Set in a colonial farmhouse, Botucatu’s Coffee Museum showcases São Paulo state’s coffee trade from its 19th-century origins to its emergence as one of Brazil’s biggest exports. Exhibits include traditional machinery and original records, as well as various beans and brews, making this a must-see for any engineer or historian.
Located on the outskirts of Botucatu, the Coffee Museum offers a welcome break from the bustle of the city. After browsing the modest collection, take time to explore the outhouses and outdoor displays that give the museum its sense of living history, or capture unique snaps in the subtropical gardens. Visitors from São Paulo could combine the museum with other Botucatu attractions, such as the Pedra do Indio lookout or Marta Cascade.
Botucatu Coffee Museum is a 20-minute bus ride from Centro–simply hop on the number 116 and ride it directly to Fazenda Lageado. Alternatively, rent a bike and soak up the views as you peddle. From São Paulo, Botucatu is around four hours away by bus and under three hours by car. The Coffee Museum has plenty of free parking available.
The museum opens daily, including weekends when it opens and closes a little later in the day. Exploring the site and its collection is a great way to pass an afternoon, though you won’t need much time to tick it all off.
Botucatu’s Coffee Museum touches on the legacy of enslavement behind Brazil’s coffee industry, but if you’re interested in learning more, schedule a visit to São Paulo’s Museo Afro Brasil. Here, you can uncover the history of African enslavement in the Americas and learn about the centrality of Afro-Brazilian culture to modern Brazil
