The Vallarta Botanical Garden has been declared a “Protected Natural Area” one of only two such areas in the state of Jalisco by the Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development. This award highlights their achievements in biodiversity and attitudes toward conservation .
Located in Cabo Corrientes 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta on Hwy 200, VBG incorporates 31.97 hectares dedicated to the rescue, preservation and conservation of tropical forest wildlife and flora. There is an impressive exhibition of orchids, cacti and rhododendron plants among the 248 species of plants found there. There are 15 mammal species including jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi, and Pacific grey squirrel, 267 bird species including mallard, woodpecker, Montezuma quail, spotted-tailed hummingbird, and hook-beaked hawk, 29 reptile species, and 13 amphibian species are found there. The first property that was designated as a Protected Natural Area was 50.08 hectares named “La Bolsa” in Tuxcacuesco, Jalisco and the state ranks 4th in Mexico in natural biodiversity rankings.
In 2020 Botanical Gardens purchased 87 forested hectares near the botanical garden where an Ocelot Sanctuary was established. These lands host an amazing array of local wildlife including jaguars, otters and macaws. These purchases were made from our land purchase fund and will provide a safe haven for animals and plants, safe from the incursion of civilization, and allow these creatures to live their lives in a manner nature intended for them.
GAYPV Travel Tips
1-While on your visit to the Gardens, set aside enough time to experience real Mexican style dining at their famous Hacienda del Oro Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Los Horcones River. Check their menu here.
2-If plants are not your thing, you can also
- Go for a hike on the many trails through the gardens (a well-marked map is included in your entrance fee)
- Swim in the Los Horcones river
- Visit the Orchid Observatory
- They have lockers and bathrooms for changing and storing your hiking or swimming valuables.
Vallarta’s Botanical Gardens first opened to the public in 2005 to support plant conservation and bring horticulture education programs to animals and plants native to the tropical forest jungle of Puerto Vallarta. The Garden is a hot spot for birdwatching with over 230 different species of birds documented here.
How to get to the Botanical Gardens
You can arrive by catching the bus to “El Tuito” at the corner of Basilio Badillo and Aguacate streets, in the Romantic Zone. Google map location is here. This bus leaves every half hour or so. This bus will also return you to PV. Bus fare is approximate $50 pesos (under $3 USD) each way*.
- Normal Garden Hours: Open Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- December to March: Open 7 days/week
- April to November: Open 6 days/week (Closed Mondays)
Spanish Source here https://notiespaciopv.com/2023/09/04/vallarta-botanical-garden-es-declarado-area-natural-protegida-en-jalisco/
