04 Apr 2025
I went to the Vallerta Botanical Gardens with my spouse and two teenage children. We felt the transportation package with options for a tour guide and/or tequila tasting was more than we needed. We took an Uber to Gardens and paid US$15 a person to spend about 90 minutes there.
The staff were very helpful to help us get oriented to the place. Consider bringing insect repellant to apply after arriving. Most of the amazing flowers plants are housed in pavilions. We were captivated by all of the different species in these gardens. After we saw most of the pavilions, we took the Jaguar and River trails for a short walk in the gardens.
The staff encourage you to have a drink or meal at the restaurant (your admission fee includes a "free hibiscus tea" to be redeemed at the restaurant. I hear the food is good, but we had other plans for lunch. There's also a gift shop if you're into that kind of thing.
It is nearly impossible to get an Uber out. Fortunately, there's a bus that can get you back to Puerta Vallerta for MX$10/person that comes by every 30 minutes. If you haven't got any pesos, the driver will happily take US$5/person instead.
If you're tired of the cruise-ship environment surrounding many parts of downtown Puerto Vallerta, this half-day excursion is worth considering.