Caves Branch Botanical Gardens

Started by Ella Anderson, one of the proprietors of Caves Branch Jungle Lodge, the Caves Branch Botanical Gardens has grown to become one of the largest botanical gardens in Belize, containing all native plants and currently housing the largest collection of air plants in the country. With a specialty in orchids and bromeliads, the gardens stretch along a network of manicured and landscaped paths throughout a portion of the Caves Branch Lodge grounds. Portions of the trail overlook the Caves Branch River, while other collections are displayed inside an open-air structure with walkways allowing guests to view the collection.

Interpretive signs line many of the walkways, along with displays illustrating some of the processes and products involved with a selection of plants. The air retains scents from some of the plants, while the jungle environment is already full of bird and insect songs from the surrounding landscape.

The Botanical Gardens also work closely with different schools throughout Belize to help create gardening programs, and it is actively working to catalog and preserve an expanding selection of flora native to Belize. The Botanical Gardens are open to all visitors, and guided tours can be set up in advance. Additional information can be found at CavesBranch.com.