Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden, Stunning Nature Reserve

The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden is a stunning nature reserve 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Vallarta on Highway 200 (Highway Puerto Vallarta to Barra de Navidad). The gardens are one of the top visitor attractions in Mexico and were recently voted fourth out of the ten best botanical gardens in North America.

Magic Within Nature

Vallarta botanical garden has been open to the public since 2005 and fans out over a 64-acre area in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountain range, 420 meters above sea level. Home to a vast array of plants and wildlife, it gives visitors a comprehensive insight into a natural wilderness, accessible right on their doorstep. Here is a closer look at some of the best attractions within Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Visitor Center

The Hacienda de Oro visitor center is the heart of the garden. As you arrive, you are welcomed with a complimentary drink as you browse the store at your leisure. Along with various items available for purchase, visitor information, route maps, and the garden’s world-class restaurant, the visitor center is the perfect start and end to your day.

Hacienda de Oro Restaurant

Located on the upper level of the visitor center, the Hacienda de Oro serves guests traditional Mexican fare accompanied by a fully stocked bar. Be amazed as Hummingbirds drink from hand-held feeders as you enjoy the drink of your choice.

Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails within the garden, with most being easy or a moderate degree of difficulty. The riverwalk/Jaguar trail takes you down to the Los Horcones River, where you can cool off or swim in one of the river’s pools. Remember to pack your swimsuit or trunks.

Our Lady Of The Garden Chapel

A small and elegant chapel sits quietly by the main pathway to the visitor center. Gracefully decorated with hundreds of photographs taken by the artists at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens at different times of the year, the chapel is a sanctuary for anyone who wishes to sit inquietude. Wedding packages are also available for up to 60 guests (inside the chapel) and 40 outside.

Conservation

The Vallarta Botanical Garden is a leader in environmental and conservation organizations in Mexico. Its primary function is to study, preserve, and display Mexican native plants for the enjoyment of locals and international visitors. Over the past few years, through generous donations, the organization has purchased land adjacent to the garden, allowing nature to flourish in its habitat and natural surroundings.

As you stroll through the tranquil surroundings of the garden, here are a few of the other attractions that visitors can enjoy:

• The Cactus House
• The Holstein Tropical Plant House
• Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids & Native Plants, Laboratory
• Daneri Vireya Rhododendron House
• Cheryl Wheeler International Peace Garden
• Pet Cemetery

The garden also exhibits the most visited display of rare orchids in Mexico.

Living Close To Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden!

The Botanical Garden is easily accessible by local transportation and takes around 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus. If you wish to live in Puerto Vallarta or close to the gardens in towns like Boca de Tomatlan, Mismaloya, or even El Tuito, look no further than Puerto Vallarta Villas.

For the very best real estate in Puerto Vallarta and around the Bay of Banderas area, call us today, or visit our website for some of the best properties to buy or rent.