Museo de la Orquídea is a unique space in Mexico, opened in 2011 thanks to the initiative of our Founder, Dr. Isaías Contreras Juárez. Together with his grandson, Óscar Espino Contreras, he envisioned an effective conservation strategy that would contribute to the country’s ongoing efforts to preserve priority species and ecosystems.
The vision was driven by the goal of promoting and disseminating the cultivation and conservation of orchid flora, particularly our mexican species, while serving as a space for the transmission of knowledge about these species. At the same time, Museo de la Orquídea became the foundation for a new form of specialized tourism focused on in-situ orchid observation, aimed primarily at engaging local communities in conservation efforts through Orchidophile Tourism.
Museo de la Orquídea represents a legacy and a life story rooted in deep passion and love for these fascinating plants.
Dr. Isaías Contreras Juárez was born in Jalacingo, Veracruz, on February 11, 1932. At the age of 11, he moved to Coatepec, Veracruz, a land where he would spend the rest of his life. He formed a family with Zita Fernández Raso, and together they had three children: Isaías Rafael, Martha Beatriz, and Aida. A watchmaker, jeweler, and gunsmith by trade, he pursued a degree in Medicine at Universidad Veracruzana at the age of 50, thus fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a doctor. His entry into the fascinating world of orchids came when he had the opportunity to visit the archaeological site of Quiahuixtlan in the Villa Rica region, invited by archaeologist Alfonso Medellín Zenil. It was there that he first encountered orchids.
His passion for excursions and hikes led him to mountains such as Pico de Orizaba, Cofre de Perote, La Malinche, the Santa Marta volcano, and many places of breathtaking beauty—habitats of countless orchids. Inspired by a deep love for nature, he began cultivating orchids as a hobby, dedicating over 40 years of his life to their care and cultivation.
He was a tireless advocate for orchid conservation, establishing the first orchidarium in Veracruz in 2009 and the second nationwide at Miguel Hidalgo Park. His efforts made Coatepec the only city in the country to host a public orchid collection, turning it into a unique tourist attraction.
Thanks to his efforts in favor of biodiversity conservation especially of Mexican orchids he received an honorary mention for the Environmental Merit Award granted by the Government of the State of Veracruz.
Founder of the Coatepec Orchid Enthusiasts Association and the Veracruz Orchidology Association. Ultimately, the career of Isaías Contreras Juárez represents not only a lifetime of work, but also national and international recognition for his dedication to orchid cultivation and above all, his passion for sharing knowledge about the fascinating world of orchids.
Our museum is located in one of the most iconic buildings in Coatepec’s historic downtown—the house where poet María Enriqueta Camarillo y Roa was born.
María Enriqueta Camarillo y Roa was born on February 19, 1872, daughter of Alejo Camarillo Rebolledo and Dolores Roa Bárcena, a renowned writer and member of a distinguished family within the cultural sphere of Veracruz.
In 1879, she moved with her family to Mexico City, where she was admitted to the National Conservatory of Music. Overcoming barriers that limited women's access to higher education, she ventured into the literary world in 1894, publishing under the pseudonym Iván Moskowski. Her poetry was met with favorable reception.
In 1922, her novel El Secreto was recognized as the best Hispanic American women's novel, and was translated into French, Italian, and Portuguese.
She lived in Europe for several years, where she received numerous accolades in 1951. María Enriqueta was a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Other outstanding nominees that year included Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset, British statesman Sir Winston Churchill, and Swedish author Pär Fabian Lagerkvist, who was ultimately awarded the prize.
On March 14, 1948, after spending more than thirty years in Europe, she returned to Mexico.
María Enriqueta passed away on February 13, 1968, in Mexico City. The remains of the brilliant novelist rest in the Municipal Cemetery of Coatepec.
María Enriqueta Camarillo y Roa is an essential figure in the world of Hispanic literature. Her abundant and emotive literary output spans poetry, short stories, novels, translations, and children's textbooks. She was also a distinguished pianist, painter, and printmaker.
He represents a story of passion for orchids and love for nature. From a young age, his grandfather, the founder of the museum, instilled in him this enthusiasm, which has led him to make significant contributions to the promotion of orchid cultivation and conservation.
Founding Director of Museo de la Orquídea, Dr. Isaías Contreras Juárez. Coatepec, Veracruz.
Founder and Director of Festival Internacional de la Orquídea.
Creator of Orchid Tourism.
Founder of Feria Nacional de la Orquídea.
Creator of the first and only orchid tourism route in Mexico.
Consultant on Ecotourism, Rural Tourism, Pueblos Mágicos, and Regenerative Tourism.
Founder of Museo de la Orquídea Dr. Isaías Contreras Juárez A.C.
She is a woman passionate about nature, culture, and environmental education, dedicated to sharing knowledge in order to raise awareness about natural wealth, especially among younger generations.
Her connection with orchids began as a curiosity and grew into a passion.
Director of Museo de la Orquídea Dr. Isaías Contreras Juárez
Founder of Museo de la Orquídea Dr. Isaías Contreras Juárez A.C.
Director of Travesía de la Orquídea, a tourism operator.
Commercial Coordinator of Festival Internacional de la Orquídea
Coordinator of the Guardianes de las Orquídeas de México program.
To share knowledge about orchids through orchideophile tourism.
To become a national and international reference in the conservation of mexican orchid flora through orchideophile tourism.
To promote and disseminate the cultivation and conservation of orchid flora, particularly mexican species.
