Staff determined to preserve natural legacy
Hurricanes Otis and John huffed and puffed but couldn’t do lasting damage to an Acapulco attraction that sometimes goes under the radar when it comes to foreign visitors.
Kay Mendieta of the Acapulco Botanical Garden says the hillside attraction did see hurricane damage but has rebounded and is once again inviting visitors to view intriguing vegetation, some of which is native to the area and some of which was introduced from elsewhere to the garden.
“We were resilient,” Malieta said of the garden’s recovery from 2023’s Hurricane Otis, which knocked down many of the garden’s trees, and 2024’s Hurricane John, which resulted in scant damage to the attraction.
Garden staff hosted a group of delegates to Mexico’s recent tourism show Tianguis, which was held in Acapulco.
Those visiting the large outdoor garden — found just a few minutes from the city and offering a dramatic view of it — will be able to spot the likes of tropical vegetation, massive boulders, reptiles and birds while strolling its trails.
Among exotic plants is one that devours flies. Visitors can also spot palm trees, aquatic plants, shade-loving plants, bromeliads and a host of other types of greenery, prompting Mendieta’s colleague Dalila Meraza to label the garden a “beautiful place. This garden is really a legacy for the future of Acapulco.”
The attraction includes a 13-meter-high observation platform.
Mendieta said the garden doesn’t draw as many foreign tourists as garden staff would like, with foreigners tending to associate Acapulco with beaches and energetic nightlife, and possibly being unaware of what it offers nature enthusiasts, including birdwatchers, who can be accommodated by botanical garden staff with particularly early visits.
Mendieta said the Botanical Garden of Acapulco — which relies heavily on volunteers and works with a governing body for botanical gardens — is eager to “share with the work we have carried out over the past 24 years. Our vision is to leave a legacy for the citizens of (the state of) Guerrero and for visitors, showcasing the extraordinary biodiversity of this region. Through educational workshops with schoolchildren, guided tours for visitors, and the preservation and propagation of native and endemic species, we strive to strengthen awareness and appreciation of nature.
“These efforts are not only about conservation; they are about ensuring that future generations can witness and experience the richness of a subtropical forest — living proof of the beauty and resilience of our natural heritage.
“We firmly believe that only by recognizing the vital role ecosystems play in human well-being can we inspire collective responsibility and action. Your visit encourages us to continue this mission with renewed energy and commitment.”
The garden is open 365 days a year.
