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Papillote Tropical Gardens: A Rainforest Haven

Explore Dominica's natural beauty at Papillote Tropical Gardens: lush flora, soothing hot springs, and cascading waterfalls await in this rainforest paradise.

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Nestled in Dominica's Roseau Valley near Trafalgar, Papillote Tropical Gardens is a privately-owned botanical garden and wilderness retreat showcasing the island's biodiversity and geothermal wonders. Explore vibrant flora, relax in natural hot mineral pools, and witness cascading waterfalls in this lush rainforest environment.

A brief summary to Papillote Tropical Gardens

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (December to May) for more predictable weather.
  • Book your visit in advance, especially if you want to experience the hot pools.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on potentially wet and uneven paths.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Roseau, take a minibus heading towards Trafalgar. The bus stop is located on King George V Street. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. The bus will drop you off near the entrance to Trafalgar, from where you can walk a short distance to Papillote Tropical Gardens. The bus fare is around EC$4.

  • Taxi

    From Roseau, a taxi ride to Papillote Tropical Gardens takes about 15 minutes. Taxis are readily available in Roseau. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Expect to pay around EC$80. Dm's Taxi is a local taxi service based in Trafalgar.

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Discover more about Papillote Tropical Gardens

Papillote Tropical Gardens, located near Trafalgar village in Dominica's Roseau Valley, is a captivating eco-tourism site renowned for its lush greenery and natural beauty. This fourteen-acre nurtured wilderness, managed by Papillote Wilderness Retreat, showcases Dominica's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The name 'Papillote,' inspired by the French word for butterfly, reflects the gardens' vibrant and transformative atmosphere. Established half a century ago on a mountain slope, the gardens feature a diverse collection of tropical plants, including orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, and gingers. Walking paths meander through cold and hot mineral streams, leading to themed glades. Two waterfalls cascade down the mountainside, creating cold water streams that flow to the Roseau River. A series of volcanic hot pools offer a relaxing experience. The gardens' history is intertwined with Cuthbert and Anne Jean-Baptiste, who transformed a former cocoa and coffee plantation into a botanical paradise. Their dedication to conservation and sustainable tourism has made Papillote a model for eco-tourism in the Caribbean. The gardens also showcase traditional Caribbean plants used in local herbal medicine. Constant attention to drainage and erosion control, terracing, and mulching is crucial due to the rocky soil, high rainfall (250 inches per year), and an elevation of 1,000 ft. The gardens host educational tours and events, promoting environmental awareness. Nearby attractions include Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge.

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