Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

Puerto Bolivar - Banana Plantation

Excursion

Price from

£98

Duration
3hrs30
Season
Available all year
Min. number
0 travellers
Booking code
A-PBO1

Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of bananas. Several production methods characterize the banana culture, as a manner of industrial agriculture by using extensive and unsustainable methods. Santa Monica banana plantation has broken the glass by running an organic production in its farm that integrates sustentable practices.
  • Visit an ecological and sustainable Ecuadorian banana plantation.

  • Observe closely the world’s most famous banana, its whole process of cultivation by organic production.

  • Discover sustainable methods of cultivation that meet the highest standards of quality.

  • Delight your senses with the local products prepared with different type of bananas.


Ecuador is the world's largest exporter of bananas. Enjoy a leisurely and educational trip to a banana plantation, Hacienda Santa Monica. Here, learn all about the way of life of a montubio (farmer) and see how crops are grown, harvested, and packed for export.  

But besides learning about the banana plantation procedures, in Santa Monica Hacienda you will also be witness of an organic production that integrates cultural, biological, mechanical practices and an innovative process of playing classic music for the banana plants.  

This successful project has turned into a way of improving the overall production to increase productivity as well as to grow a better product and take care of the local environment.  

After this marvellous experience walking through the banana plantation, visit a rustic outdoor wooden hut where taste local products made of banana, both salty and sweet. A variety of types of banana will be showed off during this activity. The local community will also offer crafts made of banana-leaf fibre. Afterwards drive back to the quayside.  

*Whole production process visit is available on working days (Mon-Fri) and will depends on the harvest season and product demand. On Saturdays and Sundays can be opened with limited staff which can cause that in some spots there are too many people during the explanation of the process.

Practical information

  • Language: English.

  • Included: Refreshments served at the banana plantation.

  • Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes, and a hat.  Insect repellent is highly recommended during the rainy season. 

  • Walking information: 850 meters, uneven terrain, mostly flat. 

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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