The Botanical Garden of The University of Puerto Rico

The Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico is conceived since 1910 as an educational center for scientific research and a cultural meeting place. It is a living laboratory for the study of tropical plants and many species of birds that inhabit it. We say that it is the lungs of the San Juan metropolitan area. It is also a recreation area for public visitors.

Forming this Botanical Garden, you will find around 289 acres of plants, lakes, waterfalls, trails, sculptures, and native endangered species. The Garden provides public awareness on issues related to the native flora and information on environmental issues for the preparation of school projects. They offer guided tours, workshops, seminars, conferences and exhibitions for students, the community, and public in general. An important resource, with available access, by appointment for researchers, is the Federal Forest Service Library.

The garden is divided into two parts: the North Botanical Garden and the Botanical Gardens South. Most of the attractions for visitors are in the South Botanical Garden. This garden is located steps from the road PR1 of Río Piedras to Caguas, with entrance from the Guaracanal Street of the Barrio Venezuela.

Southern Botanical Garden

This is our favorite area...the Southern section. It includes: the information center, parking area, and the book and gift shop "Green That I Want You Green." You will also find the Central Administration of the University of Puerto Rico, trails, themed gardens, sculptures and native plants of Puerto Rico, many are endangered. In addition, the administrative offices of the Agricultural Experiment Station and the San Juan library specializing in botany and agronomy of the Forest Service.

Areas of Interest in the Southern Area are the:

Garden of Helicoids, Bamboo Chapel, and the Orchid Garden. The Monet Garden which is a recreation of Monet's water garden at Givermy with aquatic plants adapted to the tropical environment of San Juan. Palmetto is a palm collection of 125 from around the world. The Guanacaste Area, Sculpture Gardens I and II, the Bonsai Museum of Puerto Rico, the San Juan Old Aqueduct, and the Water Garden

North Botanical Garden

In the Northern section is the herbal area, ornamental plants and Tree Nursery Conservation Trust. Located in this section is the Taíno Garden (Native Arboretum), Lowland Rain Forest, the Editorial buildings of the University of Puerto Rico, an Early Childhood Development Center, and the offices of Filius Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

You are welcome to come visit, learn, and admire this wonderful garden.

Timetable:
The Garden is open the seven days of the week from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (Free admission)
It is closed on New Years Day, Three Kings Day, Good Friday, Election Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.

Administrative Hours: 7:00 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday.

Tours: 9:30 am and 1:00 pm for groups of 10 or more people (reservations required by calling from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm)

Plant Sale: Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 pm

Private activities (weddings, birthdays): To be coordinated by calling (not allowed is alcohol or dance music)

You can contribute to the Botanical Garden! exalumnos@upr.edu

Phone numbers: (787) 758-9957, (787) 250-0000, ext. 6730-6735, (787) 633-0139

It was a pleasure for me to present this special garden, hoping that you arrange and give us a visit. For a better visual integration watch the video below; listen, observe and feel the wondrous sensation of nature.

Blessings to all!

© Maria Magdalena Ruiz O'Farrill