Vallarta Garden plans two-day Butterfly Weekend

Autumn brings one of the most impressive butterfly seasons to the Banderas Bay region, with a remarkable variety of butterfly species and large numbers of butterflies. Butterfly Weekend at the Vallarta Botanical Garden will highlight butterflies and the plants that support them across a two-day program.

The event will include guided butterfly safaris, exhibits, educational displays, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Visitors will have an opportunity to see butterflies up close and learn more about their role in the region’s tropical ecosystem. The program also helps visitors understand the connections between native plants, wildlife, and healthy tropical forests.

The safaris are designed for observation and photography. Visitors are asked to follow designated trails and leave their nets at home; following the designated trails helps protect the garden and its wildlife.

Flowering plants create opportunities to spot different butterfly species as they move from flower to flower. Thousands of flowering plants attract butterflies throughout the property, which also has hundreds of other botanical plantings, including vanilla and chocolate. More than 200 bird species have been observed on the grounds.

The Vallarta Botanical Garden is a 135-hectare wildlife preserve and botanical garden located at Km. 24 on Highway 200, about 30 minutes south of Old Town. It is accessible by public transportation and taxi. The Garden’s ongoing work includes wildlife conservation and environmental education, while the event encourages visitors to appreciate the biodiversity found in and around Puerto Vallarta.

Regular Garden admission costs $300 pesos per person. Children aged 5 to 10 pay $150 pesos, children under 5 enter free of charge, and Garden members receive free admission. Admission to Butterfly Weekend is included with regular Garden admission.

The Garden has a jungle river where visitors can swim, and authentic Mexican cuisine is served at the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant from 10 am to 5 pm. The Garden is closed on Mondays from April 1 to December 1. Before planning a visit, use vbgardens.org or call (322) 223-6182, then set aside time for a guided safari along the designated trails.