La Trinidad Strawberry Farm Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Swamp Area, La Trinidad, Benguet (NOT Baguio City) |
| Operating Hours | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily |
| Entrance Fee | Free (pay only for picked strawberries) |
| Best Time to Visit | March – May (peak harvest season) |
| Picking Price | PHP 600 – PHP 800 per kg |
| Pre-packed Price | PHP 300 – PHP 500 per kg |
| Travel Time from Baguio | 20–40 minutes by jeepney/taxi |
| Estimated Budget | PHP 1,150 – PHP 2,700 per person (excluding Manila-Baguio fare) |
Where Exactly Is La Trinidad Strawberry Farm Located?
La Trinidad Strawberry Farm is located in the Swamp Area of La Trinidad, Benguet, approximately 3–5 kilometers north of Baguio City center. It’s managed by Benguet State University across 79.49 hectares. Look for the giant strawberry monument at Kilometer 5 along Magsaysay Avenue as your landmark.
Getting oriented:
- The farm is NOT in Baguio City—it’s in a separate municipality called La Trinidad
- La Trinidad serves as Benguet’s capital and sits at a lower elevation than Baguio proper
- The “Swamp Area” designation comes from the naturally irrigated terrain that makes it ideal for strawberry farming
- BSU leases the land to local farmers for strawberry cultivation and tourism
- Multiple small family-owned plots operate within the larger farm complex, each offering picking experiences
- The giant strawberry monument at Km 5 is your visual cue to request your jeepney stop
Table of Contents
What Are the Operating Hours and Entrance Fees?
The farm operates daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with completely free entrance. You can walk the grounds, take photos, and browse stalls without paying anything. You only pay when purchasing picked strawberries or other farm products, making it accessible for all budgets.
What you should know:
- Early morning visits (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds
- Late afternoon light (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) provides beautiful golden-hour photography opportunities
- The “free entrance” model allows you to explore before committing to picking
- Payment only occurs when you purchase picked strawberries or other farm products at checkout
- Some individual farm plots may close earlier during low season or after selling out their daily quota
- No tickets, no gate fees, no hassle—just walk in and explore
When Is the Best Time to Visit La Trinidad Strawberry Farm?
March through May is peak season with dry weather, abundant strawberries, and the sweetest berries. November to February offers cool weather but lower yields. June to October is rainy season with muddy fields and suspended picking. Avoid February-March festivals unless you enjoy massive crowds and traffic.
Seasonal breakdown:
Peak Season (March – May):
- Dry weather creates ideal growing conditions
- Highest berry yield and quality
- Strawberries are larger, redder, and sweeter
- Warm daytime temperatures (20°C – 25°C) make picking comfortable
- Easter and summer vacation crowds increase on weekends
- This is when I always plan my visits for the best experience
Shoulder Season (November – February):
- Cool amihan winds create pleasant weather for walking
- Berry production is moderate but sufficient
- Competition with holiday tourists (especially December)
- Christmas and New Year periods see significant visitor spikes
- Mornings can be quite cold (10°C – 14°C)
- Bring extra layers if visiting during this period
Off-Season (June – October):
- Rainy season brings heavy downpours and muddy conditions
- Many farms suspend picking to protect crops and ensure visitor safety
- Strawberry availability drops significantly
- Pre-packed options become limited
- Risk of wasted travel if farms close temporarily
- I generally avoid visiting during these months
Festival Warning (February – March):
- Baguio’s Panagbenga Festival and La Trinidad’s Strawberry Festival create “Super Peak” conditions
- Magsaysay Avenue experiences severe traffic gridlock (2–4 hour delays possible)
- Accommodation prices triple and require advance booking (2–3 months ahead)
- Public transportation becomes overcrowded and unreliable
- Consider visiting immediately before or after festival dates if you hate traffic
How Much Does Strawberry Picking Actually Cost?
Pick-your-own strawberries cost PHP 600–800 per kilogram for the experience, while pre-packed strawberries from stalls cost only PHP 300–500 per kilogram. The price difference reflects the “experience premium”—you’re paying for the activity, basket rental, and potential crop damage from amateur picking.
