A Botanical Garden With Culture

Driving without a plan is exciting. We jump into diverse places, as happened with this charming park. We fully enjoyed this beautiful paradise, where vegetation is not the only actor; as a river cuts through all the spacious green areas, and native trees make the attractions better in the Botanical Garden; offering a relaxing atmosphere which makes it an ideal destination for visitors and tourists from all over the world. It is located in the Municipal of Caguas near the main cities of the island of Puerto Rico, just 30 minutes from San Juan, the capital.

In honor of William Miranda Marín (1940 - 2010) the former mayor of the municipality and visionary of the project, the Botanical Garden and Cultural William Miranda Marín is a theme park designed to educate the public about the Puerto Rican culture in relation to nature and tropical agriculture. This park, occupies about 60 acres of land that were once part of the old sugar mill Hacienda San Jose, the agricultural production center vital in Turabo Valley during the nineteenth century and the first half twentieth century. It's wealth and charm make the Botanical Gardens and Cultural William Miranda Marín a true national treasure.

Before I keep on with the parts of the park let me present a picture of the former major and a link to an article when he received The World Harmony Run Torch in The Botanical Gardens.

Adding to the above, the Botanical Garden and Cultural William Miranda Marín exposes the rich multicultural heritage that forms the Creole heritage of the cagüeños and Puerto Ricans. In joining texture fibers of the Tainos, African and Spanish, the Garden celebrates the roots of Creole-the sum of our three-ethnicity projecting various recreational and educational areas, with special emphasis on the historical values ​​of the region and the development of demonstration projects on technologies friendly to the natural environment.

• The Taino Ancestral Grove, celebrates the Indian heritage of Creole through a monumental public art project inspired by the indigenous batey.
• The African Ancestral Arboleda, is a place of remembrance and respect to our African ancestors.
• The Grove Consciousness, invites us to reflect on the importance of protecting our natural resources, introducing various tree species threatened with extinction.
• The Jibara House and Family Seeding Agriculture, honors farming grandparents of Puerto Rico.
• The field of Puerto Rican Artisan, celebrates the creativity of our people in carving,
• The Forest Heritage, displays 36 species of native and endemic trees of great ecological, food and of practical value to our ancestors.

The Garden features tropical flora in all its exuberance and variety.

• The Fruit Orchard, exhibits 50 species of native and foreign fruit trees that have been part of the Puerto Rican recipes.
• Planting of "Blood-wood"; is popularly known by that name, by it's predilection for wet conditions, it inhabits the river Cagüitas.
• The Palmar, exhibits dozens of species of palms from around the world for their distributed geographical areas.
• The Bambular, born in Plaza Agricultural and along the river Caguitas, is a collection of different species of this type of cane or reed.
• The Florida Arboleda, is a feast of colors that allows us to enjoy 40 species of trees.
• The Taino Manigua, is an expression to describe a tropical wetland, ecosystem characterized by water-saturated soils and vegetation adapted to the lack of oxygen in the soil.
• The Riparian Corridor, is a planting plan aimed at stimulating the natural process of regeneration of the vegetation that surrounds the river Cagüitas.
• The Aquatic Plant Garden and Tropical Fish, occupies space within the historic area of ​​the old hacienda, with a pond for cultivation of aquatic plants and a tropical fish hatchery.
• The Urban Agricultural Square, consists of six areas for the production of hydroponics, plant propagation and practical use.
• The Butterfly, is a space in the historic area dedicated to the breeding and spread of butterflies which offers the experience of being in contact with these beautiful creatures.

The Botanical Garden and Cultural William Miranda Marín requires respect and the need of following some responsibilities by the visitors which will allow the fulfillment of a enjoyable visit.

1. Do not smoke in any of the facilities of the Garden.
2. Wear appropriate clothing for the tropics and comfortable walking shoes.
3. Use sunscreen and rain protection, especially during the months between May and November.
4. Do not bring food, beverages, including alcohol, televisions or radios without headphones.
5. Do not bring animals, except guide dogs.
6. Do not leave children unattended at any time. They should always be accompanied by an adult.
7. It is not allowed to damage the flora and fauna of the garden, so it is not allowed to take any of it's items, except those purchased in the garden shop.
8. You are not allowed to touch the exhibits in the Visitor Center and Exhibition, including audiovisual equipment.

The Botanical Garden and Cultural of Caguas was designed for walking tours to enjoy all it's splendor. If you prefer, there are three tours done with golf carts, and they have a small additional cost to the Garden general admission. For more information on the Cultural and Botanical Gardens of Caguas call: 787-653-8990.

Come enjoy this beautiful natural environment, in harmony with the universe and validate the importance of protecting this and all the world's ecosystems. Be prepared to photograph like we did; flowers, birds and all the beauty that the Botanical Garden and Cultural William Miranda Marin wants to share with you and future generations.

Hours and Costs
Price Check:
Adults (13 + years) $ 7.00
Children (7-12 years) $ 4.00
Seniors (60 +) $ 4.00
Hours:
Thursday to Sunday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
The parking lots are limited in terms of the ability of the Park. We recommend to call or book to ensure parking.

Blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill