6 Gardens in Southern Mexico That You Shouldn't Miss

The Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca exhibits hundreds of live plant species, all native to Oaxaca. Planting began in 1998 with plants coming from different regions in the state of Oaxaca; such as arid, humid, low tropical and high mountainous temperate zones. The garden represents the broad diversity of geological formations, types of vegetation and climates that characterize Oaxaca.

Orquideas Moxviquil, OM, began in 1994 with a passionate desire to rescue the fallen flora of Chiapas's ever depleting forests. NOTE: Please enter through the OM entrance, NOT the Moxviquil entrance to experience the full magic of OM. The desire to maintain a small sampling of the natural flora of Chiapas for future generations was the driving force that created this oasis of the varied lifeblood of Chiapas's living natural wonders. These plants rescued from over 200 locations is a divine testament to the passion of rescuing and the desire to save the diminishing gifts of nature for future generations. The plants are preserved from further squandering of natures most delicate and little protected flora gems. This destruction is manifested in the pursuit of food, financial return and greed. OM continues to seek areas of destruction to preserve for the grandchildren of the world an expanding collection of this diversity in a sanctuary of preservation in the valley of San Cristobal, Chiapas. As of October 2014, the collection has over 25,000 rescued plants, comprising 600 species native to Chiapas. The garden located at 2100 meter above sea level has a hothouse for plants from the tierra caliente, hot lands, 1500 meters above sea level down to sea level, a fern grotto, a Maya Medicinal garden, two lakes one that is home to a rare local fish, Popoyote, several seasonal wetlands, extensive areas to walk, meditate and look for birds and other fauna in the cultivated and native wild forests of the Moxviquil 100 hectare reserve. OM has just completed the construction of our second greenhouse dedicated to the Lagos de Montebello, the most bio rich area of Mexico. Bring your headphones to tune in and relax, bring a camera to capture the colors, textures and forms available to you a lunch and a drawing pad. Sit on the last bench in the greenhouse and pretend; pretend you are deep in a Chiapas jungles, the birds will call, the wind will blow and your senses will be bathed in the exotic paradise that is OM. OM is dedicated to enriching your knowledge and enjoyment. One way we do this is by asking each person to please touch the plants, to experience with your fingers the delicate forms, the sharpness, the textural richness of the native plants of Chiapas. Smell and listen for the sounds that permeate the gardens.