Strawberry Farms in Baguio
Part of the Baguio travel guide — see every topic in All Baguio Guides.
The valley of La Trinidad, in Benguet province, is next to Baguio. It is known as the strawberry capital of the Philippines. The cool mountain climate lets farmers grow strawberries, lettuce and other vegetables that do not grow well in the hot lowlands. Visitors can walk the fields, pick their own fruit and buy fresh produce. This guide covers the season, how to visit and what to try.
The strawberry farm
The main strawberry farm area in La Trinidad is a wide, flat field divided into many small plots. Each plot is worked by a different farming family. Visitors can walk along the paths between the plots and buy fruit directly from the farmers. Some farmers let you pick your own strawberries and pay by weight. Prices for picking your own are usually higher than buying fruit that is already picked. Stalls near the entrance sell vegetables, jams and souvenirs. Bring your own bag to carry fruit and vegetables.
When to go
Strawberry season usually runs from about November or December to May. The best picking is often in the cooler, drier months early in the year. La Trinidad holds a strawberry festival, usually in March. Outside the season, the fields may be planted with other crops or have little fruit to pick. Go in the morning, before the sun gets strong and before the tour groups arrive. After rain, the paths can be very muddy. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and prices may be a little lower.
Getting there
La Trinidad is just north of Baguio, and the farm is about 20 to 30 minutes from the city centre by taxi, depending on traffic. Jeepneys to La Trinidad also leave from the centre of Baguio and cost very little. Ask the driver to drop you at the strawberry farm. Traffic on the main road can be heavy at weekends. Many day tours from Baguio also include the farm, together with other stops in the area. Combine the farm with a stop at a café or market in La Trinidad.
Strawberry treats
Strawberries appear in many forms around Baguio and La Trinidad. Stalls sell strawberry jam, strawberry wine and dried strawberries. Strawberry taho, soft tofu with strawberry syrup, is sold by street vendors. Some shops and cafés make strawberry ice cream, shakes and cakes. Fresh strawberries do not keep well in heat, so if you are taking some back to Manila, buy them on your last day and keep them cool. Jam is easier to carry and makes a good gift. Many stalls offer small free tastes before you buy.
Vegetable trading post
La Trinidad is also home to a large vegetable trading area. Trucks bring cabbage, carrots, lettuce, potatoes and other highland vegetables from farms around Benguet. Much of this produce is then sent to Manila and other parts of Luzon. The trading area is a working market, busy mainly very early in the morning. It is not a tourist site, so stay out of the way of workers and trucks. In Baguio's public market you can also buy highland vegetables and fruit.
Strawberry Farms at a glance
| Getting there | Taxi or jeepney from central Baguio to La Trinidad, about 20 to 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime; go in the morning for the best fruit |
| Cost | Low entry cost; pick-your-own fruit priced by weight |
| Best time | About December to May; festival usually in March |
| Bring | A hat, closed shoes and cash |