Everything You Need to Know for Visiting Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
In Oaxaca City there is a garden unlike any other, the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca. This striking space is filled with native plants that showcase the incredible biodiversity of the region, and it has quickly become one of the best things to do in the city of Oaxaca.
If you are planning a trip to Oaxaca, the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is an experience you won’t want to miss, and in this guide, we share all of the details so that you don't miss out.
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A Brief Intro to Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
First, lets learn a bit about the Ethnobotanical gardens of Oaxaca!
The History of the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
The Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca was established in the late 1990s on the grounds of a former monastery complex in the historic center of Oaxaca City.
What once served as military barracks has been transformed into a lush, living museum of plants. Today, it’s one of the most visited cultural attractions in the city, drawing travelers who want to explore the intersection of nature and history in Oaxaca.
What Makes Oaxaca's Ethnobotanical Garden Unique?
Unlike a typical botanical garden, the Jardín Etnobotánico is designed to highlight the cultural, ecological, and historical importance of Oaxaca’s native plants.
More than 1,000 species are represented, ranging from towering cacti to delicate medicinal herbs, all carefully arranged to reflect different ecosystems from across the state. The gardens also feature art installations, archaeological pieces, and architecture special to Oaxaca, as well as some local animals.
Where is the Jardín Etnobotánico in Oaxaca?
The Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca is located in the heart of Oaxaca City, right behind the Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and Cultural Center.
Address: Reforma Sur s/n, esquina Constitución,
Col. Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez,
México.
What is the Purpose of an Ethnobotanical Garden?
An ethnobotanical garden is designed to show the deep connection between people and plants. In the case of Oaxaca, the garden highlights how indigenous communities have used plants for food, medicine, clothing, rituals, and construction for centuries. It’s not only a showcase of biodiversity but also an educational space that preserves traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.
Are There Guided Tours of the Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden?
Yes, the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca can only be visited on a guided tour. Local guides lead visitors through the grounds, explaining the origins and uses of different plants as well as the history of the site itself.
Tours are currently available only in Spanish, but they may resume to having English tours as well in the future.
You can only visit the Ethnobotanical Gardens in Oaxaca with a guide.
How Long Does it Take to Tour the Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Garden?
A standard guided tour of the Jardín Etnobotánico lasts around 1 hour. Since the time is limited (I believe it used to be longer) only certain areas of the gardens are able to be visited on the tour.
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Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca: Getting There
Now that you know a bit about the Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca and where it's located, let's dive into getting there.
How to Get to Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
If you’re staying in the historic center, it’s just a short walk from most hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Taxis and rideshares are widely available, but walking is often the easiest way to reach the garden since much of the city center is pedestrian-friendly.
If you are coming from outside the city center, like from a neighborhood further out, you can also take a local bus to Juárez - Constitución, which is just one block away from the gardens.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca: Prices & Timetable
Alright, so you know how to get to the Ethnobotanical Gardens of Oaxaca. Unlike other attractions of the city, the gardens only run by guided tour, and tickets are not able to be purchased in advance. This means you'll have to plan the time of your visit, and get there early since there is limited capacity for each group.
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Opening Hours of Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Typically, Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca is open 5 days a week, but during certain times there may be tours on Saturdays and Sundays (for example, we went during Dia de los Muertos, and there were tours offered Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00, 11:00, and 12:00).
Currently, the gardens are open from Monday - Friday, with tours at 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 5:00 pm. The library is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
It’s best to confirm the current schedule at the garden’s entrance or on their official site before planning your visit.
Jardín Etnobotánico Tickets
Entry tickets are purchased at the garden itself before the tour begins. Adult tickets are 50 MXN pesos, while children 12 and under are free. Mexican students, seniors, and those that are disabled also can take a tour free of charge.
Keep in mind that tours are capped at a limited number of visitors (usually 30), so arriving early is recommended, and often necessary in high season. We showed up at 4:15, and just barely made it in since people were lined up more than an hour before the tour!
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Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca: Garden Amenities
Here are a few things to keep in mind while visiting Jardin Etnobotanico de Oaxaca in terms of amenities on site.
Bathrooms
There are restroom facilities available inside the garden for visitors on tour. Since you'll have to stay with your group during the visit, it’s a good idea to use them before starting the walk.
Food & Drinks
Food and drinks are not sold inside the garden, and visitors are generally not allowed to eat during the tour. Luckily, the surrounding area of Oaxaca City is filled with cafés and restaurants, making it easy to grab a meal or refreshment before or after your visit.
Library
Inside the garden grounds there is a library that you can visit after your tour. Its a great addition to the tour, and there is not rush to leave (unless you are on the final tour)
Souvenirs
While the garden itself does not have a large souvenir shop, you can often find small books or materials related to Oaxaca’s plants and culture. For more unique gifts, explore the artisan markets and shops just a short walk away in the city center.
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Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca: What to Expect
Tours at Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca are pretty straightforward. Once you purchase your ticket you'll wait on the benches for the guide, and if it's really busy, they may even have a second tour group.
During the tour the guide will share valuable information about the different plants, and how they connect to Oaxaca's history. You'll also see the garden's hairless dog, as well as some other domestic animals there.
There are several stops along the way, and the final stop is the most photographic area. Guides give the group 10-15 minutes at the end, and everyone takes turn snapping away in the row of cacti, as well as across the small pond.
After the tour finishes you can visit the library, use the bathroom, or ask any final questions about the property.
We really liked the experience, but honestly were a bit disappointed that there seemed to be a lot of the property that we weren't able to see.
Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca: Rules
Because the garden is a protected space, there are a few rules to follow. Respecting these rules helps preserve the plants and ensures a great experience for everyone.
- Visitors must stay with the guide at all times.
- Only stay within designated paths.
- No touching the plants
- Food and drinks are prohibited.
- Drones aren't allowed - we recommend bringing just a regular camera, and to keep the flash off.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Don't feed the animals that are on the property.
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Other Things to Keep in Mind for Visiting Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca
Now you know almost everything you need for a visit to Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca! But before you go, here are a few final things to keep in mind.
Weather in Oaxaca
Oaxaca enjoys warm, dry weather for much of the year, but the sun can be strong. Temperatures are usually mild in the mornings and hotter in the afternoons, so dress in lightweight, breathable clothing.
The Best Time to Visit Oaxaca Ethnobotanical Gardens
The earliest tours are often the most pleasant, as the light is beautiful for photography and the heat is less intense. The final tour also has really nice weather and lighting, but there are typically more people at this time so you'll have to wait for longer in the heat waiting for a ticket.
We took the 5:00 tour for great lighting.
How to Prepare for a Visit to Jardín Etnobotánico
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, as much of the tour doesn't have a ton of shade. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea, though remember you’ll need to finish it before the tour begins. Since the garden can only be seen with a guide, plan your day around the tour schedule so you don’t miss out.
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What's Next?
Now that you know about one of the top attractions in Oaxaca, you're probably wondering more about what to see and do there! We have over 50 Mexico travel guides, with several of them about Oaxaca City and state.
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So are you ready to experience the beautiful Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca? Visiting these botanical gardens are one of the best things to do in Oaxaca, and we hope you enjoy them as much as we did.
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