Welcome to Colombia's biggest botanical garden, the José Celestino Mutis botanical garden in Bogotá. Established in 1955 to honor the famed botanist and astronomer, this 19.5-acre municipal sanctuary serves as a vital research center and a serene space to relax amidst a busy metropolis. You will discover an incredible diversity of life here, as the garden features species from every Colombian altitude, climate, and region.
In fact, it is the only botanical garden in the nation specialized in collecting and preserving Andean flower species. As you explore, you can marvel at thousands of live plants grouped by original ecosystem. Check out climatized greenhouses replicating environments from the arid Guajira to the high Páramos, the Andes mountains, and the lush Amazon rainforest.
Be sure to look for Colombia's national flower, the orchid, within an extensive collection of over 5,000 species, alongside the national wax tree and the symbolic Mutisia clematis. You can also view themed displays of medicinal, aquatic, and xerophytic plants, walk through the arboretum, see an artificial waterfall, examine a sun clock, or visit the library and tourist information desk to learn more about environmental conservation.
What to see at Bogotá Botanical Garden
- Over 5,000 species of orchids alongside Colombia's national wax tree
- Climatized greenhouses showcasing flora from the Guajira to the Amazon rainforest
- Specialized collections focused on preserving endangered Andean plant families
- Features including an artificial waterfall, sun clock, palmetum, and arboretum
Visiting tips
Stop by the onsite tourist information desk or library to get oriented and learn more about the garden's conservation efforts.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Bogotá Botanical Garden is easy to reach on Bogotá’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Gold Museum and Primary Cathedral of Bogotá. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bogotá travel guide.
See the full Bogotá travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.