Trasmontaña: Waterworks, Estate History and Banana Culture

A trip to Trasmontaña can focus on several different themes: historic water management, the architecture of traditional estates, and the culture of the Canarian banana. These themes take different forms at specific locations—as stone waterworks and washing places, as estate history, or as a guided visit to a banana plantation. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your stay.

Waterworks and Washing Places

The Cantoneras y Lavaderos complex stands on Camino del Laurel in Trasmontaña. Two structures are visible on the descent; others lie along the Acequia that runs there. Access conditions may vary; check visiting arrangements before your visit.

The complex comprises five stone cantoneras and four small, individually built stone lavaderos, which were used for washing while kneeling. Three of the cantoneras are elongated, one is almost square, and the fifth is located in a rectangular hut. The Acequia del Guincho carried water belonging to the Heredad and later to the Porrón; several washing places were established along the canal. Water conveyance and a specific washing function thus come together in a historical context.

Water Management and Estate History

Around 1572, the Acequia Alta, a section of the Acequia de Arucas, was extended to Trasmontaña to carry water to the El Prior estate, which belonged to the Mayorazgo. The historic estates and manor houses in Trasmontaña include complexes dating from the 17th and 18th centuries along the old royal road. The different dates point to a history of waterworks and agriculture spanning several centuries.

In the wider Arucas area, residential and farm buildings, stables and granaries form traditional estate complexes enclosed by walls and laid out in L or U shapes. The agricultural history associated with Trasmontaña includes large estates established after the conquest, which flourished during the interwar period through banana monoculture.

Banana Culture and a House Dating from 1804

At Mundo del Plátano in Hacienda La Rekompensa, a guided tour takes visitors through a banana plantation. It explains the history, cultivation and varieties of the Canarian banana; products made from Canarian bananas are also available to taste. Check visiting arrangements before your trip. Another historical feature at Mundo del Plátano is a fully restored Canarian house dating from 1804. Banana cultivation and a building with a specific date thus stand side by side as distinct points of interest.

Route and Fiesta

A circular route described in November 2022 starts in Trasmontaña, follows the Paseo de San Patricio and the Acequia Alta, and climbs to Montaña de Arucas; it also passes Montaña de Cardones. The route description notes construction-related restrictions near the summit. Check the current route and conditions before setting out.

The Fiesta de San Patricio in Trasmontaña is associated with the month of August. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Lomo Quiebre, San Bartolomé De Tirajana, El Espinillo, Cazadores, Casas Nuevas, Tasartico, San Lorenzo, La Sorrueda.

For the broader travel overview: Gran Canaria.