Local Fresh Fruits, Orchids & Folkore

OVERVIEW

Explore the flourishing agricultural area north of Manzanilla and see how a huge variety of orchids and tropical fruits are grown. Not long after leaving town, you will pause for photos at an elevated vantage point that will offer panoramic views of the countryside that hint at the fertile lands that lie ahead. In the nearby rural community La Central, you will visit Vive Plants, a branch of a company that has become Mexico's largest producer of orchids. You will see how the exotic flowers are grown by the thousands in filtered light. The flowers are used in colorful bouquets and even lacquered to create orchid jewelry. The focus will turn to fruit in Rancho Peña Blanca, where you will be offered samples of products that will likely include Seasonal fruits (Mangoes, Bananas, Papaya, Guanabanas, Coconut, pineapples, star fruits, etc). To enhance the experience, a group of folkloric dancers will perform.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how Mexico’s largest producer of orchids grows the flowers in huge quantities.
• Discover the ways that the orchids are used and even encapsulated in jewelry.
• Taste a selection of locally and seasonal grown fruits.
• Take in the spectacular scenery from an elevated inland lookout point.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.