Vallarta Botanical Garden
Dave and I first enjoyed a visit to Vallarta Botanical Garden five years ago. We had the privilege to return earlier this month, and we were once again thrilled by the superb gardens and plentiful orchids. I’ll start with a post dedicated to their orchids, but be sure the check back soon for more flora and fauna photos.
Vallarta Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico de Vallarta) is an easy 30 minute drive south by taxi or bus from Puerto Vallarta. It focuses on “the propagation, study, discovery, conservation, and display of Mexican native plants.” The country’s incredible biodiversity includes over 1200 native orchid species, many threatened by habitat destruction, over-collection of wild plants, and climate change.
In the past few years, the garden has built a new Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids and Native Plants, which houses lots of orchids in an open-air display. There are also orchids mounted on trees throughout the garden’s 20 acres (8 hectares,) and many vanilla vines climbing up trees everywhere.
In case you’re captured by the floral beauty like we were, it’s easy to spend a day at the garden. It boasts lots of colorful birds, hiking trails, and a delicious restaurant with a deck overlooking the greenery. If you want to cool down from the warm Mexican sun, you can go swimming in the local river. Remember to bring your bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen. If you’re in the Puerto Vallarta area, don’t miss Vallarta Botanical Garden! You can also donate to the garden to help support its mission of sharing Mexican plants with the world.
Explore posts in the same categories: Botanical Gardens, Conservation, Photos, Warm Growers
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March 1st, 2016 at 11:48 am
I love botanical gardens! I have never visited one in Mexico, just so many beautiful Flowers.
March 4th, 2016 at 2:28 pm
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March 12th, 2016 at 3:16 pm
[…] We really enjoyed getting out of the touristy areas and plunging into the jungle at Vallarta Botanical Gardens. […]