Ecuadorian cacao and bananas are well known worldwide, and are an important source of income for the country. These products grow in exuberant extensive haciendas in the coast.
Some of these haciendas in the Guayas province are now open for tourists. They offer the opportunity to be immersed in a tropical ambiance, while learning about the cultivation process of these traditional products. In most cases, the owners of the haciendas themselves welcome tourists and are glad to show them around their properties, share stories of life in the haciendas, and answer any questions related to their plantations. They also offer fresh cocoa juice (a tasty drink unknown for many), exotic fruits that grow amidst the extensive plantations and colorful gardens, and delicious typical food.

The Haciendas on the offer additional fascinating activities for tourists: birdwatching, horseback riding, milking cows, kayaking, canoe rides, etc. If you are lucky, you might also coincide with a banana cargo to a multinational like Dole.

All this is possible in a one-day visit to any of these fascinating haciendas, located 1-2 hours from Guayaquil through excellent highways and roads. Each hacienda offers a unique experience immersed in the exuberance of the Ecuadorian tropics.

Cacao: fruit of the gods

Some archaeologists believe that the cacao dates back to the VII century B.C. in the tropical zones of South America, based on evidence found in excavations near to Mayan villages. The Mayas migrated to the Yucatan peninsula and brought cacao to cultivate, and so the Aztecs developed the habit of consuming a drink called “Xocolatl” (“xoco” means hot, and “alt”- drink). The natives considered the “cacahuatl” fruit of divine origin: fruit of the gods. 1 When the Spaniards arrived to America, they were overwhelmed by this delicious drink, and brought it back to the Spanish royalty. Since then, chocolate has become an exotic pleasure for the whole European continent. America gave chocolate to Europe! Can you even imagine Switzerland without chocolate?
In Ecuador, a farmer from the town of Naranjal (Guayas province), Homero Castro, discovered a cacao hybrid in the Ecuadorian Amazonia that could hold up to 40 fruits. This hybrid, later called CCN51 (Coleccion Castro Naranjal- 51 experiments), was brought to the Coast. Since then, clones of this plant are used to bring about a rich production. “Aroma cacao”, the original fruit produced in the country, is still processed and exported as an exclusive product.

BANANAS: three out of each ten in the world are produced in Ecuador!
Ecuador first exported bananas in 1910, and has been the first banana exporter in the world since 1952. Ecuador is the first banana provider for the EU and the second for the USA. The counctry also exports semi- elaborated products such as mashed banana, banana flour, dehydrated banana, flakes and chips.

Banana production in Ecuador enjoys several comparative advantages: a favorable climate and adequate luminosity all throughout the year; and deep and highly fertile soils, which means that chemicals or pesticides are seldom used. This is what makes Ecuadorian bananas such a special, high-quality and flavorful treat.

Unlike other countries where multinationals own the plantations, Ecuadorian banana plantations are fully owned by Ecuadorians. The banana business is the largest source of employment in the country: about 12% of Ecuador's inhabitants depend directly of indirectly on this business.

Sources:
www.corpei.org (Export and Investment Promotion Corp)
Quintana, Manuel "Monografía de la Provincia de Los Rios"

Hacienda Rodeo Grande (Los Ríos)
Rodeo Grande is located 90 Kms. from Guayaquil, in a tropical environment, in los Ríos province. Here you can just relax or enjoy horseriding, walking and nature observation. We serve meals in our lovely farmhouse and for special groups, we can provide local musicians and folklore entertainment. The farm has a large herd of cattle kept both for meat and milk as well as over 100 buffalos. Additionally, there is a flock of ostriches and in the garden, peacock, guinea fowl and deer. The horseriding (limited to eight at a time) is a great way to see the entire farm, and the cattle and buffalos managed in the traditional way, by real cowboys. The Bananan Farm "Skeeper" is located next to Rodeo Grande. Here the guests can learn about the process of production of banana, the most important agricultural export product of Ecuador. Our expert professional guides will show you how bananas are grown, harvested and packed for export.

Hacienda El Castillo (Guayas)
This family owned Hacienda is located 45 minutes away from Guayaquil on the way to the Pacific Coastline. The Rosales family offers day tours as well as lodging. The Hacienda house has 5 comfortable rooms, each with bathroom and balcony. Delicious typical coastal food is served, with a special homey taste.

You can either hike or horseback ride admiring the exuberant vegetation of the region, visiting the cacao and mango plantations, as well as teak, mahogany, guayacan and other forests. Additionally, you can hike through a protected dry forest area, with an impressive bird diversity, and unique flora and fauna.

At the hacienda they also show you the cacao cultivation process in a very didactical manner, and you can taste a delicious fresh cocoa juice (a tasty drink unknown for many).

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