Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden

Known in Spanish as Jardín Botánico Alfredo Barrera Marín, it is a top attraction when staying in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo.

Spreading over 161 acres, this living museum is one of Mexico’s largest botanical gardens and the region’s most important one.

What to see at Alfredo Barrera Marin botanical garden?

Puerto Morelos’ botanical garden offers visitors an immersive experience blending nature and culture.

Here you will find several collections of regional plants, from medicinal to ornamental species, as well as a range of wildlife that is protected in its ancestral ecosystems and lives alongside an authentic ethnographic representation of the Maya civilization, which includes a typical “Solar Maya” plot of land. It has been built entirely by compression, without adhesives, nails, or ropes.

The six main botanical collections include:

1. Ornamental Plants
2. Epiphytes
3. Medicinal Plants
4. Cacti
5. Ferns
6. Palms

Plus, there are five special areas:

1. Ethnographical Exhibits
2. Chicle Gum Camp
3. Mayan Ruins
4. Nursery
5. Environmental Education

During the tour, you will be able to observe a wide variety of species such as butterflies, squirrels, coatis, iguanas, agoutis, and peccaries. If you are lucky, you will even spot spider monkey families.

The garden also features a lookout point and hanging bridge where you can snap spectacular shots, capturing treasured memories of your visit.

It is a good idea to wear biodegradable bug spray when entering the garden.

History of Puerto Morelos’ botanical garden

Puerto Morelos’ botanical garden was founded in 1982 to protect regional plants and preserve the biodiversity of northern Quintana Roo. Currently, it is the only endemic vegetation reserve remaining in the area.

The garden is named for the late researcher Alfredo Barrera Marín, an ethnobotanist and expert on Maya and Náhuatl cultures. He made significant contributions to raising awareness of these cultures.

Hours and Prices

The Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Entrance fees are $120 pesos for out-of-state Mexicans and foreigners, and $50 pesos for Quintana Roo residents.