Overview
The UNAM Botanical Garden sits within the UNESCO-listed university campus on the Pedregal lava field. It specialises in Mexican endemic plants, particularly cacti and succulents.
Highlights
- Cactaceae collection: One of the most important collections of Mexican cacti, with over 300 species.
- Ethnobotany trail: Learn about plants used in traditional Mexican medicine and cuisine.
- Lava-field ecosystem: The garden is built on 1,600-year-old volcanic rock.
History
Founded in 1959 as part of UNAM's biology department, the garden was relocated to its current lava-field site in the 1990s.
Visitor Tips
- Free entry: Part of the public UNAM campus.
- Combine with CU: Pair with the UNAM campus murals and sculpture space.
- Duration: 45-60 minutes.