Who doesn’t appreciate delicious chocolate and vanilla? Chocolate and vanilla are important parts of Mexican food culture and history, and these delights are being celebrated on January 11th, 2019 at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located just 20 minutes south of Old Town Vallarta, plan a day to reconnect with nature and enjoy a sensory-filled day of tastings, educational talks and so much more. Continue reading below about the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival that will take place soon at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens: History and Admission

Established in 2004, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens first opened its doors to the public in 2005. With a focus on propagation, study, discovery, conservation, and display of Mexican native plants, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a must do activity in Puerto Vallarta. Both Puerto Vallarta’s residents and visitors will enjoy learning and seeing Mexican orchids and other plants that are native to the region. Entry for adults costs just $200 pesos which is around $10 USD with the current exchange rate, and kids under 4 years old get in free. As a small non-profit that relies heavily on memberships and donations to operate, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens does not allow outside food or beverages on the property. If you’re in the mood for a bite, there is an excellent restaurant on the property called Hacienda de Oro Restaurant. The sales from the restaurant help to maintain general operations at the Botanical Gardens.

January 11th, 2019: Chocolate and Vanilla Festival

Guaranteed to be an exciting day for the whole family, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will be held from 10am to 5pm on January 11, 2019. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens will feature a variety of scrumptious vanilla and chocolate tastings that will tantalize your taste buds. In addition to delicious tastings, visitors will learn about the history of Mexican chocolate and vanilla. Want to take a treat back home or a gift for friends or family? There will be homemade Mexican chocolate for sale that is sure to impress. Visitors at the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will also be treated to an energetic performance by local folkloric dancers.

Sunscreen & Insect Repellent

Not only people love the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Bugs and insects also adore the flowers and plants so make sure to come prepared with insect repellent to avoid getting insect bites. If you come unprepared, check at the ticket booth where you can purchase natural insect repellent. In addition to insects, the Vallarta sun is quite strong even during winter months so make sure to wear or bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In the mood for a refreshing dip in a freshwater river? Head down to the small river that runs along the lower portion of the property where you can wade along the sandy banks or jump in to cool off.

Vanilla and chocolate lovers need to mark their calendars for January 11th, 2019 so they can experience the natural beauty of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Located just south of Puerto Vallarta, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will be a wonderful experience for everyone. We hope to see you there!

Vallarta Botanical Gardens Location:

Carretera Barra De Navidad Km. 24, Las Juntas y los Veranos,

C.P. 48447 Cabo Corrientes, Jal. Tel. +52 322 223 6182