Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca

The Ethnobotanic Garden of Oaxaca sits on the grounds of a former monastery and displays a large collection of cacti, agave plants, and herbs that grow in the region. The garden organizes the plants by their different uses and shows which species are used for medicines, dyes, or textiles.

The site was originally part of a Dominican monastery that became wealthy from growing and selling cochineal dye. The garden was founded in the 1990s to preserve the ethnobotanical knowledge of the region.

Plants grow here that Zapotec and Mixtec peoples have long used for healing, food, and ceremonies. The collection shows how indigenous communities understand and work with their natural surroundings.

The garden is best seen with a knowledgeable guide who explains the history and uses of the plants. It helps to arrive early in the day when it is still cool and the views of growing plants are clearest.

The garden preserves old seeds of squash that provide clues about early plant cultivation. These seeds show how long people in this region have been growing and changing plants.