Santiago Botanical Garden unveils Caribbean’s largest orchid garden

Santiago de los Caballeros.- The Santiago Botanical Garden “Professor Eugenio de Jesús Marcano” has inaugurated the Vivian Saladín de Guzmán Orchid Garden—now the Caribbean’s largest dedicated orchidarium. Designed to emulate natural habitats, the new garden showcases an extensive variety of native, endemic, and exotic orchids.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Juan Arias Fuentes, president of the garden’s Board of Directors, alongside public and private sector representatives, members of the Guzmán-Saladín family, and the Cibao Orchid Society. Archbishop Héctor Rafael Rodríguez blessed the new space. Funded by the Guzmán Ariza law and consulting firm, the orchid garden enhances the region’s green lung by fostering biodiversity conservation and environmental education.

An international cooperation agreement was also signed with Costa Rica’s Lankester Botanical Garden to facilitate scientific and academic exchanges on Caribbean plant conservation. The orchid garden will function as a living classroom for workshops, school visits, exhibitions, and environmental events. This weekend, it will join beloved attractions like the butterfly house and demonstration wetland as part of the Fourth Orchid and Traditions Festival.