Understanding the pricing structure:
Pick-Your-Own (PHP 600 – PHP 800/kg):
- Includes basket rental and farm access to designated picking zones
- Accounts for potential crop damage from inexperienced pickers
- Provides the hands-on agritourism experience and photo opportunities
- Most farms enforce a 1-kilogram minimum purchase
- Perfect for first-time visitors or families with children
- Great for social media content and creating memories
Pre-Packed (PHP 300 – PHP 500/kg):
- Farmers select the berries, ensuring consistent quality
- Significantly cheaper for bulk pasalubong (souvenir) purchases
- Available immediately without the time investment of picking
- Better value for budget-conscious travelers
- Ideal if you’re primarily interested in the fruit rather than the experience
- You can buy 2 kilograms pre-packed for the price of 1 kilogram picked
My recommendation: Pick 1 kilogram for the experience and Instagram content, then buy 2–3 kilograms pre-packed for gifts and eating. This strategy gives you the best of both worlds while saving PHP 600 – PHP 900 compared to picking everything yourself.
What Are the Rules for Strawberry Picking?
Cut strawberries by the stem using provided scissors—never pull them. No eating in the field; all berries must be weighed first. Stay within designated tourism zones to protect resting plots. Handle fruit gently, pick only ripe red berries, and supervise children carefully.
Essential picking guidelines:
- Cut, don’t pull: Use provided scissors to cut the fruit by the stem, leaving a small portion attached to avoid damaging the plant
- No field eating: All strawberries must be weighed before consumption to ensure accurate payment and maintain hygiene standards
- Stay in designated zones: Tourism areas are clearly marked; other sections need to rest and recover between harvest cycles
- Handle gently: Strawberries bruise easily—place them carefully in your basket rather than tossing or dropping them
- Pick ripe fruit: Look for completely red berries; green or white sections indicate they’re not ready for harvest
- Respect minimum purchase: Most farms require at least 1 kilogram per group to make the activity worthwhile
- Supervise children: Young kids need guidance to avoid accidentally damaging plants or eating unpaid fruit
- Ask before photographing: Some farmers prefer you don’t photograph their specific plots or proprietary growing techniques
What Food and Souvenirs Can I Buy at the Farm?
Beyond strawberries, you’ll find Strawberry Taho (PHP 50–80), strawberry ice cream (PHP 30–50), strawberry jam (PHP 250–450), and strawberry wine (~PHP 300). Fresh vegetables like lettuce and broccoli are bundled for PHP 150–200. BSU cleared 127 unauthorized stalls in 2026, leaving only organized vendors.
Must-try foods:
- Strawberry Taho (PHP 50 – PHP 80): The local twist on this Filipino classic combines silken tofu, sago pearls, and strawberry syrup with fresh fruit chunks—warm, comforting, and uniquely Benguet
- Strawberry Ice Cream (PHP 30 – PHP 50): Creamy, with real fruit pieces throughout, served in cones or cups
- Fresh Vegetables: The farm grows excellent lettuce, broccoli, and celery, often bundled for PHP 150 – PHP 200
- Perfect for health-conscious travelers or those wanting to cook in their Baguio accommodations
Souvenir options:
- Strawberry Jam (PHP 250 – PHP 450/jar): Homemade varieties range from seedless smooth to chunky preserve styles, perfect for pasalubong
- Strawberry Wine (~PHP 300/bottle): Local winemakers produce light, sweet dessert wine with authentic berry flavor
- Sunflower Seeds: During sunflower season (November – January), roasted seeds are available for PHP 50 – PHP 100 per pack
- All souvenirs are locally made by La Trinidad residents, supporting the community directly
2026 Management Note: BSU recently cleared over 127 unauthorized stalls, so current vendors operate in organized, sanitary designated areas—a significant improvement from the chaotic vendor situation of previous years.
How to Get to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm from Manila?
