Vallarta Botanical Garden: 20 Years of Conservation, Beauty, and Community

This November 15th, the Vallarta Botanical Garden celebrates two decades of transforming a hillside in southern Puerto Vallarta into one of the most important gardens in North America. Founded in 2004 by Robert Price and Jesús Reyes, this natural sanctuary has not only become one of the most beloved attractions for residents and visitors but also an international benchmark for conservation, environmental education, and the exhibition of native flora.

Today, the garden spans over 120 hectares of tropical forests and riparian ecosystems, including a stretch of the Los Horcones River, whose crystal-clear waters sustain and shelter species such as the ocelot, river otter, and military macaw. Its ecological relevance and exemplary management have earned it the highest distinction awarded by the Public Gardens of North America organization, a recognition reserved for institutions with exceptional collections and world-class standards.

One of its greatest treasures is the orchid collection, a vibrant display of the country’s botanical diversity that attracts specialists and nature lovers alike. But beyond the plants (1,200 species and counting), the Vallarta Botanical Garden has built a community passionate about protecting the region’s natural heritage.

Over these 20 years, the institution has driven research projects, educational programs for children and adults, and strategies for the preservation of native flora and fauna, establishing itself as a leading environmental organization in Mexico. Its mission has been clear from the start: to study, safeguard, and exhibit the plants of Mexico to inspire awe, respect, and environmental awareness.

The visitor experience is also deeply sensory. The trails surrounded by jungle, the constant birdsong, the perfume of the orchids, and the murmur of the river create a unique atmosphere. In its restaurant, featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, visitors enjoy the landscape while the Sierra Madre unfolds in all its splendor.

This twentieth anniversary is more than a celebration; it is a tribute to the constant work of its team, the support of its members, and the connection that thousands of people have cultivated with this natural oasis. What began as a shared dream is today a world-renowned botanical garden and a reminder of what can be achieved when the most valuable resource—the environment that gives us life—is passionately protected.