If you’re visiting La Palma and have a curiosity for sustainable agriculture and local food, the PlatanoLógico Edible Forest Tour in Puerto Naos offers an engaging glimpse into eco-friendly banana cultivation. While it’s not your typical sightseeing trip, this experience combines hands-on learning with delicious tastings, all led by passionate guides dedicated to sharing their knowledge.
We love the way this tour highlights organic banana growing methods, the chance to taste fresh tropical fruit, and the opportunity to learn about the ecosystems thriving on the island. Plus, the interpretation center dedicated to Canary Island bananas adds an educational twist many travelers appreciate. However, some might find the seated presentation style a bit long, especially for younger kids.
This tour suits those who enjoy understanding the how and why behind sustainable farming, as well as travelers eager to connect with local island food traditions. If you’re looking for a relaxed, educational experience with genuine flavor, keep reading for all the details.
Key Points
- Educational and engaging guides make the experience lively and informative.
- Tasting fresh fruit directly from the trees adds a delicious, authentic touch.
- The interpretation center deepens understanding of Canary Island banana cultivation.
- The tour emphasizes sustainable, chemical-free farming.
- It’s suitable for children aged 6 and up, but may be less ideal for very young kids due to the seated format.
- Price offers good value for an educational experience that combines nature, food, and sustainability.
What Is the PlatanoLógico Edible Forest Tour?
This isn’t a typical farm visit. Instead, it’s an educational experience designed to teach visitors about organic, sustainable banana farming on La Palma. Run by EcoFinca PlatanoLógico, the tour showcases a plantation with 17 years of history, located right on the Puerto Naos beach promenade. The farm has survived volcanic eruptions, emphasizing resilience and eco-friendly practices.
The guided tour lasts about 90 to 120 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your La Palma itinerary. It’s suitable for those interested in agroecology, ecosystems, and local food traditions. The tour also offers a chance to sample fresh bananas and herbal solar tea at the end.
Looking for more options in La Palma? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
What Can You Expect During the Tour?
The experience begins with easy access via the beach promenade, marked by a banana-themed sign, leading you directly into the farm. From there, your guide—sometimes a passionate local like Fran—takes you through a series of informative stops.
Learning about Banana Cultivation
You’ll discover how Canary Island bananas are grown without chemicals, using sustainable methods that respect the environment. The guide explains the matriarchal structure of banana plants, which is a fascinating aspect of their growth. The emphasis on good plant nutrition underscores the importance of healthy soil and ecosystems.
Visiting the Interpretation Center
One of the tour highlights is the only interpretation center dedicated to Canary Island bananas. Here, you’ll learn about their history, cultural significance, and the eco-friendly practices that make this farm unique. This center is a valuable resource for understanding the bigger picture of local agriculture.
More Great Tours NearbyFruit Tasting and Environmental Insights
You’ll enjoy tasting fresh bananas right from the trees—an experience that truly enhances appreciation for quality and freshness. Reviewers have noted the delicious flavor of the fruit, often emphasizing how much better it tastes when freshly picked.
Ecosystem and Sustainability
The guide discusses how the farm coexists with volcanic activity, showing resilience and adaptability. Topics include ecosystem balance, permaculture principles, and the importance of biodiversity. This part of the tour makes clear how sustainable farming benefits both the environment and the consumer.
Relaxed, Interactive Atmosphere
While most of the time is spent seated during the educational presentation, there are shaded areas and seating available, making it comfortable even on warm days. At the end, everyone shares a cup of solar tea, fostering a friendly, community vibe.
What Do Reviews Reveal About the Experience?
Based on 16 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, visitors generally find the tour highly worthwhile. Many praise guide Fran’s passion and enthusiasm—“Fran makes this with an incredible passion,” one reviewer notes. The knowledgeable explanations combined with humor seem to keep guests engaged throughout.
Some travelers appreciated the value for money, with one describing it as “worth every penny,” and others enjoyed tasting bananas and herbal tea as a highlight. A few reviewers mentioned that the seated format or the broad range of topics, including galaxy and digestion, can make it a bit long for smaller children or those expecting a more straightforward farm tour.
One reviewer pointed out a small logistical detail: the meeting point is directly in front of the plantation entrance, not on the beach as some maps suggest, so a quick heads-up might help.
The Practical Details
The tour costs $35 per person, which includes the guided farm visit, history and tradition insights, banana cultivation explanations, and fruit tastings. It’s priced competitively considering the educational content and the opportunity to sample fresh, organically grown bananas.
It runs every Thursday at 10:30 a.m., making it easy to plan around other activities. The tour is conducted in Spanish and English, broadening its accessibility. Guests should reserve in advance (with flexible payment options) and can cancel up to 24 hours before, for a full refund.
