Vallarta Botanical Gardens

What is Vallarta Botanical Gardens?

Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a large public garden and nature reserve located at 1,300 feet above sea level, just outside Puerto Vallarta. It features both cultivated gardens and wild forest, with trails winding through native tropical dry forest and areas planted with orchids, bromeliads, cacti, and other plants. The Rio Horcones flows through the property, offering a place to swim. There are also spaces for quiet reflection, such as the International Peace Garden and a chapel.

The history of Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Founded in 2004 by Bob Price, the garden opened to visitors in 2005. It was created to protect and showcase the plants of the tropical dry forest near Puerto Vallarta, an area known for its high biodiversity and rare species. Over time, the garden has grown to include both native Mexican plants and species from other parts of the world. Conservation and environmental education have been central to its mission from the beginning.

What there is to see

The garden is open year-round, with most of its 79 acres set aside as a forest reserve. Visitors can walk along marked trails, explore themed plant collections, and see orchids growing on trees and in the dedicated Orchid and Vanilla House. The grounds also include a river for swimming, birdwatching spots, and spaces for classes and tours. There is a small admission fee, and the garden operates as a membership organization.

When to go

People visit Vallarta Botanical Gardens to learn about plants, enjoy nature, and take part in educational programs. The garden is a popular spot for hiking, birdwatching, and swimming in the river. It also serves as a center for conservation work, including orchid propagation and efforts to protect the local forest and wildlife. Special areas like the Peace Garden and chapel are used for contemplation and remembrance.

Parts and collections

Within the gardens, visitors will find a wide range of plant collections, from native oaks and palms to international species like rhododendrons and magnolias. The Holstein Orchid and Vanilla House displays many types of orchids, while other sections focus on cacti, agaves, and bromeliads. The Peace Garden and chapel offer unique spaces within the grounds.

Why Vallarta Botanical Gardens matters

Vallarta Botanical Gardens is recognized for its conservation work and plant collections. It has received several awards and is affiliated with national and international botanical organizations. The International Peace Garden, dedicated in 2017, includes monuments and a chapel for reflection. The garden is known for inspiring appreciation of nature and supporting environmental education in the region.

The flowers of Vallarta Botanical Gardens

OrchidA vast family of colourful, often fragrant flowers found almost everywhere on earthCactusSucculent plants with spines, native to the AmericasRhododendronA vast group of shrubs and trees with showy blooms in many coloursChampakA tall tree with fragrant yellow to orange flowers, prized in South and Southeast AsiaCampbell's MagnoliaA Himalayan tree with large pink or white flowers blooming before the leavesCatawba rosebayA spring-flowering rhododendron native to the southern Appalachian MountainsCommon rhododendronA dense evergreen shrub with violet-purple flowers from Europe and the CaucasusRhododendron keiskeiA low, spreading rhododendron with pale yellow spring flowers from Japan

Questions people ask about Vallarta Botanical Gardens

Good reading and sources

• Vallarta Botanical Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data