Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden is Definitely Worth Visiting

Visiting the Puerto Vallarta area? Take the time to visit Jardin Botanico Vallarta. You will not be disappointed. These gardens were listed as one of the top 10 gardens in North America worth traveling to.

The 64-acre garden is situated 24 km south of Puerto Vallarta on the Palms to Pines highway. It is possible to get to the gardens by public bus, taxi, Uber, drive or book a tour. The cost is to get into the gardens is $200 peso which is roughly $14. Dogs are allowed in the gardens but they must be kept on a leash and clean up after them.

The Vallarta Botanical Garden was founded in 2004 and opened its gates a year later. The amount that has been accomplished in the last 14 years is amazing. The gardens are well laid out with many different trails, exhibits, and areas to explore.

For those that enjoy a good walk, follow the Jaguar Trail. It will take you through the jungle to the Rio Los Horcones. The river alternates between bubbling rapids and a lazy current. One area where water flows quietly over big rocks is marked as the children’s waterslide. The Rio Los Horcones is a warm, clean river that invites at least a wade if not a swim. The rock formations along and in the river definitely add interest.

On the jungle walk, take time to look at the native plants along the way. Many will look familiar as similar plants have found their way into local greenhouses and our homes. Airplants Tillandsia is abundant attached to branches and forks of trees in the natural area and within the cultivated garden. Different varieties of Palm trees are found along the trail as well as in the gardens.

While the Jaguar Trail can be a challenge in flip flops the rest of the garden is easy to navigate. Well defined paths lead people between the different gardens and pathways. Expect to see large plantings of cacti, rhododendrons, agave, bromeliads, orchids, ficus, vanilla, and other tropical plants.

As with every garden, what is in bloom catches the eye. In December the Bougainvillea was in full bloom with the traditional pinks as well as yellows, whites, and bi-colors. The size of the plants and the mass of colorful bracts were magnificent. Large hibiscus shrubs were also blooming as were different varieties of orchids and pots of annuals.

Blooms are not everything in the garden. Keep an eye out for orchids, Staghorn ferns, bromides and other epiphytes that are found throughout the garden. These plants attach themselves to other plants but take their nutrition and moisture from rain and moist air.

Keep an eye out for the hummingbirds that are throughout the garden.

The restaurant was a great place to stop for a complimentary drink, iced Jamaica; and a bite to eat. Prices are listed in both Pesos and USD. One side of the building overlooks the cultivated garden and the other the jungle. Bird feeders are set up on the jungle side. Expect to see a number of different colorful birds at the feeders.

A small gift shop with local and garden-related items, along with plants, are available for purchase. Money from these sales goes towards caring for the gardens.

The gardens are a peaceful retreat that offers a peek into the local flora. They are open from 9 until 6 seven days a week in the busy season. (Closed Mondays April through November.)

We specialize in the luxury villa vacation rentals in Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita Mexico.  Our villas are spacious yet intimate with personal staff to pamper your every need.  Whether you are planning a destination wedding celebration, a vacation with family or just getting away with friends, let us show you the beauty of Puerto Vallarta in your own private villa vacation rental.

Your vacation time is valuable and that is why we inspect every property we represent for the owners and we are familiar with the accommodations, amenities, and staff to help you select the best rental property in Puerto Vallarta.  The results…vacation rentals that won’t leave you with unwanted surprises. 

Relax and experience the charm and culture of Puerto Vallarta with quaint cobblestone streets, the fragrant scent of Bougainvillea, beautiful beaches, Mexican cuisine, outstanding golf courses and a host of activities for everyone to enjoy!  

Our private rental homes and condos offer a full range of services during your stay from full staff services including a chef who will prepare two meals a day.

Our concierge services will personally contact you with information on activities, tours or spa services in the privacy of your own villa rental, to the best restaurants for dining out in Puerto Vallarta. We have the most current information to guide you for your holiday in Puerto Vallarta from our daily weather report to maps and directions.   

For more information about renting a villa in Puerto Vallarta contact Casa Bay Villas at info@puntamitaluxuryvillarentals.com or call us at 203.386.8022.

We hope you will visit one of our featured vacation rental villas soon and experience the Magic of Puerto Vallarta!

Our mission at Casa Bay Villas is to exceed your expectations, listen to your needs and to assist you in selecting the best villa rental for your vacation in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.