Vallarta Botanical Gardens opened its gates six years ago on November 15th, 2005. Since then it has grown to become one of Puerto Vallarta's most fabulous “must see” tourist attractions. The Gardens are located in the mountains at an elevation of 1,400 feet above sea level where you will find a rejuvenating and much cooler micro-climate that is always a delightful surprise to Garden visitors. They are a living museum showcasing exceptional examples of the abundant natural diversity found in PV.

As you enter the Gardens, look for a sign that directs you to the swinging bridge. Follow the iron handrail and lead yourself through a pristine swath of original tropical forest in its full exuberant splendor. Along this trail one will encounter the Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla Garden where living examples of each of these plants can be viewed growing in the shadows of giant forest trees. Then one descends into the Tree Fern Grotto, an important nesting area of the endemic Mexican Hermit Hummingbird.

Don’t miss the Holstein Conservatory of Mexican Orchids. In this remarkable conservatory, one can see many native Mexican orchids in bloom, plus collections of carnivorous plants, rare ferns, and other native curiosities. The Orchid Conservatory was a charitable gift to Vallarta Botanical Gardens in early 2008.

The centerpiece of the Botanical Gardens is the Hacienda that serves as the visitors' center and is also the location of the Gardens' celebrated restaurant known as The Plantation House Restaurant & Bar. They serve Ranch Style Mexican food and make homemade gourmet pizzas in a wood-burning brick oven.

Created in the style of a tropical 18th century plantation manor, the hacienda sits on a jungle ridge overlooking the river and gardens. This lovely natural oasis is surrounded by the majesty of the soaring Sierra Madres in all directions.

If you'd like to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta and one of the genuine treasures of the city, then head out to the Gardens, located on coastal Route 200, just 30 minutes south of town.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens now offer Fabulous Gay ATV Tours, guided off-road tours on brand new fully automatic ATVs.