Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In the summer of 2016, the mayors of Cabo Corrientes, Prisciliano Ramírez Gordián, and Puerto Vallarta, Arturo Dávalos Peña, appealed to the International Peace Garden Foundation (IPGF) for the Vallarta Botanical Garden to be selected for the honor of being designated the site of Mexico's International Peace Garden.

Shortly thereafter, the President of the International Peace Garden Foundation, Paula Savage, announced that the Garden had been selected for this special distinction. "Puerto Vallarta is a leading destination in Mexico when it comes to recognizing and respecting the diversity of cultures and human rights, which are among the International Peace Garden Foundation's (IPGF) many priorities," Savage said. "We hope to work side by side with Puerto Vallarta to promote world peace and friendship."

When Vallarta's International Peace Garden was dedicated on February 16, 2017, inclusion and unification was the message of the day. The grounds of the Vallarta Botanical Garden have always been a place of calm, solace, and healing of body, mind, and soul. But the addition of the Mexico's official International Peace Garden, which adorns the slope that rises toward the entrance to the Nuestra Señora del Jardín multi-faith chapel, adds a new element of spirituality to the garden experience.

On January 15, 2018, The Vallarta Botanical Garden is having a "Prayer for Peace" at the International Peace Garden at 12:00 pm and everyone is invited.

"The public is especially welcome and encouraged to attend and celebrate this important event with us," said Vallarta Botanical Garden founder and curator, Bob Price. "Real and lasting peace is only possible if everyone works towards it, yet it only takes a few people with courage, boldness and vision to initiate the actions necessary for pursuing it. Participation is a step towards peace for our region and our world."

Please remember that parking is limited and public transportation or taxi is the best way to arrive. General admission to the Garden is $200 pesos and members enter free.

About International Peace Garden Foundation

The International Peace Garden Foundation is a non profit organization established in 1990 traveling the world to advance global friendship and international understanding through the creation of Peace Gardens. The Foundation and its programs are managed completely by volunteers working closely with foreign embassies, municipal governments, cultural organizations and individuals who share our vision. Presently there are twenty-two International Peace Gardens spanning five continents. Mexico is the second country in Central America to receive this honor. San Jose, Costa Rica was honored in 1999. More information about the Foundation can be obtained by visiting ipgf.org.