Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Many of you have probably already spent hours exploring the world without leaving the comfort of your own home through Google Earth (a.k.a. Google Maps.)

One of their amazing features includes embedded panoramic views allowing one to scroll a computer screen through a 360° view. Another is "Street View," which allows you to experience seamless footage of any place they've filmed as if you are driving right along yourself. You can even zoom into a shot of a storefront to view everything there in stunning detail. How much is that doggy in the window? Chances are you can zoom right in on its price tag!

Now imagine being able to surf the web for a virtual tour of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Didn't have a chance to hike the whole Jaguar trail during your last trip? Soon you will be able to experience it without breaking a sweat. Forgot the scientific name of a beautiful blooming orchid? Just zoom in on the plants' name tag.

Our curiosity was piqued when we received a crew from Google Maps in early August with a futuristic jetpack-looking device with an overhead multi-lensed camera globe. Now we're looking forward to when their imagery is processed and uploaded for public view on their website, a process which usually takes approximately four months or more to complete.

In coincidental synergy with the recent work at the Garden of the Google Map crew, our friend Paco Ojeda of Vallarta Lifestyles magazine has been taking high resolution images by a multi-rotational tripod mount that allows for the 360° view photomontages mentioned earlier. While the work of the latest Google crew will likely not be available to view until late this year or early 2015, eleven of Paco's images are now available online. (Click HERE to see them.)

Of course the hope is all of this wonderful imagery encourages people to visit the Gardens in person even more and not just experience us on the Internet... although that's a lot of fun too!

We are delighted to share the Garden with the world better than ever before yet are quick to remind you that through expert photography and the latest technology can enhance the virtual visit in incredible new ways, nothing replaces a visit here in person. To see fresh blooms of delicate flowers, feel the mountain breezes, hike along our trails, and fall in love all over again with your favorite native Mexican plants is the only way to truly experience the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.