Living canopy

Towering 130 feet into the clouds and reaching 6 feet across, the majestic feat of nature known as the Guanacaste Tree, home to numerous species of birds and a large population of orchids and epiphytes, stands as a landmark in the 50-acre forest reserve, known as the Guanacaste National Park.   Established and managed by the Belize Audubon Society, this unique packet of protected tropical forest is easily accessible and centrally located just east of the Roaring Creek Bridge, on the junction of the Western Highway that routes northeast to Belize City, west to Cayo and south to Stann Creek.

Observing nature

Apart from the monstrous Guanacaste Tree, located just a short walk from the entrance of the park, there are numerous other trees that make up the lush tropical ecosystem.   These include a large Raintree, Mammee Apple tree, Bookut, Quamwood, hundreds for Cohune Palms, two Mahogany trees and a very large Cotton Tree. The park is also home to many species of mammals, reptiles and birds including the Jaguarondi, Kinkajou, Armadillo, Opossum, huge colorful Iguanas and birds, like the two resident Blue Crowned Motmots, Smoky Brown Woodpeckers, Black Headed Trogons and the White-breasted Wood-Wrens, just to name a few.

Entrance fees are BZ$1.00 for Belizeans and BZ$5.00 for non-nationals.   There are two miles of well-marked trails, an informative visitor center/museum, many educational signs throughout the park and a self-guiding botanical leaflet that can be loaned to visitors or bought upon request. The park provides an excellent recreational spot for swimming and picnicking.   Be sure to take some bug repellant, hiking gear and binoculars to spot the many species of birds.