Jardin Botánico de Bogotá (Bogota Botanical Garden), Bogota (must see)

The Jose Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden, located in Bogota, is the country’s largest botanical garden, spanning an impressive 19.5 acres. Established in 1955, it honors the legacy of Jose Celestino Mutis, a Spanish botanist and astronomer who led the landmark Royal Botanical Expedition to New Granada in the 18th century, discovering over 6,600 plant species.

This municipally owned garden is a dual-purpose haven, serving as both a recreational space and a research hub, with a particular focus on the Andean and Páramo ecosystems. It is the only botanical garden in Colombia dedicated to preserving and studying native Andean plant species. The garden is internationally recognized as a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

The garden features plants from Colombia's diverse climates and regions, including an artificial waterfall, sun clock, palmetum, and a renowned orchid collection with over 5,000 species. Highlights include Amazonian flowers, Colombia's national symbols (wax palm and orchid), and the Mutisia clematis, named after Jose Celestino Mutis. Collections are grouped by ecosystems, with five focused on conserving endangered Andean plants like Araceae, Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Lamiaceae, and Orchidaceae.

The garden collaborates with Bogota's universities on biotechnology and endangered species research, housing labs, a library, and a tourist information desk. Educational programs, like the Botanical Club for Kids, teach biodiversity and conservation to children aged 5–12, fostering environmental awareness.

The garden’s history reflects Colombia's dedication to botanical sciences. Its creation was driven by botanist Dr. Enrique Perez Arbelaez, who envisioned it as a center for botanical study despite delays caused by civil unrest. Today, it stands as a tribute to Jose Celestino Mutis, a pioneer of science in the Americas.

With over 19,000 live plants and 2,346 taxa of cultivated plants, the Bogota Botanical Garden is not just a scientific treasure but also a peaceful retreat within the bustling metropolis. Visitors can enjoy its serene landscapes while learning about Colombia’s remarkable biodiversity and the importance of conservation.