Belize Botanic Gardens is 45 acres of native and exotic plants growing in the Cayo district of western Belize. The garden is in a valley on the banks of the Macal River, surrounded by the Maya Mountain foothills.
Within the Gardens’ 45 acres are several miles of trails and pathways open for visitors to explore.
Learn how the Maya made use of the healing properties of medicinal plants found along the medicine trail; meander through a tropical fruit orchard as you make your way towards the orchid house to view a collection of native plants and orchids.
You can hike the rainforest trail and see mahogany, the water vine, vanilla, allspice, and the “Bullet Tree”, a hardwood fashioned into shields by the Maya to defend against Spanish bullets.
Featuring nearly 100 unique palm species from Belize and around the world, the palm area has its own exhibit displaying some of the palms many uses. Nearby cycad circle showcases an ancient and endangered plant species, while zingiber alley hosts a colorful array of gingers and heliconias, just waiting to be admired.