La Laguna Botanical Garden is a quiet place to get a breath of fresh air among native and non-native plants. The organization partnered with the Botanical Garden of Berlin to create an illustrated inventory of the plants for guest use. The extensive research into El Salvadoran biodiversity has also yielded an internationally recognized herbarium and library open to the public.
This part of town is primarily residential, so consider combining your visit with a trip to Santa Tecla to maximize your time.
Although the garden is closed on Mondays for viewing, you’re welcome to browse the nursery that’s open all day and financially supports the garden.
Food is not permitted; there is a cafeteria on-site, as well as an off-site beer garden called Botanik Bar around the corner.
Plan de la Laguna Botanical Garden is located southwest of San Salvador’s city center at Urb Ind Plan de La Laguna Antgo Cusc. City buses serving the La Gran Via and Cascadas Mall have a stop near the gardens. If visiting by car, it’s just off Highway 1 between Merliot Boulevard and Bulevar Monsenor Romero.
This small attraction can be walked in just over an hour. However, allot two hours or more if you’re interested in learning about the thousands of plants found within the country. Keep in mind that the botanical gardens do accommodate school field trips and children’s birthday parties, so there’s a chance that some days might have larger crowds than usual.
La Laguna Botanical Garden has a children’s play area, but if your little ones are interested in more outdoor fun, take them to The Little Prince themed park. Located 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) away from the botanical gardens, it’s a small family-friendly greenspace with plenty of photo ops and places to run around.