In brief
Located near Bahia Solano, in the lush and biodiverse Chocó Pacific region of Colombia, the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico is a haven of peace and unspoilt nature. This botanical garden, nestled between the rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, offers a deep immersion in one of the richest and most varied ecosystems on the planet. Founded to promote the conservation and study of local flora, it houses an impressive collection of endemic and exotic plants, ranging from majestic trees to delicate orchids, as well as a multitude of medicinal and ornamental species.
The Jardín Botánico del Pacífico is not only a place for preserving biodiversity, but also a center for environmental education. Visitors can take part in guided tours, workshops and educational programs that raise awareness of the importance of conserving tropical ecosystems. Meandering along its winding trails, visitors can discover breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and, if they’re lucky, catch a glimpse of one of the many animals that have taken refuge here.
To support the foundation economically, the nature reserve has set up an accommodation offer in addition to its various hiking trails, where a guide is compulsory. Nestled on Playa Mecana, the Mecana Ecohotel is a true invitation to relax in the heart of nature. This lodge offers charming wooden cabins, perfectly integrated into their environment, just a few meters from the ocean.
Jardín Botánico del Pacífico
- County: Chocó (Pacific)
- Reserve creation: 2009
- Surface area: 168 hectares
- Ecosystems: mangroves, tropical rainforest
- Climate: equatorial
- Direct access from Bahia Solano
Our verdict: a fine local initiative ★★
The Jardín Botánico del Pacífico can be misleading with its name. One might expect to find a carefully landscaped public garden, filled with floral varieties and perhaps even a greenhouse, as in many Colombian cities. But this is not the case at all. It’s actually a wild nature reserve, made up of primary and secondary forests, created by local residents several years ago. The project has grown since its inception, and now welcomes travelers in search of discovery. Our guide, Antonio, is an exceptional and serene man, who initiated this project with his family in 2004. Antonio knows the reserve like the back of his hand, having personally reforested certain areas. Passionate about the local fauna, flora and traditions, he is dedicated to sharing his vast knowledge and the environmental experiments carried out on site. Although we didn’t get to see many animals due to a rainy day, the hike was a rewarding experience. The route, especially if you choose the long trail like we did, can be a little demanding, but it offers complete immersion in the wild, unspoilt beauty of this unique reserve.
When should you visit the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico?
The Jardín Botánico del Pacífico is open all year round, with no seasonal interruptions. A guide is compulsory, so visits to the nature reserve are subject to guide availability.
Tourist numbers at the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico: the reserve is not a very popular tourist destination. The Chocó Pacific region, still largely unspoilt, remains a secondary destination on the tourist map, which naturally limits the number of visitors, EXCEPT during the whale season, from July to October, which marks the peak tourist season. When we visited in April, we were alone!
Climate at the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico: the climate at the Jardín Botánico, as throughout the Chocó region, is marked by high humidity and abundant precipitation throughout the year, with around 300 days of rain a year! Located close to the equator, this area is one of the wettest in the world. The climate is humid tropical, with stable temperatures fluctuating between 27°C and 30°C all year round. The months from December to March are slightly drier, while from May to November, the rainy season brings frequent and often intense showers. Because of this climate, visitors should be prepared for wet conditions and frequent rainfall, even during the “dry season”. To take full advantage of outdoor activities, we recommend wearing light, breathable clothing and carrying a waterproof poncho.
Getting to know the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico better
Discover a nature reserve that plays a crucial role in the region, thanks in particular to its inhabitants, protecting exceptional flora and fauna.
The nature reserve
The vast Mecana beach lies less than two kilometers north of Bahia Solano, an hour’s walk along a coastal path that runs alongside the sea. Behind this expanse of sand lies a fertile alluvial plain, gradually merging into the steep jungle-covered hills, where numerous springs feed a dense network of streams.
The IUCN (World Conservation Union) points out that the biogeographical province of Chocó has the highest percentage of endemism in the world for a continental zone, testifying to an incredible wealth of flora. Here, a significant proportion of the 220 Rubiaceae, 202 Melastomataceae, 147 Leguminosae, 137 Piperaceae and 78 Orchidaceae species thrive in this biodiversity sanctuary.
The Jardín Botánico del Pacífico covers 168 hectares of tropical rainforest (with rainfall of up to 7,000 mm per year) in the heart of the “Chocó Biogeográfico”, one of the world’s 25 most biodiverse “hotspots”. The reserve features an altitudinal gradient from 0 to 170 meters, offering an impressive diversity of dry forests, hills, freshwater swamps, mangroves, wetlands and coastal vegetation.
