THE PUERTO VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDENS GIVE SUCH GLIMPSES OF NATURAL BEAUTY THAT MAKES VISITORS FACES LIGHT UP.

The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens give such glimpses of natural beauty that makes visitors’ faces light up. From the entrance, my anticipation builds and is rewarded even in the parking lot with all the lush plants for sale.

All I can think of is a walking tour along those winding jungle paths with beautiful names like Orchid and Fern to leave all the normal traffic of the city.

Even the steps along the steeper parts of the trails are art, mostly astrological designs. The suspension bridge is pure fun for children and adults. And rising along the path of filtered light are signs labeling the shade-loving coffee trees and vanilla vines that embraced taller trees. I was amazed to see some vanilla vines end in air instead of soil! Cocoa was the third featured shade plant, but alas, I couldn’t find it along the trails.

Near the end of the trail lies a circular profusion of colorful flowers. Like a child, I lay down on one of the many pretty mosaic benches listening to and savoring the world of filtered light, brightly colored flowers, butterflies and songbirds.

Finally, I headed for the center. The Restaurant de Oro is a large hacienda with high terraces overlooking the gardens and hills, perfect for sampling the good food traditionally made. The attached gift shop is filled with delights. The orchid garden (which held the mysterious cocoa plant), the fountain, and even the bathrooms say, Opulence.

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