Hi there! I’m Nicholas, an American living in Colombia, and today I want to take you on a virtual journey through the Bogotá Botanical Garden, a serene natural retreat away from the bustling streets of Colombia’s capital.
This garden was established in 1955 by the visionary Colombian Enrique Pérez Arbeláez. His dedication to collecting a diverse range of seeds from across Colombia has resulted in this magnificent sanctuary.
What Makes the Bogotá Botanical Garden Special?
Let me share some fascinating aspects of this place. Spanning over 27 hectares, the garden is meticulously maintained, offering peaceful walks through its lush landscapes.
You’ll find expert guides at the garden, offering specialized tours, educational workshops, and talks. Plus, there’s a restaurant to enjoy a meal amidst nature. The garden showcases various ecosystems, representing Colombia’s rich biodiversity, including arid systems, Andean jungle, rainforest, and páramo.
Discover the Plant Kingdom
The garden boasts an impressive herbal section with over 80 medicinal plant species. Explore the traditional cold climate orchard with veggies like spinach and cauliflower, and wander through systematic gardens depicting plant evolution, from cryptogams to gymnosperms and angiosperms.
An intriguing feature is the representation of Bogotá’s highland subxerophytic area, a dry zone where unique xerophytic vegetation thrives, as seen in Villa de Leyva.
Besides its flora, the garden is a hub for nature-related activities and workshops, fostering environmental awareness and community interaction.
Getting There ♂️
Reaching the garden can be a bit of a trek from the city center. A convenient option is to take the Transmilenio, alight at Av. Rojas, and enjoy a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, hop on a bus towards Simón Bolívar Park and walk from there. Of course, a taxi is always an option for direct access.
Address: Av 63 # No. 68-95
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on the first Monday morning (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) of each month.