Occupying 300 acres of San Juan, Jardin Botanico is a large urban garden, dedicated to the preservation and research of local and exotic species of flowers, plants and trees. The property is operated by the University of San Juan, both as a research facility and as a garden for the people of San Juan. Approximately 75 acres are open to the public and feature a number of permanent collections.
It’s easy to see why Jardin Botanico is a popular destination amongst both locals and tourists. Enjoy a picnic upon the garden’s sprawling lawns, or seek shade beneath one of the 125 species of palms in the Palmetum. There are also a number of gardens dedicated to the local flora of the area. The Garden of Heliconias features an array of the brightly colored plants from the tropics of central America, while the Taino garden shows plants used by the Taino Indians.
Guided tours are available, some escorting visitors in a vehicle in order to see as much as possible. The tours offer educational and scientific information aimed horticulture enthusiasts, and are more suitable for adults than children. For families, the best way to see Jardin Botanico is by walking along the lush forest paths, exploring the river area and relaxing with a drink at the onsite restaurant. Be aware that the gardens are large and many areas are in full sun, so you may want to bring along a bottle of water and a hat.
The Jardin Botanico is located in the southern part of San Juan. It can be reached by car and there is free parking available on site. For visitors traveling by public transportation, the nearest station is Rio Piedras. The gardens are open daily, except on public holidays. Entry is free.
