4K Walk - Finca Carmona Antigua Guatemala

Here are some key facts about Finca Carmona (also known as Hacienda Carmona or associated with Finca Bella Carmona and Carmona Trails) in relation to Antigua Guatemala: Location: Finca Carmona is situated on the fertile southern slopes of the Volcán de Agua in the Antigua Valley, within the municipality of San Juan del Obispo, Sacatepéquez Department, Guatemala. It lies just outside Antigua Guatemala, along the road to Santa María de Jesús (specifically at approximately Km 3.5 Carretera a Santa María de Jesús). This places it roughly 10–20 minutes by car from central Antigua Guatemala, offering elevated panoramic views over the historic city, surrounding volcanoes (including Volcán de Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego), and the surrounding landscape. Elevation and Geography: The farm spans elevations between about 1,600–2,000 meters (5,200–6,600 feet) above sea level, benefiting from the ideal high-altitude, volcanic soil conditions that make the Antigua region renowned for premium coffee production. Size and Operations: Hacienda Carmona covers around 110 hectares (about 272 acres). It functions as a traditional coffee farm (producing high-quality shade-grown varieties like Typica and others) combined with dairy farming (cows are part of the landscape). Coffee Heritage: It's a historic family-run estate managed by generations of the Zelaya family (including Maria Zelaya and relatives like Luis Pedro Zelaya). The farm produces acclaimed single-origin coffees often labeled as "Bella Carmona" or "Hacienda Carmona," with tasting notes frequently including floral elements (like lilac), citrus (Meyer lemon), sweet spices (gingerbread), raisins, and walnuts. It's considered one of the genuine Antigua coffees, grown under shade trees for sustainability. Tourism and Activities: In recent years, parts of the finca have developed into Carmona Trails, a popular outdoor destination offering mountain biking (shuttle-serviced trails), hiking, trail running, camping, and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore nature trails amid coffee plants, dairy cows, and stunning volcano/city views. It's pet-friendly, emphasizes safety, and serves as an eco-tourism spot blending adventure with Guatemala's coffee culture. Proximity Note: While "over" Antigua Guatemala refers to its hillside position providing sweeping overlooks of the city below, it's not directly within Antigua's colonial center but in a nearby rural/farming area—making it a quick escape for day trips or outdoor activities from town.