A Visit to the Wilderness
The Botanic Garden (Jardín botánico) just outside of town on highway 131 (Puerto Escondido — Sola de Vega) is the closest that Puerto has to a protected green zone. Extending over 16.7 hectares, it is dedicated to preserving the area’s indigenous plants while also providing a habitat for native animals.
The land had been used as a farm, before it was donated to the Universidad del Mar (UMAR) by the Municipio of San Pedro Mixtepec. But now it has mostly returned to its natural state - what is usually called “monte” (wilderness) to the uninformed eye. However, as we discovered on our tour, the native vegetation is rich and varied and also has many practical uses.
The 1.5 km of paths direct you to collections of plants of medicinal value as well as for consumption by people and animals. There are also species of orchids and other flowers. It was really interesting to see in the wild the same decorative plants we have in our gardens.
And the animal life! The Botanic Garden has over 90 species of birds, plus 12 species of bats. You may get to glimpse tlacuaches, armadillos, foxes and raccoons (mapaches). But the ocelots (tigrillos) and small pumas (onzas) stay further into the forest. There are also many species of reptiles and insects. Insect repellent and protective clothes are highly recommended.
My favorite plant was the cycads. They are one of the few surviving trees from the time of the dinosaurs. Although they bear some resemblance to palm tress, they are not at all related. They grow very slowly, and a cycads that you might think was ten years old, might really be 150 or more. You will learn all about them from your guide.
All visitors receive guided tours. Unlike many other botanic gardens, this one is not a park which you can just walk around on your own reading the labels. It is more like a wilderness area where you must stick to the paths. The tours typically last an hour, and you usually do not have to wait for a guide.
It is recommended that you visit in the morning. You should bring water with you.
Located at the 244 km point on highway 131 to Oaxaca, the Botanic Garden is around 15 minutes past the tourist bus terminal. It’s easy to get to by car, bus or taxi. The garden is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 to 5, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 1.