Participants are advised not to smoke, bring pets (except assistance dogs), or litter during the tour. The experience is best suited for children 6 and up, given its focus on ecosystems and eco-agriculture concepts.
Why This Tour Is Worth Considering
This experience offers more than just sightseeing; it’s an educational adventure that provides insight into sustainable farming practices on La Palma. The passionate guides, like Fran, bring the farm’s story to life, making complex ecological topics accessible and engaging.
Travelers who appreciate authentic local food, eco-conscious practices, and cultural insights will find this tour rewarding. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the land and learn how bananas grow in harmony with nature—plus, the tastings make it particularly memorable.
On top of that, it’s perfect for those who prefer a relaxed, seated experience with shade and comfort, especially on warm days. The inclusion of solar tea and fruit tasting adds a genuine, sensory dimension that enhances the educational component.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re a foodie curious about local produce and sustainable agriculture, this tour satisfies that craving. It’s also ideal for family groups with children aged 6 and above, who can handle sitting through a lively, educational presentation.
Travelers interested in learning about ecosystems and eco-friendly farming will find plenty of value here, especially given the enthusiasm and knowledge of guides like Fran.
However, if you prefer a more physically active farm tour or have very young children, this experience might feel a bit static or lengthy. It’s also worth noting that some reviews mention the broad range of topics may include subjects beyond just banana cultivation, which could be a plus or a distraction depending on your interests.
FAQ About the PlatanoLógico Edible Forest Tour
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and above are generally encouraged, as the topics can be complex for very young kids, but the seated format makes it manageable.
How long does the tour last?
Expect between 90 and 120 minutes, including tastings and the educational presentation.
Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is on Puerto Naos Beach promenade, directly in front of the entrance gate to the farm, marked by a banana sign.
What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in both Spanish and English, making it accessible for most visitors.
What’s included in the price?
Guided farm tour, history and cultural insights, banana cultivation lessons, fruit tasting, and a cup of solar herbal tea.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is there much walking involved?
No, the tour involves minimal walking, mostly seated during the presentation, with some outdoor exposure in shaded areas.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not permitted, except for assistance dogs.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and maybe a camera—although most of the experience is seated and educational.
Is it worth the price?
Given the engaging guides, authentic tastings, and educational value, many find $35 reasonable for this intimate eco-tour.
The PlatanoLógico Edible Forest Tour offers a genuinely informative, tasty, and eco-conscious experience on La Palma. It’s especially well-suited for travelers eager to understand how food is grown responsibly and who enjoy learning about local traditions. The guides’ passion shines through, making the tour engaging and memorable.
While it’s not a farm in the traditional sense—more a focused, educational presentation—the mix of fruit tastings, interpretive insights, and environmental discussion makes it a unique addition to your La Palma itinerary. The price provides good value, considering the depth of information and the quality of the experience.
If you’re after a relaxed, enriching experience that connects you with the land and farm life, this tour will satisfy your curiosity while giving you a taste of Canary Island’s sustainable farming practices.
In summary, this eco-tour stands out as a charming, educational outing for those interested in local food systems, eco-agriculture, and island culture. It’s a chance to learn, taste, and appreciate La Palma’s natural resilience and agricultural ingenuity—all in one relaxed, friendly setting.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Guided Tours in La Palma
- La Palma: Tajogaite Volcano Guided Hike ( ES-ED )
- Guided tour: Timanfaya National Park and La Geria with pick-up
- La Palma: Tajogaite Volcano Guided Hike
- La Palma: Springs Marcos y Cordero Guided Trekking Tour
- La Palma: Guided Tour to Tajogaite Volcano With Transfer
- La Palma: Island Highlights Guided Bus Tour
More Tours in La Palma
More Tour Reviews in La Palma
Still browsing? Here are more La Palma experiences we've covered recently
- La Palma: Tajogaite Volcano Guided Hike ( ES-ED )
- Guided tour: Timanfaya National Park and La Geria with pick-up
- Lanzarote Island Tour (Full-day)
- Hiking Route Visit to the New Volcano of La Palma
- La Palma: Tajogaite Volcano Guided Hike
- La Palma: Stargazing in the best sky in the world
- La Palma: Group Stargazing in Private Volcano Location
- La Palma: Springs Marcos y Cordero Guided Trekking Tour
- La Palma: Basic Diver Certification With 2 Atlantic Dives
- La Palma: Volcano Route Buggy Tour
- PADI Discover Scuba Diving Los Cancajos La Palma
- La Palma: Treasures of the Northwest Day Trp With Lunch