This botanical garden is only 3km from  the center of town and should be on everyone’s  to do list when visiting San Cristobal. It consist of a 1700 meter guided nature trail, an orchid greenhouse with another currently under construction, a botanical garden with a variety of flora native to the state of Chiapas, a spring fed lagoon, small amphtteather, as well as guided tours with educational activities. In general, the mission of Moviquil is to rescue, maintain and preserve a variety of flora native to the state of Chiapas for the benefit of future generations. So far, the Moxviquil group has rescued over 3,000 plants representing over 418 species of the 700 recorded for the state of Chiapas. For more information, check out the Moxviquil website at http://www.orchidsmexico.com and the photo gallery below.

Here’s an example of plant life on the 1700 meter trail in through the mountains

these are called air plants or technically epiphytes because they do not root in soil but grow on the branches or trunks of other plants.

part of the lagoon with an orchid nursery in the background

one of many species in the moxviquil collection

a terrestrial bromeliad

a look at the garden landscaping and amphitheater

another example of an airplant in the garden. the most common types are orchids, ferns and bromeliads.

many types of fern are growing in the nursery and garden areas

there is also a variety of trees in the garden, some have orange blossoms others have yellow and purple blossoms