Known as the National Strawberry Capital, Atibaia welcomes more than 100,000 visitors from May through September for the strawberry harvest. This rural experience teaches visitors about growing and selecting the fruit, while also sharing the history of a city rich in family farming and flower production.
But it’s not just about a specific strawberry harvest: the Strawberry Tour is simply a series of guided tours organized by local farms and greenhouses. On these tours, families, school groups, and tourists enjoy a unique day, participating in the harvest and tasting fresh strawberries straight from the vine.
One of the region’s most famous tours, the TakebayashiOrchid Garden offers a “pick-and-pay” experience. Visitors select and pick the fruit directly from the plant, which are grown on elevated structures high off the ground.
The system, known as semi-hydroponic, allows people to reach the strawberries easily without having to bend down. Moreover, since the activity also involves eating the fruit straight from the plant, this technique ensures proper hygiene and sanitation.
How does the harvest work?
- Before going, visitors should contact the farm to find out if strawberries are available for picking and whether an appointment is necessary.
- Upon arrival, the guides provide instructions on how to select the berries and handle the plants.
- With a basket or tray, visitors are free to explore the growing rows, picking only the ripe strawberries.
- Payment is based on the weight of the fruit and the packaging option chosen .
In general, the rules, schedules, and prices may vary depending on the farm you choose. The Takebayashi Orchid Garden, for example, charges R$ 5 per person for the tour, which usually lasts about 2 hours.
It’s also worth noting that a harvest isn’t always guaranteed. Even during the peak strawberry season in Atibaia, the quantity of fruit can vary depending on the weather and the fruit’s ripening pace.
What to do during the strawberry harvest in Atibaia?
The experience offers the opportunity to get an up-close look at the processes, the harvest, and the farms’ greenhouses. A guided tour led by a guide ensures a deeper understanding of the fruit, the plant’s life cycle, and quality standards.
In addition, the greenhouses and fields offer great photo opportunities and a pleasanttour of the region.
Although it is considered the Strawberry Capital, the city also offers other attractions, such as parks, the famous Pedra Grande, and orchid nurseries open to visitors, featuring exhibitions and the sale of orchids and seedlings.