This mosaic of plant communities is home to an exceptional fauna: jaguars, ocelots, Geoffroy’s tamarins, colorful dendrobates, anolis or “Jesus Christ” lizards (capable of running on water), toucans, and many more. The marine environment, closely linked to this dense forest, is just as vital to the preservation of this unique biodiversity.
Fondaction Jardín Botánico del Pacífico
The Pacific Botanical Garden Foundation is a non-profit organization. The history of the project dates back to 2009, when a private initiative was launched to preserve a unique native forest. Over the years, the Jardín Botánico has dedicated itself to restoring areas once degraded by human activities such as selective logging, the creation of pastures and crops, and the opening up of clearings, particularly near creeks and mangroves. These exploited lands, once under threat, have begun to come back to life thanks to recovery work, sometimes passive, sometimes active.
With the support of the local community, former hunters and lumberjacks have traded in their tools to become guardians of this precious natural resource. Nestled in the biogeographical Chocó region, the Jardín Botánico is located in one of the world’s most biodiverse areas, as highlighted by the IUCN, with a rate of endemism unequalled in any continental zone.
It all began in 1990, when Francisco Aurelio Puerta and his wife Adelina Hernandez discovered Playa Mecana in Bahía Solano. Amazed by the beauty of this corner of paradise, they decided to make it their permanent base, not only for their expeditions, but also for moments of relaxation with their families. Driven by a deep love of nature and a spirit of adventure, their children, Luisa Fernanda, Sergio, and their friend Tatiana Gomez, joined them in giving birth to the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico project. Together, they launched this mission dedicated to the study, conservation and promotion of biodiversity in the region, creating a sanctuary of life and knowledge in the heart of this natural treasure.
Projects & actions
Fifteen years after its foundation in 2009, the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico (JBdP) has become much more than just a nature reserve: it has profoundly transformed the local community and awakened a new environmental awareness among its inhabitants. Where once some were hunters, they are now naturalist guides; a group of children has been trained to become expert ornithologists, and jobs have been created for mothers who head households, providing a stable source of income in harmony with nature.
The JBdP focuses particularly on educating young people, encouraging them to value and protect their environment. These children learn to recognize the richness of their natural heritage and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations. In a region where deforestation, caused by the expansion of roads, housing, crops and pastures, has seriously affected biodiversity, this project has helped to reforest formerly devastated areas with native trees essential to ecological balance.
Since its creation, the JBdP has been dedicated to the research and conservation of the region’s unique ecosystems. The garden’s ecosystems are now used as living laboratories by several national and international universities. Among the many research projects developed are forest monitoring, floristic inventories, environmental impact studies, and research into biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
The project also focuses on mangrove restoration, where piñuelo mangle (Pelliciera rhizophorae) and red mangle (Rhizophora mangle) grow. These critical ecosystems, once degraded, are now in the midst of rehabilitation, thanks to ongoing efforts to preserve coastal stability, maintain freshwater supplies and control pollution. This integrated, sustainable approach is testimony to JBdP’s commitment to protecting this unique area, rich in biodiversity and natural history.
Visit the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico
Hiking in the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico
Hiking at the Pacific Botanical Garden offers a fascinating adventure through winding nature trails that wind through lush landscapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in remarkable biodiversity, taking time to appreciate the majesty of ancient trees, palms and restored areas.
Routes, guided by locals or experts such as biologists, range from easy levels to more challenging expeditions into the heart of the jungle. This diversity of trails means that everyone, whatever their level of hiking experience, can take full advantage of the beauty and tranquillity of this unique environment while discovering the region’s natural wealth.
Yaibi trail (2.5km in 2h30) – Easy
Embark on a captivating adventure through mangroves and jungle. Cross hanging liana bridges and encounter majestic trees along the way. Take the opportunity to admire the Gran Ceiba and, with a little luck, spot monkeys, hummingbirds, frogs and a multitude of birds. This fascinating trail is perfect for anyone looking for a lively, accessible experience.
Carrá (4km in 4h30) – Moderate
Immerse yourself in exceptional biodiversity and join conservation efforts. Admire the grandeur of the primary forest and take advantage of an observation point to contemplate the bay in a dream setting. Immerse yourself in a scientific tourism experience by discovering the variety of precious trees such as carra, choibas and abarcos, which the foundation is committed to protecting.
