Guanacaste National Park

Introducing Guanacaste National Park

Belize’s smallest national park is Guanacaste National Park (admission BZ$5; 8am-4:30pm), named for the giant guanacaste tree on its southwestern edge. Somehow, possibly thanks to the odd shape of its trunk, the tree survived the axes of canoe-makers and still rises majestically in its jungle habitat. Festooned with bromeliads, ferns and dozens of other varieties of plants, the great tree supports a whole ecosystem of its own.

The guanacaste (tubroos) tree is one of Central America’s largest trees. Its light wood was used by the Maya to make dugout canoes. The tree is identifiable by its wide, straight trunk and broad, flat seed pods that coil up into what looks like a giant, shriveled ear (you’ll see fallen ‘ears’ on trails throughout Belize).

Perched at the junction of the Western and Hummingbird Hwys, this 250, 000-sq-yd park is an excellent place to break a drive. At the confluence of Roaring Creek and the Belize River, the park contains 2 miles of hiking trails that will introduce you to the abundant local trees and colorful birds. Birding is best here in winter, when migrants arrive from North America. After your hike, you can head down to the river for a dip in the park’s good, deep swimming hole.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009