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Izabal Banana Plantations

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Agriculture
—°3
Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)

Weather…

The banana plantations in the department of Izabal represent one of Guatemala's most significant economic sectors, concentrated primarily on the fertile plains near the Caribbean coast. The history of these plantations is closely linked to the arrival of the United Fruit Company (UFCO) at the beginning of the 20th century, which significantly shaped the region's infrastructure through the construction of railways and ports like Puerto Barrios. The tropical climate and water-rich soils provide handy conditions for the large-scale cultivation of the Cavendish variety, which dominates the global market today. These plantations cover thousands of hectares and employ a substantial portion of the local population, making them the social and economic backbone of Izabal. Despite historical controversies regarding land ownership and labor conditions, modern certifications have improved environmental and social standards in recent decades. Guatemala is now among the world's leading exporters of bananas, with Izabal serving as the logistical hub for shipments to the United States and Europe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222324262726252525242322
Rain mm105786151127214188195227205174113

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Izabal Banana Plantations are a key economic driver in the region. They shape daily life for many people and produce bananas for export.
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Visiting
The plantations are typically not open to tourists, but banana plants are visible from the roads. Occasionally, guided tours are offered by local operators.
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Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the CA-13 highway, which runs through the plantations. From here you see endless banana fields stretching to the mountains.
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Local products
Fresh bananas are sold at local markets in Izabal and the surrounding area. Banana chips and other processed products are also commonly available.
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Active season
Banana harvesting occurs year-round, with peak production during the rainy season. The plantations are most lively then.
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Nearby
The plantations can be combined with a visit to Lake Izabal and the town of Puerto Barrios. Río Dulce National Park is also nearby.

Geography

Coordinates
15.73000, -88.59000

Facts

  • Guatemala is among the top 5 exporters of bananas worldwide.
  • The United Fruit Company began its activities in Izabal around 1904.
  • Over 90% of the bananas produced in Izabal belong to the Cavendish variety.
  • The port of Puerto Barrios was primarily developed for banana exports.
  • The plantations benefit from annual rainfall exceeding 2,500 mm.
  • Bananas account for a significant portion of Guatemala's GDP.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Puerto BarriosPuerto Barrios<1 km · SExplore →
ProtecciónProtección3 km · WExplore →
Santo Tomás de CastillaSanto Tomás de Castilla3 km · SExplore →
Cockscomb MountainsCockscomb Mountains3 km · EExplore →
San Matias Church (La Campa)San Matias Church (La Campa)4 km · SWExplore →
Five Blues LakeFive Blues Lake4 km · EExplore →
Cockscomb Basin Jaguar SanctuaryCockscomb Basin Jaguar Sanctuary4 km · SEExplore →
Monkey River HillsMonkey River Hills5 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Izabal Banana Plantations (3)

Roy Fearon Stadium📍 landmark

A sports stadium in Puerto Barrios, used for football matches and local events.

Apostolic Vicariate of Izabal📍 landmark

A Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction based in Puerto Barrios, covering the Izabal region.

Izabal Department📍 landmark

An administrative department in eastern Guatemala, featuring Caribbean coastline and banana plantations.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the banana plantations?
Some farms offer organized tours; unauthorized entry into private farms is prohibited.
When is the harvest season?
In Izabal, bananas are harvested year-round due to the tropical climate.
What are the road conditions like?
Main roads are paved, but access roads to plantations can be muddy after rain.
What do you learn on a tour?
You can see the entire process from cultivation and cleaning to packaging for export.
Is the area safe?
Generally yes, but it is recommended to travel only with official tour operators.
Izabal Banana Plantations: where is it located?
Izabal Banana Plantations is located in Guatemala.
Izabal Banana Plantations: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roy Fearon Stadium, Apostolic Vicariate of Izabal, Izabal Department.
Izabal Banana Plantations: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Izabal Banana Plantations: why is it worth visiting?
The banana plantations in the department of Izabal represent one of Guatemala's most significant economic sectors, concentrated primarily on the fertile plains near the Caribbean coast.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Puerto Barrios — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Puerto Barrios
Important port city on the Caribbean coast and capital of Izabal department.
El Estor — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
El Estor
Town on the shore of Lake Izabal, historically linked to nickel mining.
Morales — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Morales
Important city in the banana-growing region of the Formula-Tals.
Santo Tomás de Castilla — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Santo Tomás de Castilla
Modern port city on the Caribbean coast, next to Puerto Barrios.
Río Dulce — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Río Dulce
A tropical waterway connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean, lined with lush jungle and history.
Lake Izabal — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Lake Izabal
Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala, a freshwater paradise with colonial forts, manatees, and hot springs.

Nature

Río Dulce — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Río Dulce
A river connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean, known for its impressive gorge.
Sarstoon River — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Sarstoon River
A river that forms the southern border between Guatemala and Belize.
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Polochic River Delta
An important wetland and delta where the Polochic River flows into Lake Izabal.

More places

Battle of Puerto Caballos — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Battle of Puerto Caballos
A 17th-century naval battle where pirates attacked a Spanish fortress.
Izabal Logistics Hub — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Izabal Logistics Hub
Large storage and logistics area.
Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast
A secluded coast with mangroves and nesting sites for sea turtles.
Caribbean Coast — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Caribbean Coast
Guatemala's short but diverse coastal section on the Caribbean Sea.
Izabal Banana Packing — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Izabal Banana Packing
Center for banana processing and export.
History of the United Fruit Company — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
History of the United Fruit Company
The historical influence of the American company on Guatemala's economy and politics, especially in banana cultivation.
Río Dulce National Park — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Río Dulce National Park
A national park protecting the Río Dulce and parts of Lake Izabal, including the gorge.
Rio Dulce Manatee Sanctuary — Izabal Banana Plantations (Guatemala)
Rio Dulce Manatee Sanctuary
A protected river stretch with calm water and important habitat for manatees.