South of Puerto Morelos, the 150-acre Yaax Che Jardín Botánico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín (Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden),named for a local botanist, exhibits the peninsula's plants and flowers, which are labeled in English, Spanish, and Latin. There's also a tree nursery, a remarkable orchid and epiphyte garden, a reproduction of a chiclero (gum arabic collector), an authentic Mayan house, and an archaeological site. A nature walk goes directly through the mangroves for some great bird-watching; more than 220 species have been identified here (be sure to bring the bug spray, though). Spider monkeys can usually be spotted in the afternoons, and a tree-house lookout offers a spectacular view—but the climb isn't for those afraid of heights. The garden is open daily 8 AM to 4 PM, and admission is $7.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip