Dr. Alfredo Barrera Botanical Garden

Dr. Alfredo Barrera Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marín) is just s. of the Puerto Morelos turn-off; the entrance is right off Mex. 307. This protected area features a nature trail that winds through a variety of native and regional plants, including a grove of sapodilla trees (from which chicle, the sticky substance used to make chewing gum is extracted), a mangrove swamp, an orchid garden, a section where epiphytes (air plants) grow and an area containing a reproduction of a Mayan dwelling. It will be of most interest to visitors familiar with the flora, although bird-watching is rewarding and there are occasional monkey sightings.

Signs giving plant names are mostly in Spanish. Wear plenty of insect repellent.