The Bogotá Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most special places, serving as a natural oasis amidst the urban bustle. Covering 20 hectares, this garden is dedicated to conservation and environmental education and is one of the country’s most important spaces, making it a must-visit tourist and educational site for both locals and visitors.
A bit of the history of the Bogotá Botanical Garden
The Bogotá Botanical Garden was founded in 1955 and has since become a beloved space for Bogotanos and tourists alike. Its creation aimed to conserve and promote the country’s biological diversity, as well as to encourage education and research in the field of botany.
Its official name is the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden of Bogotá, in honor of the renowned Spanish botanist, mathematician, astronomer, and physician who came to Colombia in 1760 to lead a scientific expedition to study the flora and fauna of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, a territory that now includes Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela.
In addition to paying homage to Mutis, the name of the botanical garden reflects the importance given to science and research in this natural space. Today, the Bogotá Botanical Garden is one of the most important in Latin America, with an extensive collection of native and exotic plants, as well as conservation and environmental education programs for the local community and visitors worldwide.
Location of the Botanical Garden in Bogotá
The botanical garden is located on Avenue Calle 63 and Carrera 68, conveniently near various city points of interest, such as the Gran Estación shopping center or the El Dorado International Airport, only a 15-minute taxi ride away. It is also close to the TransMilenio station on Calle 68 at “Avenida Rojas,” making it easily accessible by public transportation.
What to do at the Bogotá Botanical Garden?
The Bogotá Botanical Garden offers a wide range of activities and attractions to enjoy. Here are some recommendations:
- Stroll through themed gardens: The botanical garden has several themed gardens, such as the Garden of the Senses, the Cactus Garden, and the Aromatic Plants Garden, each with unique themes and beauty.
- Visit the greenhouses: The garden includes a tropical greenhouse with five different areas featuring various plants, from orchids to carnivorous plants. The frailejones greenhouse is especially popular, as these plants grow only in Colombian páramos.
- Walk along ecological trails: The garden has several ecological paths, allowing visitors to walk through the forest and enjoy the local flora and fauna. These trails are perfect for exercise and fresh air.
- Participate in educational activities: The botanical garden offers a variety of educational activities, such as workshops, talks, and guided tours, ideal for learning more about botany and the country’s biodiversity.
- Enjoy cultural events: The garden also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including art exhibits, botanical shows, and themed fairs.
- Observe local wildlife: The botanical garden is home to various bird species, butterflies, and other animals. Observing them in their natural habitat is a unique experience.
If you’d like to visit the botanical garden, it’s open from Tuesday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entrance fees are $5,000 COP for nationals and $10,000 COP for foreigners.
Don’t miss the Bogotá Botanical Garden if you are a nature, culture, and biodiversity enthusiast. Be sure to visit and discover all it has to offer.