Jaguar (9km in 7h) – Difficult
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the jaguar trail. From the highest viewpoint (170m above sea level) to the impressive earth tree and the majestic ceiba jerarca, this trail takes you to the very heart of the reserve. Dive into the mysterious Palma Barrigona forest and keep your eyes peeled for fascinating wildlife. This trail is for adventurers in excellent physical condition who are looking for an authentic and memorable experience in the heart of nature!
Our experience: the Jaguar Trail (9km in 7h) – Difficult
We chose the longer trail to really enjoy the nature reserve. At 9 a.m., after getting kitted out with boots at the Mecana Ecolodge where we’re staying, we set off on our adventure. A word of advice: if you can leave earlier, do so to maximize your chances of spotting animals and take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
We start by walking along the beach before entering our first ecosystem: the mangroves. Here we spotted wading birds and Jesus Christ lizards (Basiliscus) near a river. Antonio, our guide and founder of the Jardín Botánico, inundates us with fascinating information about the flora and fauna. As we move on, we enter a secondary forest with smaller trees. The heat and lack of sea breeze make themselves felt, and we are soon surrounded by a swarm of mosquitoes that will accompany us throughout the day.
The path, flat at first, begins to climb as the rain makes its appearance. It follows us all day long, at times with such intensity that we feel it even under the trees. With waterproof ponchos on, we continue on to Antonio’s hut to equip ourselves with wooden walking sticks. Along the way, we come across a toad and a green and black frog.
On the way up, we reach a primary forest and a summit that’s clear on one side, offering a view of Bahia Solano bay, although the rain limits visibility. Antonio pulls out some Colombian cookies for a snack break. We then continue on our way for another two hours, along a winding path through the forest. Along the way, we spot a few toucans and are impressed by some hundred-year-old trees, such as the gigantic Ceiba.
We then descend into the stone bed of the Resaquita quebrada, leading to small lagoons in the heart of the jungle, where we take a lunch break. Antonio has brought a delicious lemonade and a cold dish (rice, chicken, potato), which we enjoy during a brief lull in the weather.
Setting off again in the rain, we follow the river before returning to the hills of the reserve. For about two hours, we climb up and down without seeing any animals. The hike ends as we leave the hills and enter a flat, lower forest dotted with guadua (South American bamboo). We soon hear the sound of waves, and finally reach the beach, which we walk along to return to Mecana Ecolodge.
Even though the weather wasn’t on our side and the animals were discreet, we enjoyed the hike, especially thanks to guide Antonio. His passion for safeguarding the environment is contagious, and he explained to us in detail the studies he is carrying out on the trees. Despite the heat and humidity, vegetation growth is very slow, not least because of the lack of light in the undergrowth. Some plants have only grown a few centimetres in almost 20 years!
The Jaguar Trail requires good physical condition, especially when it’s raining. The constant ups and downs make the trail slippery and muddy. It’s not for beginners, but for hiking enthusiasts, it’s an enjoyable day out. We enjoyed exploring the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico and wish this beautiful project a long life!
Jardín Botánico del Pacífico Prize
Like all Colombian national parks open to the public, an entrance fee is required.
| Path | Hiking only | All-inclusive* tour |
|---|---|---|
| Yaibi (2.5km in 2h30) | 60,000 COP / person | 215,000 COP / person |
| Carrá (4km in 4h30) | 80,000 COP / person | 235,000 COP / person |
| Jaguar (9km in 7h) | 150,000 COP / person | 275,000 COP / person |
*Includes: Transportation to and from Bahia Solano / Mecana + Lunch and/or refreshments + Rubber boots for walking + Guided walk in the reserve + Guided tour of the river and the community or to the Resaquita quebrada.
Official remarks from the Jardín Botánico Foundation:
- Minimum age: 10 years.
- It is compulsory to have health insurance, EPS or other.
- For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that you do not participate if you are tired, under the influence of alcohol, pregnant or have any medical limitations.
- Be sure to follow medical advice carefully in case of injury, and don’t forget to bring your own medication if necessary.
- To preserve the harmony of the natural environment, we ask you not to bring any pets.
- Secure your place by booking at least 2 days in advance.
How to get to the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico?
The nature reserve, located in the remote Chocó region, is hemmed in by jungle and mountains, cutting it off from the rest of the country. Hikes generally start and finish at Mecana Ecolodge.
