Jardín Botánico Yachay

Ecuador, Ecuador

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Jardín Botánico Yachay is a 150-hectare botanical garden and research center located in the ex-hacienda San Eloy in Urcuquí, Imbabura, Ecuador, inaugurated in August 2014 as part of the Yachay Ciudad del Conocimiento (City of Knowledge). The garden comprises 110 hectares of remnant dry inter-Andean forest, 35 hectares of an agricultural valley, and 5 hectares of landscaped horticultural areas featuring various thematic gardens including an orchid garden, bonsai garden, arboretum, and gardens of Andean crops. It serves as a center for research, conservation, environmental education, and ecotourism dedicated to collecting, cultivating, and exhibiting both native and exotic plant species, with a special focus on preserving Ecuador's native flora including more than 300 species of orchids. Visitors can explore three ecological trails named Bromelias, Cabuyas, and Espinos, walk under fruit trees like mandarins, limón, naranja, and guayabas, and enjoy the garden's freundlich atmosphere open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 17:00 with free admission. The garden has received approximately 20,000 visitors since its opening and offers guided tours for both national and international tourists throughout the year.