Yaax Che Jardín Botánico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín (Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden)

Yaax Che Jardín Botánico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín (Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín Botanical Garden) Review

South of Puerto Morelos, the 150-acre Yaax Che Jardín Botánico del Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín is the largest botanical garden in Mexico. Named for a local botanist, the garden exhibits the peninsula's plants and flowers, which are labeled in English, Spanish, and Latin. The park features a 130-foot suspension bridge, three observation towers, and a library equipped with reading hammocks. There's also a tree nursery, a remarkable orchid and epiphyte garden, an authentic Mayan house, and an archaeological site. A nature walk goes directly through the mangroves for some great birding. 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 park is open daily 8 to 4. It's closed Sunday May through November. Admission is $10.