Visitor F.A.Q
How long should I plan to spend at the Gardens?
The length of your visit depends on your schedule and what you’d like to do. Besides seeing our curated plant collections, you can hike along our trails, swim in the river, have a bite to eat at the restaurant, take a guided tour and much more! We recommend giving yourself at least 2-3 hours for your visit, but it’s easy to spend a whole day here.
What should I bring?
No special equipment required. We recommend comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, bug spray (we sell insect repellent too), bottled water, sunglasses, and a hat. Most important is your sense of wonder for the natural world!
How do I get to the Garden?
SEE HERE for all information about our location and transportation options.
What are your hours of operation?
We’re open from 9am – 6pm, Tuesday – Sunday from April to November (closed on Mondays), and 7 days/week from December to March. For more details SEE HERE
How much does admission cost?
General admission is $300 MXN per adult over 10 years old. Purchase at the gate when you arrive or book online HERE.
Do I need to make a reservation?
No, no reservations needed! We encourage you to book a ticket online in advance, but you are welcome to purchase tickets on your arrival at the front gate. Tickets booked online are good for entrance at any time on the date booked. Book here.
Our restaurant, Haciendo de Oro, does not accept reservations, and most of the year there is no wait for a table.
Do you offer guided tours?
Yes! Our main guided tour, the “Botanical Delights” tour, is offered as part of a package including round-trip transportation, lunch, and a one hour guided walking tour. Book Here.
Other guided tours are subject to staff availability. If you have a specific request, please reach out to contact@vbgardens.org or call +52 (322) 688 6295 and we will seek to accommodate.
Is the Garden a good place for kids?
Yes! We hope children will delight in the beauty of nature and enjoy spotting birds, bugs, and lizards just as much as adults do. We are not, however, a playground, and children may not shout, roughhouse, or go unsupervised – for their own safety, the well-being of our plants and animals, and the enjoyment of our other guests. We do not have a separate children’s area.
Kids under 5 get in free, children 5-10 years old receive half-price admission of $150 MXN.
Can I bring a picnic?
No, we do not allow outside food or beverages, besides water. We have a full-service restaurant and bar, Hacienda de Oro, offering breakfast and lunch. See here for menu.
Can I bring my pet to the Garden?
Pets are welcome when kept on a leash and under their owner’s control at all times, and their waste is picked up immediately and properly disposed of. Be aware that various other animals make the Gardens their home and pets must not disturb them. Pets are allowed in the restaurant in a certain section of the terrace.
An entrance fee of $100 pesos per pet applies; member’s pets get in free.
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Some areas of the Gardens are flat and accessible for guests with limited mobility, though paving stones are uneven on walking trails. Bathrooms have a ramp and accessible stalls. The Hacienda de Oro restaurant is on a second story; staff are available to assist with stairs. Trails going through the jungle are not accessible. Improving accessibility for all is a goal of ours in the next few years.
A basic wheelchair is available for rent at the Gardens’ entrance for $500 MXN/day.
Can I bring a large group of people to the Gardens?
Absolutely! We want to make sure we’re ready to accommodate you; for any groups larger than 6 people please book tickets in advance; for groups of 12 or more please email in advance to contact@vbgardens.org or call +52 (322) 688 6295 in order to arrange.
Can I host an event at the Gardens?
We would love to host your event, including weddings! For more details see here , or contact us at events@vbgardens.org
Do you have plants for sale?
Yes! We have a variety of plants, both small and large, including less-common species, for sale in our nursery, along with decorative pots.
May I do a photo shoot at the Gardens?
Permits are necessary for professional photo shoots or any organized photography.
Our basic photography permit costs $3,000 MXN and admits one photographer and one model or assistant.
Any arial drone photography must be arranged in advance and is an additional $2,000 MXN. Standard garden entry fees apply to additional guests (beyond 2 people included in permits).
To book photo or video shoots, email in advance to events@vbgardens.org or call +52 (322) 688 6295
Why should I donate to the Gardens?
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the wonder of native plant species, conserving the flora and fauna of western Mexico, contributing to global botanical research, offering environmental education to visitors and locals alike, and serving as a pillar for sustainable development in the surrounding community.
We rely on entrance fees as well as the generous contributions of our members and donors to sustain our natural sanctuary, pay living wages to staff, conduct all of our extensive conservation work, and engage with surrounding communities. The Gardens receive no funding from any government.
We are registered as an Associacion Civil in Mexico, and in the USA are supported by a 501c3, “Friends of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.”
Can I volunteer?
We would love for you to, unfortunately at the moment we do not have the capacity to manage a general volunteer program and are not accepting any new volunteers.
If you would like to get more involved in the Gardens, please consider a membership, and we’ll make an announcement on our blog and social media pages if volunteer opportunities become available again in the future.
How can I partner with the Gardens on something?
We’d love to hear what you’re thinking! Please email contact@vbgardens.org to get a conversation started.
I have more questions, what should I do?
For any additional questions, please email contact@vbgardens.org or call our office at +52 (322) 688 6295