Vallarta Botanical Gardens
I love being outdoors when traveling to walk and admire local gardens. Whether going to a destination for the first time or making a return visit, I always look for new places to experience. On a recent stay in Puerto Vallarta, I took an unscheduled side trip to discover a horticultural gem! While known as a popular Mexican tourist destination, many people don't know that just outside of town is the spectacular Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
It's exciting, rewarding, and exhausting to travel, even for people used to it. But it's a bonus when you locate somewhere relaxing and interesting for an adventure. I escaped steamy Puerto Vallarta to spend the day in a part of a lush tropical forest.
The Arches of the Malecon (Los Arcos del Malecon) are part of the seaside in downtown Puerto Vallarta. The stunning Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe rises high framed in colorful bougainvillea.
Twelve miles south of the city, you'll find this slice of paradise between the Western Sierra Madre mountain range and the Mexican Pacific. It was wonderful to immediately feel the coolness of the shaded sun versus city heat after arriving.
Established by Robert Price in 2004, this lovely park is a 79-acre natural area that houses numerous plant species from Mexico. Price moved to Puerto Vallarta from Savannah, Georgia, and made it his mission to share the conservation, study and reproduction of Mexico's incredible ecosystems. He modestly shared it became Mexico's #1 botanical garden! It places 4th in the ten best garden parks of North America.
Bob Price has his office out in the open, where he can warmly greet guests and answer questions. A spacious courtyard is an optimal space for socializing and appreciating potted plants.
When I visited the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, I appreciated the opportunity to learn about Mexico's native plants. The largest and most visited public collection of orchids is located here. There are unique varieties of cacti growing throughout the natural space.
Tropical flora and fauna are more colorful than most. There are orchids and succulents everywhere. Both of them delight novice gardeners and experienced horticulturalists.
Hike and relax along the extended paths and trails. Cross over bridges and climb stairs to see plants native to the area. I could see and hear birds in the trees call one another. Colorful butterflies are everywhere. I loved spotting iguanas, Margay monkeys, crested guan, and white-tailed deer through the trees. I imagined hearing the distant cry of a jaguar deep within the forest. There is a small chapel where you can take a moment to remember the history of the area.
There's always a surprise around the bend to stop you from being bored.
I took time for a leisurely lunch at Hacienda de Oro Restaurant. You'll find authentic Mexican dishes prepared on-site. Just be careful of the light green tiny peppers. Even if you love hotness and are adventuresome, be wary! They produce mega-heat!
Farm-grown tomatoes are a staple in everyday Mexican fare. Poke-styled tuna gets prepared with fresh catches. The coconut cake is a favorite dessert with a hint of spice people get excited to eat!
The attentive server and personable server, Tony Rodriguez, suggested tasty menu items. I enjoyed refills of my favorite beverage, tart Jamaica iced tea made from dried hibiscus flowers. He added to my dining experience by telling stories about the wildlife and bird species on the property.
While eating, delicate hummingbirds entertained me with non-stop fluttering wings as they drank from mini sugar-water feeders. The restaurant's second floor offered an open sweeping view of the mountains.
Colorful hummingbirds hover and flutter around feeders laid out on railings, creating a delightful spectacle!
Besides a museum and rock collection, there are four large greenhouses on the property. Inside these conservatories, there are local and exotic plants and flowers from around the world. I peered into one that had glass jars specifically arranged with seedlings inside growing for propagation successfully. Along the walking trails, information boards explain exciting facts such as coffee now being produced in Mexico.
Indigenous plants are displayed in greenhouses to assist in keeping them healthy and free of parasites.
Plant cuttings and seedlings thrive in their own small greenhouse glass jars. Each jar gets identified and dated for research and future growth.
Observe the unexpected from one path to another. Cacao and coffee trees are planted in their own space and stretch to the sky. When the cacao pods grow to maturity, they are harvested and transformed into fine Mexican chocolate. Vanilla beans grow on poles in the land's nutrient-rich soil.
The entire staff is fantastic! They're always willing to help you find something special and make sure you have a great experience! Meet Javier Maldonado, who oversees the expansive gift shop filled with local treasures. He educated me on the vanilla and cacao grown there. Because of his knowledge, I purchased a few long vanilla beans for their pungent paste and several bottles to use for future baking.
I continue to appreciate global gardens. My parents and grandmother grew beautiful flowers, fruit trees, and organic vegetables when I grew up. They passed their respect for nature onto me. Become more aware of what the outdoors offers and the importance of understanding the natural environment by visiting botanical gardens.
This unique location thrives with wonder and botanical diversity. Cheers to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens' bright future following their already successful 15 years! When you travel to Mexico, don't forget to visit this sanctuary, making it a favorite destination. I look forward to a return visit soon!
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