Located at the top of "Cerro Colorado" in northern Guayaquil, on the western side of Francisco de Orellana avenue, near Las Orquideas housing development. This garden holds approximately 324 botanic species which can be observed in their natural habitat, among trees used for wood, fruit trees, ornamental and exotic plants. In addition, there is an auditorium as well as a gift shop and coffee place. You can also observe more than 73 bird species and 60 butterfly species all yearlong. Its flora and fauna have made it an "eco-tourist" attraction which also provides scientific interest for both locals and foreigners who enjoy the orchids' natural reserve and the habitat preservation of these stunning species which are under extinction danger.

The place holds three exhibitions: The First section stretches from the entrance up to the auditorium. Covering an area of 150 meters of comfortable paths which are decorated with indigenous, special bird drawings.

Hundreds of orchids, bromelias and tilandsias live in natural environment together with over 60 different species of timber yielding and fruit trees. Each tree is identified with a sign which indicates its common name, specie and family type it belongs to.

At the beginning of the journey, is the "Orquideario" where you'll find fine orchids, specially from the Ecuadorian coast, as well as species from other countries such as Colombia, Panama Costa Rica and Asian, which developed endemic species to that zone. The auditorium which holds over 200 people presents local artists performances and special audiovisual programs promoting the conservation of our species and environment.

The Second section spans from the Auditorium to the Mirador. Here, there are 150 meters of pedestrian paths with aborigine drawings from the Valdivia culture which had different geometric forms. Additionally, these paths, when covered, allowed people to see more than 40 different species of timber-yielding and fruit trees properly identified. This section is dedicated to original plants of Ecuador such as corn, banana, coffee, cocoa, sugar cane, etc.

The Mirador, is on top of a hill with a rustic typical hut selling natural drinks, books and souvenirs from the area. You'll also find restrooms and a BBQ place. From this hill you'll be able to see the Daule and Babahoyo rivers merge together to form the impressive Guayas river. Beautifully colored plants, Bonsai, pine trees, tropical plants and Bougainvilleas surrounds this enchanting zone.

The Third section, covers from the Mirador to the exit, where another 40 timber-yielding and fruit trees surround useful pedestrian paths adorned with aborigine drawings symbolizing the earth, plants and water, many of them taken from cylindrical printings which belonged to the Manta culture.

This pleasant section has been dedicated to the cactus family, other to palms as well as water lilies and citric. Beehives for honey production are also found here.

The lepidoptario, which was recently finished, is equipped with an artificial waterfall that creates a microclimate suitable for butterflies as well as a garden with special chosen plants from which caterpillars feed or where adult butterflies lay their eggs.

Today, a complete evolutionary cycle of the life of butterflies is in study to determine their life cycle, to reproduce them in captivity and handle the butterflies species within the Botanical garden area.

Whether you have not visited yet the Botanical Garden, you're cordially invited!!. Reservations: [+5934-2417004, or 2416975]. Contact email: jbotanic@interactive.net.ec.

|Article contributed by Dominic Hamilton|||

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