Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

Overview

Overview

Belize’s largest butterfly garden houses more than 30 native butterfly species, which flit freely about in a 4,000-square-foot (1,220-square-meter) enclosure. Learn about the butterfly life cycle at this nature center that attracts everyone from butterfly novices to researchers. Hummingbirds are also frequent visitors.

The Basics

The ranch can be seen in under an hour, but many visitors linger longer to chat with the butterfly keepers and look for birdlife in the landscaped grounds dotted with bromeliads and orchids. Located at the edge of the Mountain Pine Ridge, Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is a great place to connect with Belizean wildlife on the way to or from Barton Creek Cave or the Caracol Mayan ruins.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • The butterfly ranch is a popular stop for families traveling with children.
  • No food is sold at the ranch, but pack a picnic and enjoy it at a provided picnic area.
  • Be sure to stop at the outbuilding to see butterflies at various life stages up close.
  • Bring a camera to snap photos of hummingbirds that hover around a gazebo hung with feeders.

How to Get There
The ranch is located in Belize’s western Cayo District, approximately two hours from Belize City and less than an hour from San Ignacio. Access is via a well-graded but slightly bumpy dirt road. If you don’t have a vehicle, look for a combo tour that stops at the ranch en route to other Cayo attractions.

When to Get There
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is open year-round, and the garden is always in bloom. Expect more rain in Belize's wet season (December through May) and sunnier skies in its dry season (June through November).

Nearby Cayo Attractions

Since you can visit the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch in an hour or so, a trip to the ranch pairs well with one to other attractions in Belize’s Cayo district. Go cave tubing at nearby Barton Creek Caves, or visit the Rio On Pools and Rio Frio Cave inside Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. A bit further afield, channel your inner archaeologist at Xunantunich or Caracol Mayan ruins.
Info

Address

Chiquibul Rd
San Ignacio, Belize

Categories

Wildlife & Zoos

Business Hours

Speciality

Wildlife Tours

Map