Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – People travel long distances to get to know the famous Botanical Gardens around the world, but the importance of each of the different species that adorn these scenarios often goes unnoticed or does not capture our attention because of the amount of species that overwhelm our senses.
However, for the true lover of nature, flowers, trees and plants have their own history in terms of their cultural wealth in the region, their importance in the traditions of their people and the medicinal properties they offer.
Take for example one of Mexico’s most celebrated gifts to the culinary world… vanilla. Culinary vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia) was first cultivated by the Totonac people of the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the present-day state of Veracruz. According to mythology, the tropical vanilla orchid was born from a story of love and tragedy.
When Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover, the two were captured and beheaded. Where the blood of the princess’ lover touched the ground a tree grew and next to it, where the princess’ blood touched the ground the vine of the vanilla orchid grew attaching to the tree forever.
Vanilla is abundant at the Vallarta Botanical Garden, and it’s just one of many captivating plants you can learn more about on a private Botanical Delights & Culinary Adventure tour.
From tasty tropical crops that tease your palate and fascinating flowers that are truly feasts for the eyes, to the richness of authentic Mexican cuisine, there is something for everyone on this one-of-a-kind garden adventure.
Your experience begins upon meeting up with your official Vallarta Botanical Garden guide who will serve as your companion and ambassador of Mexico’s tremendous native flora and fauna. Together you will wind your way along Vallarta’s stunning south shore and up the Horcones Canyon to the world-famous Vallarta Botanical Garden.
From there the adventure begins in earnest as you venture through garden trails, conservatories, and exhibits to explore and learn together.
You’ll then dine in the magnificent Hacienda del Oro Restaurant with generous portions of authentic Mexican cuisine spotlighting some of the plants you just experienced in cultivation. Afterwards, you’ll also have some free time to wander the garden at your leisure, swim in the crystalline waters of the mountain river flowing through the forest preserve, capture some photographs, or relax with a drink in hand at the observation deck of the Garden’s Visitor Center.
There’s no place quite like the Vallarta Botanical Garden, and a private Botanical Delights Tour and Culinary Adventure is the best way to get the most from your experience there.
What’s Included:
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Vallarta Botanical Garden Entrance
• A delightful welcome refreshment
• A guided, curated experience with memories to last a lifetime!
• Nature in abundance
• An authentic Mexican meal
The Botanical Delights Tour & Culinary Adventure is a 6-7 hour experience that’s available to groups of any size. For more information and current prices visit tourspvr.com, or call +52 322-105-0821 or 322-688-6206.
Visit the internationally famous Vallarta Botanical Garden located just 30 minutes south of Old Town at Km. 24 on Highway 200 and easily accessible by public transportation and taxi. This 64 acre wildlife preserve and botanical garden have something fun for everyone. Over 200 species of birds have been observed on the Garden’s grounds. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the jungle river. See plantings of vanilla, chocolate, and hundreds of other botanical delights! The Garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Garden admission is just $200 pesos. For more information, call (322) 223-6182 or visit vbgardens.org.
Click HERE to learn more about Vallarta Botanical Gardens.