Our museum’s collection began to take shape over 40 years ago, thanks to our founder’s deep passion for cultivating these species. Today, we hold a heritage of over 5,000 specimens, including both species and hybrids. Some of these arrived through rescue efforts in areas where their natural habitats had been destroyed.
Our collection is officially registered:
National Tourism Registry (RNT) Number:
It’s not a space reserved only for experts, it’s designed for the whole family. Through a guided tour, visitors will come into direct contact with the fascinating world of orchids, admire blooming specimens, and appreciate true natural gems, such as the smallest orchid in the world. They’ll also learn about Darwin’s orchid, a species native to Madagascar that holds a special story connected to the scientist Charles Darwin.
Additionally, you’ll be amazed by one of the gems of our museum, a Manual on Orchid Cultivation over 150 years old, published by Samuel Benjamin Williams in 1870.
During the tour, you’ll learn more about orchid cultivation, receive helpful tips, and discover key biological, ecological, cultural, and historical aspects of orchids in Mexico and around the world.
Having the opportunity to discover a very special orchid for the world, one that represents one of our country’s greatest contributions: the orchid that perfumes the world, vanilla.
Let yourself be amazed by the wonderful world of orchids and enjoy a story full of love for nature and passion for orchids.
We have a commercial area where you can purchase a wide variety of orchids and ornamental plants, cultivation supplies such as fertilizers, pots, substrates, and cultivation advice, as well as regional crafts, coffee, traditional sweets, aromatherapy products, agroecological goods, vanilla, orchid cream, and more.
Problems cultivating orchids at home? Want to start a collection? Come to us, we offer cultivation consulting, workshops, and maintenance programs right at your home.
We are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and spreading awareness about the cultivation and conservation of orchid flora, particularly Mexican species.
Sharing orchid knowledge as a conservation strategy
To become a national and international reference in the conservation of mexican orchid flora.
Entre algunas líneas de acción destacan:
For more information, come talk to us.
Are you interested in contributing to the conservation of our collection or participating in one of our conservation or education programs?
Get in touch with us and become part of a story of love for nature and passion for orchids, through our organization.
Program aimed at children and youth in primary, secondary, and high school levels in the Municipality of Coatepec, consisting of a didactic model to bring knowledge of Mexico’s orchids closer to students in Coatepec, also considering that orchids are a symbol of identity for this municipality and the region.
It is a new specialized segment within nature tourism that is based on the observation of orchids in their natural habitat, an experience through direct contact that involves learning about the biological, ecological, historical, and cultural aspects of these fascinating plants.
Orchideophile Tourism was created by Óscar Espino Contreras as a strategy to involve communities in conservation efforts and to curb the illegal wildlife trade.
Ruta de la Orquídea is a unique experience in Mexico that will take you through the cloud forest landscapes of Coatepec and the surrounding region, where you’ll learn about the biological, ecological, historical, and cultural aspects of these fascinating plants, from their natural habitat to witnessing their cultivation up close and being dazzled by their shapes, sizes, colors, and aromas.
Awaken your senses through a journey into the cloud forest, forging a connection with nature in one of Mexico’s most important botanical regions, where local communities take part in biodiversity conservation and guide you into the fascinating world of orchids.
Coatepec, cradle of orchideophile tourism
We design memorable experiences, providing you with guidance and the necessary equipment, ensuring your safety and complete satisfaction. This allows us to share magical moments for your reconnection with nature, a way to disconnect from everyday stress.
When designing your experience, we can offer different comfort categories, from basic versions to our prime category. Part of our philosophy is to promote healthy recreation among our participants. Our specialty is Orchid Enthusiast Tourism, and we also carry out activities in the following segments: nature tourism, adventure tourism, community tourism, cultural tourism, health tourism, holistic tourism, birdwatching tourism, among others, sharing knowledge to preserve and conserve local and regional culture, and strengthening the relationship between humans and nature.
To offer unique and memorable experiences through a connection with nature, primarily through orchid enthusiast tourism, highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of Mexico’s regions.
To be a leading tour operator in nature tourism, specifically in orchid enthusiast tourism, and to be recognized for offering memorable experiences, actively contributing to sustainable local development and empowering communities in the conservation of natural heritage.
To offer memorable, authentic, sustainable, and enriching tourist experiences that connect tourism with biodiversity, local culture, and the fascinating world of orchids.
National Tourism Registry (RNT) Number:
Coatepec is located 10 minutes from Xalapa, the capital of the state of Veracruz, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Veracruz Port, 4 hours and 30 minutes from Mexico City, and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Puebla.
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The first public library in Mexico specialized in orchids, created to offer a free consultation space for students, researchers, and the general public interested in expanding their knowledge of orchids.
The books that make up our collection were part of our founder’s personal library and some donations.
Would you like to donate a book? Get in touch with us.
Dr. Miguel de Jesús Cházaro Basáñez was passionate about Mexican flora and dedicated nearly 40 years to its study. He made significant contributions to the taxonomic knowledge of various plant groups, especially agaves and succulents. He passed away on April 4, 2023, in Xalapa, Veracruz. As a tribute to one of the most renowned botanists in our country, and as a testament to the friendship he shared with our founder during his lifetime, we dedicate this space in the Museum as a symbol of recognition, gratitude, and affection for an extraordinary man who left behind great teachings.
The work The Orchid Grower's Manual, written over 150 years ago by Samuel Benjamin Williams, a London-born orchidologist, was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of the British Empire.
This work was a very special gift from Doña Alicia Ávila de Fernández to our founding director, Oscar Espino Contreras.
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