Jardín Botánico de Vallarta: Puerto Vallarta's Premier Tropical Botanical Gardens
Escape Puerto Vallarta's beaches and immerse yourself in the lush Sierra Madre highlands at Jardín Botánico de Vallarta. This renowned botanical garden features one of Mexico's largest orchid collections, alongside diverse native plants and vibrant birdlife.
Meander through shaded grounds bursting with bromeliads, succulents, and shimmering hummingbirds, then follow a jungle trail to the serene Río Horcones for a refreshing swim amid boulders.
Things to Do
Nature enthusiasts travel far to admire the garden's vibrant native orchids blooming along landscaped paths and in a spacious conservatory. Standouts include Mexican vanilla, with exhibits detailing its spice production process.
Explore cacao trees and uncover chocolate's millennia-old history in Mexico, vital to pre-Hispanic rituals. Examine Jalisco's signature blue agave (agave tequilana), the essential ingredient in tequila production.
Reserve a guided six-hour nature-and-culinary tour on the garden's website, including round-trip transport, entry, lunch at the onsite restaurant, and a vanilla extract demo. The site also highlights events like flower shows, birding festivals, and foodie gatherings.
Satisfy hunger at Hacienda de Oro, the open-air restaurant serving breakfast, fish tacos, burgers, and brick-oven pizzas—no outside food permitted. En route back to Puerto Vallarta, dine on fresh seafood in Boca de Tomatlán, 8km (5 miles) north.
History of Jardín Botánico de Vallarta
Launched in 2005, the gardens advance plant conservation, education, and horticulture for native and exotic species. Once an overgrazed cattle ranch, the 33-hectare (81-acre) site was reforested with pine, oak, and mahogany. It includes celebrated gardens, an orchid house, hiking trails, and a vitro propagation lab. Founded by Savannah, Georgia native Robert Price, this nonprofit thrives on donations, admissions, restaurant, and store revenue.
Practicalities and Tips
Most major credit cards accepted; carry cash as backup. Entry: M$200/adult, free for children under 4. Bring swimsuit and towel for river dips, best in rainy season (June–October). Use insect repellent (buy at gate) and wear sturdy shoes for trails. Closed Mondays off-peak; open daily December–April. Restaurant offers Wi-Fi.
When to Visit Puerto Vallarta
Getting There
Drive 30km (19 miles) south on Hwy 200 from downtown (35 minutes). Taxi or Uber: M$370–450 one-way. Budget buses labeled "El Tuito" (M$35) run every 30 minutes from Carranza and Aguacate in Zona Romántica.
Around the Botanical Gardens
Returning to Puerto Vallarta, pause in Boca de Tomatlán for seafood lunch or a coastal trail to hidden coves like Colomitos (stunning views at Ocean Grill). Hike westward to Playa Quimixto.
Or stop 5km (3 miles) east in Mismaloya, filming site of John Huston's The Night of the Iguana. From here, boat, kayak, or paddleboard to Los Arcos islets for snorkeling amid wildlife.
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