records of occupation of cachoeiras de macacu date back to the 16th century, when settlers took advantage of the rich soil and cultivated crops such as manioc, corn, sugar cane, rice and beans - while european-style agriculture plays a large role in the history of cachoeiras de macacu, the native plants and fruits of the area are just as important.

the festa da goiaba (festival of guava) is held annually in april to honor the delicious pink and green fruit, visitors are served free samples of the 200 kilograms of fresh guava offered at the festival.  

cachoeiras de macacu is the largest guava producer in the state of rio de janeiro and one of the largest in brazil - families who cultivate the guava fruit in cachoeiras de macacu are typically of japanese descent and recitals of traditional japanese dancing are amongst the attractions at the festa da goiaba.