I was expecting beautiful tropical flowers and exotic trees – it was the Botanical Gardens in Bogota afterall. I was surprised to see flowers I would more likely find in North America. The large pumpkins in February were the best surprise because of the joyful expression on my aunt’s face when she saw them. For my mother, it was the roses. To see roses in February is never expected. There are many treasures in the Botanical Gardens in Bogota (Jardin Botanico de Bogota Jose Celestino Mutis) the least of which are the brand new pavilions which were still closed off to the public but should be inaugurated later on this spring.
Covering an area of 20 hectares, 55,500 plants of 1,168 species, more than 30 live collections, about 18 species of bees and nearly 40 species of registered birds, the Botanical Garden of Bogotá is worth a visit. It also is home to over 5,000 indigenous orchids – the national flower. Among the various themed sections of the garden are five Special Collections for Conservation (CEPAC) areas dedicated to endangered Andean plants, including páramo species (Andean woodland plants). You’ll also come across areas dedicated to cacti, palms, medicinal plants, aquatics, orchids and more, and large greenhouses climatized at different temperatures to recreate the conditions of different regions of Colombia.
Covering 2,760 square meters the new pavilions will have 6-10% of diverse vegetation from Colombia. There will be plants from the biodiversity of the Choco region to the Amazon and desert plants from the Magdalena. An important research and scientific center with emphasis on Andean and paramo ecosystems. This institution contributes to plants conservation in Bogotá and its surrounding area.
What we did not account for was the heavy, heavy downpour which abruptly cut our visit short. As we made a dash for a concession, we kept the rain at bay but then we scurried to a gazebo and found ourselves with nowhere to go after that. When the rain turned to drizzle, I helped my mom and aunt navigate through a forested area to avoid huge puddles on the path. It was comical as I had to piggyback them off the ledge. I was amazed I could do this without falling over. ALL part of the adventures of travelling.
Insider Tip: always carry an umbrella or plastic poncho to protect yourself from torrential downpours. They come quickly and hard. Don’t let the rain keep you from seeing the beauty of the Botanical Gardens of Bogota.
We loved our visit so I wanted to share a few photos from our trip to the Botanical Gardens of Bogotá.
What you need to know:
The Bogotá Botanical Garden is located at Avenida Calle 63 n. 68-95, Bogotá. It’s not far from the huge Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park, so you can combine a visit to both for a day of fresh air in the middle of the city. It’s good to note that the gardens are closed in the morning of the first Monday (or Tuesday when Monday is a holiday) of each month.
Botanical Gardens of Bogota, Colombia
Address: Avenida Calle 63 No. 68-95, Bogotá DC NIT 860.030.197-0
Customer Service Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Weekend and Holidays 9:00 am to 5: 00 pm
Closed the morning of the first Monday (or Tuesday when Monday is a holiday) of each month.
Rates:
Adults: $ 3,500 COP
Children from 4 to 12 years old: $ 1,800 COP
* Children from 3 years old or less and adults over 60 years old do not pay.
Other posts about Colombia
- First Wonder of Colombia – the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
- Traveling with Grandma to Colombia
- Short Travel Videos from DownshiftingPRO (including BOTERO Museums in Bogota and Medellin, Colombia)
- The Botero Museum in Bogota and Medellin (video)
- Ultimate Guide to Fruits and Juices in Colombia
- Best Souvenirs to Buy in Colombia
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.