From Manila, take a bus to Baguio (PHP 640–1,546, 4–7 hours) via Victory Liner, Genesis, or Solid North. From Baguio, ride a jeepney marked “La Trinidad” (PHP 17–25, 30–50 minutes) or taxi (PHP 150–200, 20–40 minutes) to the strawberry monument at Km 5.
Stage 1: Manila to Baguio City
Bus Options:
- Operators: Victory Liner, Genesis (JoyBus), Solid North Transit
- Regular Aircon: PHP 640, travel time 5–7 hours with stops
- First Class/Executive: PHP 850 – PHP 1,032, travel time 4–5 hours express/non-stop
- Luxury Sleeper: PHP 1,546, reclining seats, travel time 4–5 hours
- Departure Points: Cubao, Pasay, and Caloocan terminals
- Pro Tip: Book night trips (10:00 PM – 12:00 AM departures) to arrive early morning and maximize your day
P2P Alternative:
- Clark Airport to Baguio: Genesis offers point-to-point service for PHP 450 – PHP 670
- Convenient for international travelers or those near Clark
- Limited schedules require advance booking online or via their app
Stage 2: Baguio to La Trinidad Strawberry Farm
Jeepney (PHP 17 – PHP 25):
- Catch jeeps marked “La Trinidad,” “Buyagan,” or “Tomay” at Magsaysay Avenue or Shuntug Road
- Request drop-off at the giant strawberry monument (Km 5)
- Travel time: 30–50 minutes depending on traffic and passenger loading
- Most budget-friendly but potentially crowded during peak hours
Taxi (PHP 150 – PHP 200 one way):
- Available from Baguio City Taxi Terminal or via Grab
- Travel time: 20–40 minutes depending on traffic
- Comfortable option for groups of 3–4 people (cost splits well)
- Negotiate return pickup time to avoid being stranded
Private Car:
- Highly discouraged during weekends and festivals
- Limited parking with private lot fees of PHP 50 – PHP 100
- Magsaysay Avenue becomes a parking lot during Panagbenga and Strawberry Festival
- Only viable Tuesday–Thursday mornings during non-peak season
What Should I Wear and Bring to the Farm?
Wear closed-toe shoes or old sneakers you don’t mind getting muddy—fields are irrigated agricultural land. Layer your clothing (mornings are 12°C–16°C, midday reaches 20°C–25°C). Bring wet wipes, eco-bag, sunscreen, cash (PHP 2,000–3,000), and hand sanitizer. Avoid heels, sandals, or white shoes completely.
Essential footwear:
- Closed-toe shoes or old sneakers are mandatory
- Fields are irrigated agricultural land with muddy, uneven terrain
- Absolutely avoid: heels, sandals, white shoes, or any footwear you value
- Rubber boots are ideal but bulky to travel with
- Dark-colored running shoes you don’t mind getting dirty work perfectly
- I learned this lesson the hard way—my white sneakers are permanently stained
Clothing strategy:
- Layer your outfit: Mornings start at 12°C – 16°C, midday reaches 20°C – 25°C
- Bring a light jacket or hoodie you can tie around your waist later
- Wear pants rather than shorts (strawberry plants have small thorns)
- Long sleeves protect arms from sun exposure during extended picking
- Choose dark colors that won’t show dirt and stains
Items to pack:
- Wet wipes: Essential for sticky strawberry-stained hands before eating or touching your phone
- Eco-bag: For carrying purchased strawberries, vegetables, and souvenirs
- Sunscreen: The mountain sun is deceptively strong despite cool temperatures
- Cash: Most vendors don’t accept cards or GCash (bring PHP 2,000 – PHP 3,000)
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated, especially during warm season picking
- Hand sanitizer: Farm restrooms are basic rustic facilities
What’s the Realistic Budget for a Day at La Trinidad?
