Travel Diaries: An Organic Galapaogs Coffee Plantation

Oh hello to new week! Last night I had a blast at the Wine Enthusiast Launch Party (check out Snapchat and Instastories for more) and for the rest of the week before I head off on my next adventure, I need all of the coffee.   Speaking of coffee, when I was in the Galapagos in March I had the chance to visit Lava Java, an organic coffee planation located in the mountains of Santa Cruz Island and keeping true to my promise, I am wrapping up past travels before I embark on any new ones!  Compared to how much hiking and swimming with animals we had done the past few days this was a nice change of pace to visit a farm in the Galapagos highlands.

Our visit to Lava Java was my first ever tour of a coffee planation I loved seeing the coffee development from start to finish, especially since it was a guided walk around the property and greenhouses by the owner, Maria Elena.  The entire process is extremely involved and it was interesting to see all of the steps and the struggles the owners go through – primarily to get fresh water during a drought and how to keep pests away while remaining organic.  At the end of the tour we were able to sit on a gorgeous porch with a view of the island from the hilltop, sip samples of the coffee, and enjoy the nature.  I ended up bringing a few bags home and learning that the farm also grows bananas, kale, avocados, spinach, pineapple, and many other fruits and vegetables which was fun to see! 

It was delicious and I really could use a cup right now! Good thing I have a half a bag left … now just to grind those beans! Cheers to delicious organic coffee and getting the chance to see where it grows!  Thanks Lava Java for a wonderful afternoon it was great to see how you transformed from a abandoned farm in the Galapagos highlands to the stunning beauty you are today! 

Have you ever been to a coffee farm or planation?