosphere.
Menu Highlights: The café offers a great selection of coffees, teas, and pastries. Their cold brew coffee is particularly refreshing, and their selection of baked goods, including croissants and muffins, is perfect for a quick snack.
Why Visit: 5M is ideal for those looking for a quiet place to work or study, with a modern and comfortable setting. The combination of excellent coffee and a peaceful environment makes it a top pick in Xela.
6. Rustic
Location: Diagonal 12, Zone 1, Xela, or here on GoogleMaps.
Vibe: Rustic is true to its name, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a cozy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The café features wooden furniture, soft lighting, and plenty of plants that add to the homey, earthy feel. The crowd is a mix of locals and travelers, all drawn to the relaxed environment and friendly service. Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends or enjoy some quiet time with a book, Rustic provides the perfect setting. Not that this place is only open from Thursdays to Saturdays!
Digital Nomad rating: Definitely not the place to do long sessions of remote working or anything involving a laptop, only reading or writing (on paper) at most. Fitting the small and cozy size of the place, the tables are small and temperatures get hot inside. It is also a very popular place so you will likely take up space of another customer if sitting here for too long. They do have wifi.
Menu Highlights: Rustic offers a well-curated menu with a focus on quality and flavor. Their sourdough bread sandwhiches are good and affordable (25 to 35qt), which makes it a good competitor of the bread of Mandarina. Plus they have more choice in sandwhich toppings. They also have the BEST pastries in town if you ask me. I love their cheesecake-chocolate blocks but they also have croissants, brownies, cheese cake and varying pastries. Their homemade lemonades are incredible!
Why Visit: Rustic stands out for its welcoming ambiance and delicious food and drinks, all homemade right next to you. The café’s dedication to using local ingredients and creating a comfortable space makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking to experience the authentic charm of Xela’s café scene.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a coffee aficionado, or just someone who loves to explore new places, the café scene in Xela has something to offer. Each of these cafes provides a unique experience, reflecting the diverse culture and creativity of the city of Xela, and Guatemala as a country.
If you’re planning to visit other destinations in Guatemala, check out my other blog posts on Lago Atitlan and Antigua. Enjoy your café adventures in Xela!
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