Are you in the mood to try some homemade chocolate and vanilla? Two of Mexico’s biggest exports, chocolate and vanilla have deep roots in Mexican culture and history. At the Vallarta Botanical Gardens located 20 minutes south of Old Town Vallarta, you can get back to nature and enjoy a fun filled day of tastings, educational talks and so much more. Read below to learn more about the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens coming up soon on January 11th, 2019.
Vallarta Botanical Gardens History
The Vallarta Botanical Gardens was established in 2004 and opened its doors to the public in 2005 with a focus on propagation, study, discovery, conservation, and display of Mexican native plants. Puerto Vallarta’s residents and visitors get to enjoy learning and seeing Mexican orchids and other native plants only found in the area. Admission costs just $200 pesos which is around $10 USD with the current exchange rate, and kids under 4 years old have free admission. As a small non-profit that relies heavily on memberships and donations to operate, no outside food or beverages are permitted on the property. There is an excellent on site restaurant called Hacienda de Oro Restaurant whose earnings from food and drink sales help to maintain their general operations.
Chocolate and Vanilla Festival
The Chocolate and Vanilla Festival is sure to be an exciting day for the whole family. From 10am to 5pm on January 11, 2019, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens will showcase a variety of vanilla and chocolate tastings that will tempt and tantalize your palate. In addition to delicious tastings, visitors will learn about the history of chocolate and vanilla and what it means to Mexico. There will be homemade Mexican chocolate for sale as well. Attendees to the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival will also be treated to a performance by folkloric dancers that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Come Prepared
Bugs and insects also adore the flowers and plants at the beautiful Vallarta Botanical Gardens so make sure to come prepared with insect repellent to avoid getting insect bites. If you forget, check at the ticket booth where they sell natural repellent. Also, the sun can get quite intense even during winter months, so come prepared with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. If you have some free time, make sure to head down to the river that runs along the lower portion of the property. You can even take a refreshing dip or just wade along the sandy banks to cool off.
Ready to try some vanilla and chocolate and experience the natural beauty of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens? Located just south of Conchas Chinas and Garza Blanca’s luxurious and elegant private residences, the Chocolate and Vanilla Festival is sure to be a fun and educational day for everyone. We hope to see you there!
Vallarta Botanical Gardens Location:
Carretera Barra De Navidad Km. 24, Las Juntas y los Veranos,
C.P. 48447 Cabo Corrientes, Jal. Tel. +52 322 223 6182
memberships@vbgardens.org
www.vbgardens.org