Trips & Travel

International

The Gardens’ Center for Global Initiatives offers trips that traverse many continents.

Space is limited for all trips.

Cape of South Africa

Sept. 23 – Oct. 8, 2023

Explore the magnificent landscapes of the western Cape of South Africa, a botanical holy grail. With an exceptional level of biodiversity, this is the richest of the world’s five Mediterranean climate regions in terms of species per square kilometer. Architectural whorls of Proteas and Leucospermums mingle with a kaleidoscope of Gladiolus, Watsonia, Pelargoniums and some wonderfully different orchids. This 15-day tour starts and ends in Cape Town, with visits to Scarborough, Redhill, the Tienie Versveld Reserve, Paarl Mountain and Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens (to name a few). Some flexibility is built into the schedule to accommodate potential interruptions from wildfires, a crucial part of the cycle of nature in the Cape. This trip is led by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Phillip Douglas, director of horticulture.

Itinerary and Register

Price: $5,845 (€5,500) per adult, double occupancy. Single room supplement $550

Register: Email Phillip Douglas for more information about this trip.

Magical Mexico: Oaxaca

Dec. 4-11, 2023

Oaxaca’s rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and vibrant traditions make it a magical destination sure to capture the hearts of visitors. This immersive 8-day trip highlights what makes Oaxaca so special at a time of the year when you can enjoy each place without crowds. This trip is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, associate director of community relations, and led by expert local guides.

Itinerary and Register

Price: $4,325 per adult, double occupancy; add $100 per person for non-members of Denver Botanic Gardens. Single room supplement: $895

Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

Botanical Wonders of Ecuador - Two Options

Mainland Portion: Jan. 11-19, 2024
Galápagos Islands Portion: Jan. 19-25, 2024

Ecuador is home to more than 10 percent of the world’s plant species. This 8-day exploratory trip will showcase the country’s staggering flora. We’ll visit a variety of habitats from the Andean Highlands and Cotopaxi Volcano to lush rainforest and cloud forest reserves. There’s also time to enjoy Quito’s historic center, Quito Botanical Gardens, and a rose production facility. This trip is led by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Panayoti Kelaidis, senior curator and director of outreach.

A 5-day Galápagos extension with stays on Santa Cruz and Isabela Islands is also available. You can book both the mainland and Galápagos itineraries for a 14-day experience or either itinerary independently based on your interests.

Itinerary and Register

Price for Mainland Trip: $5,500 per person, double occupancy; add $100 per person for non-members of Denver Botanic Gardens. Single room supplement: $1,600
Price for Galápagos Trip: $5,225 per person, double occupancy; add $100 per person for non-members of Denver Botanic Gardens. Single room supplement: $780

Register: There is a solo female traveler hoping to share a room with another solo female traveler for both trips. Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

Magical Mexico: Mexico City, Monarch Butterflies and Valle de Bravo

February 5-11, 2024

Every winter, montane cloud forests in central Mexico host millions of over-wintering monarch butterflies. This aggregation of monarchs in Mexico’s central highlands ranks as one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles on the planet. When masses of butterflies are in flight, it sounds like rain falling. Their cumulative weight can even bend branches of towering oyamel fir trees. This trip is hosted by Denver Botanic Gardens’ Yvonne Garcia Bardwell, associate director of community relations.

In addition to spending two days at monarch butterfly sanctuaries, travelers will also explore vibrant Mexico City known for its thriving art scene, charming neighborhoods, world-class gastronomy, and its unique blend of old and new.

Itinerary and Register

Price: $4,395 per adult, double occupancy. Single room supplement: $1,075

Register: Call Reefs to Rockies at 303-860-6045 or email admin@reefstorockies.com for more information about this trip.

The Gardens has several future trips in development, with destinations including Japan, Patagonia, New Zealand, India, Northern England and Scotland. If you would like more information on these trips, have general inquiries or would like to be added to a wait list for a sold-out trip (when possible), please contact travel@botanicgardens.org.

National & Local

Join the Gardens’ experts on trips in Colorado and across the country. Some regional trips are in the pipeline. Check back for updates or contact travel@botanicgardens.org to express interest.