Budget PHP 1,150–2,700 per person (excluding Manila-Baguio bus fare). This covers transport (PHP 17–200), strawberry picking (PHP 600–800), pre-packed berries (PHP 300–500), meals (PHP 150–300), souvenirs (PHP 250–750), and nearby attractions (PHP 100–300). Most vendors accept cash only—bring PHP 2,000–3,000.
| Expense Category | Budget Range | Mid-Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baguio to La Trinidad Transport | PHP 17 – PHP 25 (jeepney) | PHP 150 – PHP 200 (taxi) | Round trip doubles the cost |
| Strawberry Picking | PHP 600 – PHP 800 | PHP 700 (1 kg) | Or skip and buy pre-packed |
| Pre-packed Strawberries | PHP 300 – PHP 500 | PHP 400 (1 kg) | For pasalubong |
| Meals & Snacks | PHP 150 – PHP 300 | PHP 200 | Taho, ice cream, breakfast |
| Souvenirs | PHP 250 – PHP 750 | PHP 500 | Jam, wine, vegetables |
| Other Attractions | PHP 100 – PHP 300 | PHP 200 | Mt. Kalugong, donations |
| Miscellaneous | PHP 50 – PHP 150 | PHP 100 | Parking, restroom tips, water |
| TOTAL PER PERSON | PHP 1,150 | PHP 2,050 | PHP 2,700 (high end) |
Budget-saving strategies:
- Travel on weekdays to avoid festival premiums and traffic surcharges
- Buy only pre-packed strawberries (saves PHP 300 – PHP 400 per kg)
- Bring your own breakfast and snacks (saves PHP 100 – PHP 150)
- Split taxi costs among 3–4 people (reduces individual transport cost to PHP 50 – PHP 70)
- Skip commercial souvenirs and focus on fresh produce only
Additional costs NOT included above:
- Manila to Baguio bus fare: PHP 640 – PHP 1,546
- Baguio accommodation: PHP 800 – PHP 3,000 per night depending on season and property type
- Meals in Baguio City proper: PHP 300 – PHP 600 per person daily
What Nearby Attractions Can I Combine with My Visit?
Combine your strawberry farm visit with Bell Church (free Taoist temple 5–10 minutes away), Colors of StoBoSa (colorful painted houses, donation-based), and Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village (PHP 100, limestone formations with valley views). All three attractions are within 15–20 minutes, perfect for a full-day itinerary.
Bell Church:
- Distance: Located at the Baguio-La Trinidad border, 5–10 minutes from the strawberry farm
- Admission: Free
- Description: Beautiful Taoist temple featuring traditional Chinese architecture with mountain backdrop views
- Time needed: 30–45 minutes for exploration and photography
- Best for: Architecture enthusiasts and cultural photography
Colors of StoBoSa (Valley of Colors):
- Distance: Along the highway between Baguio and La Trinidad, visible from the road
- Admission: Donation-based (PHP 20 – PHP 50 suggested)
- Description: Vibrant favela-style painted houses covering hillside residential areas
- Time needed: 15–30 minutes for photos from designated viewpoints
- Best for: Colorful Instagram content and community art appreciation
Mt. Kalugong Cultural Village:
- Distance: 15–20 minutes from La Trinidad by jeepney or taxi
- Admission: Approximately PHP 100
- Description: Light hiking trail through pine forests leading to limestone rock formations with panoramic valley views
- Facilities: Local cafe serving coffee and snacks with scenic terrace seating
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for complete experience including cafe time
- Best for: Nature lovers and those seeking moderate physical activity
Suggested Itinerary:
- 7:00 AM – Arrive at strawberry farm, pick strawberries (1.5 hours)
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast of strawberry taho and shopping (1 hour)
- 9:30 AM – Visit Bell Church (45 minutes)
- 10:30 AM – Photo stop at Colors of StoBoSa (30 minutes)
- 11:30 AM – Mt. Kalugong hike and lunch (3 hours)
- 3:00 PM – Return to Baguio or continue to other Baguio attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit La Trinidad Strawberry Farm during the rainy season?