Getting to the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico from Bahia Solano
- By boat: from the Bahia Solano muelle (docks), a lancha ride to Playa Mecana (Mecana Ecolodge) takes around 10-15 minutes. A private lancha costs around 100,000 COP.
- On foot (not tested): from the village of Bahia Solano, a path leads to Playa Mecana and Mecana Ecolodge, the starting point for the hike. The walk takes about 1 hour.
If you’re already staying on the beach at Playa Mecana, all you have to do is walk to Mecana Ecolodge along the seafront (how fun is that?!).
Tip: check directly with Bahia Solano, or tell your host (who’s bound to have good contacts) that you’d like to visit the Jardín Botánico.
Where to stay to visit the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico?
To visit the nature reserve, we recommend staying in Bahia Solano, the nearest village.
Mecana Ecolodge: Mecana Ecolodge is a collection of wooden cabins located on the magnificent beach of Mecana, just outside the village. This peaceful spot is in perfect harmony with nature, with the Pacific Ocean just a few meters ahead and the rainforest just a few steps behind. This tourism project supports the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico. Ideal for those looking for an all-inclusive stay (accommodation, meals, optional activities) in a serene, natural setting, Mecana Ecolodge offers an immersive experience, albeit at a fairly high price.
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$ – Economical budgeting
Hotel
Hotel Bahia Yubarta
The staff were friendly and gave us excellent advice on local activities. They helped arrange boat and tuk-tuk drivers. The room was clean, spacious, with two large beds. Breakfast, although not free, was good. Wifi is sometimes temperamental.
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Hostal Adrimar
The attention of the staff is excellent. This accommodation is basic, unadorned and unadorned, and will do for people who aren’t too fussy, and are looking for an attractive price as well as a good location. Here too, wifi comes and goes (as is often the case in Chocó, in fact).
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Playa Dubai
Seaside location and proximity to natural sites. Rooms are cabanas, and all-inclusive packages are offered (accommodation, meals, activities). This hotel/lodge is located just outside Bahia Solano, to the northwest, and can only be reached by boat.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Ecohotel Linda Judith
This is a small, fairly recent hotel located in Playa Huina, to the north of the city (transfer by lancha required). The hotel is simple, rather modern for the area, and clean. The staff are really friendly, and the location is perfect for those looking for somewhere quieter than the city but with a bit of life to relax on the beach.
$$$ – High budget
Lodge
Ecohotel Riomar Mecana
Riomar Mecana combines lush jungle, beach and relaxation. The rustic cabanas are set in a colorful garden, three minutes from Mecana beach. The hostess, Laura, prepares exceptional cuisine using local ingredients. Contact us for transportation, accessible on foot or by boat. Life here is close to nature.
$$$ – High budget
Lodge
Mecana Ecohotel
Excellent location on Mecana Beach, facing the ocean, with some of the best cabins in the area. Offers privacy, tranquility and comfort with good facilities and beautiful scenery. Very friendly and welcoming staff. A feeling of being alone in the world. The managers are involved in the “Jardín Botanico” nature reserve.
Notes on visiting the Jardín Botánico del Pacífico
Leaving early
To optimize your chances of spotting animals, leave at dawn, when they are most active. Be sure to discuss this with your guide, who will also need to adjust the itinerary according to the tides.
Rainy region: waterproofing required
Prepare yourself for the frequent and heavy rains of the Chocó Pacific, one of the wettest regions in the world. Don’t forget to pack a waterproof poncho or equivalent!
Moderate to high physical effort
Depending on the trail chosen, a visit to the reserve may involve moderate to high physical difficulty (a fair amount of ascent and descent). It’s important to bear this in mind when choosing your section of the trail. And humidity accentuates the effect of fatique.
Suitable clothing
Choose comfortable, light, quick-drying clothing. Choose long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect you from the sun and insects, especially mosquitoes, of which there are many in the region.
Waterproof bags
Take waterproof bags to protect your electronic devices. Humidity is constant and showers can be violent, whether in the dry or rainy season.
Bring water
Make sure you take enough water for the whole day. High heat and humidity can increase your need for hydration, even if the guide will also be carrying drinks.
Mosquito repellent
Take along a mosquito repellent containing DEET or IR3535, essential in Chocó where mosquitoes are ubiquitous. Opt for a product specially formulated for tropical zones to guarantee optimum protection.
