Avocados have taken the world by storm. Whether in the form of creamy guacamole, spread over toast, or mixed into smoothies, this beloved green fruit has become a global sensation.
While many people are familiar with avocados in the kitchen, fewer are aware of the exciting world of avocado tourism. This growing travel trend takes food enthusiasts on a journey to the heart of avocado farms and festivals, offering an immersive experience of the culture, production, and sustainable practices of this “green gold.”
From lush farms in Mexico to avocado festivals in the U.S. and beyond, avocado tourism is capturing the imagination of travelers and food lovers alike. Here’s a closer look at the world’s top destinations for avocado-centric adventures, perfect for those looking to combine their passion for travel and love for avocados.
Mexico: The Birthplace of Avocados
It’s impossible to talk about avocados without mentioning Mexico, the largest producer and exporter of avocados in the world. Mexico’s state of Michoacán is the epicenter of the country’s avocado production, responsible for the majority of the world’s supply. Michoacán’s fertile soil and temperate climate create ideal growing conditions, making it a dream destination for avocado enthusiasts.
For those interested in learning more about where their favorite fruit comes from, Michoacán offers avocado farm tours where visitors can see the production process from seed to harvest. Travelers can walk through vast avocado orchards, meet local farmers, and even participate in avocado-picking activities. These tours often include tastings of fresh, ripe avocados and dishes made using local ingredients, offering a farm-to-table experience like no other.
While in Mexico, visitors should also attend the Aguacatera Fair in Uruapan, Michoacán. This annual avocado festival celebrates all things avocado with food tastings, cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, and more. It’s a great opportunity to see how deeply ingrained avocados are in Mexican cuisine and culture.
California, USA: Home of the Avocado Festival
The U.S. is another significant player in the avocado industry, especially in California, where the fruit is grown on a large scale. In the small town of Carpinteria, nestled along California’s scenic coast, the California Avocado Festival takes place every October. What started as a local event has grown into one of the largest avocado festivals in the U.S., drawing thousands of avocado lovers from around the world.
The festival features live music, art, and a wide variety of avocado-inspired dishes, from avocado ice cream to avocado sushi. The centerpiece of the event is the world’s largest vat of guacamole, which is a must-see (and must-taste) for visitors. Festival-goers can also attend cooking competitions, where chefs and home cooks alike showcase their creative uses of avocados in gourmet dishes.
For those who want a deeper dive into the avocado industry, nearby San Diego County is home to many avocado farms that offer tours. In Fallbrook, known as the “Avocado Capital of the World,” visitors can explore family-owned farms, meet the farmers, and learn about sustainable avocado farming practices. These farms often produce some of the best-quality avocados in the country, and visitors can purchase freshly harvested avocados to take home.
Peru: A Rising Star in Avocado Production
Peru has quickly emerged as one of the world’s top avocado exporters, and it is the leading supplier of avocados to Europe. The Andean nation’s diverse climate and rich soil make it an ideal location for avocado cultivation, particularly the Hass variety, which is known for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Travelers to Peru can combine their love for avocados with an exploration of the country’s incredible landscapes and culture. In regions like Ica and Lambayeque, where many of Peru’s avocado farms are located, visitors can tour sprawling orchards, learn about the country’s sustainable farming practices, and enjoy fresh avocados right from the source.
Peru also hosts the World Avocado Congress, a major international event that brings together avocado growers, exporters, and enthusiasts from around the world. While the congress is industry-focused, it offers a fascinating insight into the future of avocado farming, sustainability, and innovation in the avocado world. Travelers with an interest in the business side of avocados might find this event enlightening, as it provides a platform for networking and learning about global avocado trends.
Kenya: Avocado Farming in East Africa
In recent years, Kenya has also made a name for itself in the avocado world. The East African nation has become one of the fastest-growing avocado producers and exporters, particularly to Europe and the Middle East. Kenya’s tropical climate and rich volcanic soil make it a prime location for growing avocados, especially the Hass variety.
Avocado farms in regions like Murang’a and Nyeri offer visitors the opportunity to see sustainable farming practices in action. Many of these farms are smallholder operations, where farmers rely on traditional methods and are deeply connected to the land. Tours often include insights into how avocado farming is improving local communities by providing jobs and economic stability.
For eco-conscious travelers, Kenya’s avocado farms are an excellent case study in sustainable agriculture. Many farms prioritize organic farming methods and environmentally friendly practices, making it a responsible choice for tourists who want to support sustainable food systems.
Spain: A Taste of European Avocados
While Spain might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about avocados, the Costa del Sol region has become a key player in Europe’s avocado industry. Spain is the largest producer of avocados in Europe, with farms concentrated along the Mediterranean coast where the subtropical climate mirrors that of Central and South America.
Visitors to the Costa del Sol can tour avocado farms, enjoy fresh produce from local markets, and taste avocados incorporated into traditional Spanish dishes like salmorejo, a cold tomato and avocado soup. Spain’s avocado farms also emphasize sustainable farming practices, particularly in managing water resources, making them an appealing destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Explore The World
Avocado tourism offers a unique way to explore the world through the lens of one of its most popular superfoods. Whether you’re wandering through the avocado groves of Mexico, indulging in creative avocado dishes at a California festival, or visiting a sustainable farm in Kenya, avocado tourism is an exciting and delicious way to experience different cultures and landscapes.
By visiting these destinations, travelers not only get to enjoy their favorite fruit but also learn about the hard work and innovation behind its production, making for an unforgettable travel experience.
