Join the Hummingbird Festival Vallarta Botanical Garden from August 12–16 for guided tours, photo challenges, and hands-on workshops celebrating nature’s flying jewels.
This August, the Vallarta Botanical Garden invites visitors to immerse themselves in the Hummingbird Festival Vallarta Botanical Garden, a five-day celebration of these iridescent “flying jewels.” From Tuesday, August 12 through Saturday, August 16, the garden bursts into life with activities for birdwatchers, artists, photographers, and families alike.
Guided Tours Reveal Hummingbird Secrets
Discover why hummingbirds matter on the “Curious Facts About Hummingbirds” guided walk. Offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings, these tours explore hummingbird behavior, migration patterns, and their vital role in pollination. Volunteer naturalists lead small groups along forest trails, pointing out feeding stations and favorite nesting spots.
Artistic Workshops Unleash Creativity
Craft enthusiasts can choose from three hands-on sessions:
- Hummingbird Thaumatrope Workshops (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday): Create a simple optical toy that makes a paper hummingbird flutter with a flick of your wrist.
- Origami Hummingbird Workshops (Tuesday and Friday afternoons): Fold intricate paper birds under the guidance of a local origami artist.
- Pipe-Cleaner Hummingbird Workshops (Wednesday and Saturday afternoons): Bend colorful pipe cleaners into miniature hummingbird sculptures to keep or gift.
All supplies are included. Spaces fill fast, so register the day of your visit at the Salón de las Flores.
Photo Challenges Capture Avian Beauty
Bring your camera or smartphone for the “Hummingbird Photo Challenge” on Wednesday and Friday mornings. A garden guide will point you toward feeding areas where ruby-throated and green-violet-ear hummingbirds sip nectar. Submit your best shot at day’s end for a chance to win a free annual garden membership.
Plan Your Visit
The Vallarta Botanical Garden sits 30 minutes south of Old Town Puerto Vallarta at Km 24 on Highway 200. Public buses and taxis run regularly. Stretching across 135 hectares of protected jungle, the garden hosts over 200 bird species year-round. Pack a swimsuit to cool off in the jungle river, and don’t miss plantings of vanilla, cacao, and dozens of tropical orchids.
Dining and Admission
Hacienda de Oro Restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The garden welcomes guests 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Mondays April 1–December 1). General admission is 300 pesos, with all festival activities included. Call (322) 223-6182 or visit vbgardens.org for more details.
Whether you’re drawn by the flash of hummingbird wings, the chance to learn a new craft, or the thrill of a photography contest, the Hummingbird Festival Vallarta Botanical Garden promises five days of discovery, creativity, and connection with nature. Mark your calendar and reserve your spot—these tiny winged wonders won’t wait!