While the farm remains technically open during the rainy season (June – October), picking activities are frequently suspended when fields become too muddy for safe tourist access. Farmers prioritize crop protection and visitor safety, so many plots close temporarily after heavy rainfall.Â
Is La Trinidad Strawberry Farm suitable for young children and elderly visitors?
The farm welcomes all age groups, but physical considerations matter. The terrain consists of uneven dirt rows with strawberry plants, requiring basic mobility and balance. Young children (ages 4–10) absolutely love the picking experience but need constant supervision to prevent plant damage and ensure safety.Â
Can I bring my own container instead of buying their baskets?
Most farms require you to use their provided baskets to ensure accurate weighing and prevent disputes about quantities picked. The basket is included in your per-kilogram rate, not charged separately. However, you should bring your own eco-bag or container for transporting purchased strawberries after checkout.Â
Are there restrooms and handwashing facilities at the farm?
Basic restroom facilities exist throughout the farm area, but “basic” means exactly that—rustic toilet facilities without the amenities of city establishments. Most are traditional squat-style toilets with limited lighting and ventilation. Handwashing stations with running water are available near picking areas and vendor stalls, but don’t expect soap or paper towels.Â
What’s the difference between different strawberry varieties available?
La Trinidad primarily grows two strawberry varieties: Sweet Charlie and Camarosa. Sweet Charlie strawberries are smaller, sweeter, and more intensely flavored—these are the premium option locals prefer for eating fresh. Camarosa strawberries are larger, firmer, and slightly more tart, making them ideal for cooking, jam-making, or situations where you need berries to maintain structure.Â
Is it safe to travel to La Trinidad during political unrest or bad weather?
La Trinidad and the broader Baguio area maintain excellent safety records for tourists. Political unrest rarely affects this region, which depends heavily on tourism revenue. The primary safety concern is weather-related: typhoons occasionally close mountain highways during rainy season, stranding travelers. Monitor PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) weather bulletins before traveling June through October.
Can I order strawberries online and have them shipped instead of visiting?
Several La Trinidad farmers and cooperatives now offer online ordering with Metro Manila delivery, particularly during peak season when supply is abundant. Search for “La Trinidad strawberries delivery” on Facebook or check e-commerce platforms like Lazada and Shopee. Prices typically range PHP 400 – PHP 600 per kilogram including shipping, which is competitive with pre-packed farm prices once you factor in travel costs from Manila.Â
How long should I allocate for a complete strawberry farm visit?
Plan for 2–3 hours minimum to enjoy a relaxed experience without rushing. This includes 45 minutes to 1 hour for actual picking (if you choose to pick), 30–45 minutes browsing vendor stalls and shopping for souvenirs, and 30–45 minutes eating strawberry taho, ice cream, and taking photographs.Â
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Plan Your Ultimate Baguio & Benguet Itinerary
Expand your northern adventure! If you are building a full itinerary after visiting the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm, be sure to check out our other comprehensive, data-rich travel guides:
Comprehensive Itineraries & Budgeting:
Baguio City Ultimate DIY Travel Guide & Budget (2026 Updated) – Master your travel logistics and expenses.
37 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Baguio City – The complete checklist for first-timers and returning visitors.
Top Attractions & Theme Parks:
Guide to Igorot Stone Kingdom in Baguio City – Everything you need to know about this massive cultural marvel.
Ultimate Guide to Sky Ranch Baguio: Entrance Fees & Rides – Perfect for families looking for high-elevation thrill rides.
Dragon Treasure Castle Baguio: Entrance Fee & Opening Hours – A magical detour for kids and photo enthusiasts.
Ultimate Guide to the Diplomat Hotel Baguio – Explore the dark tourism and historical architecture of this famous site.
Nature, Parks & Hiking:
Travel Guide to Botanical Garden in Baguio City – Relax in the newly renovated, pine-scented pathways.
Wright Park Baguio: Practical Tourist Information – Essential tips for horseback riding and exploring the Pool of Pines.
Mt. Kotkot Hiking Guide (Benguet Itogon Traverse) – For adventurous travelers looking to conquer Benguet’s scenic trails.
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