Information
Landmark: Lancetilla Botanical GardenCity: La Ceiba
Country: Honduras
Continent: North America
Lancetilla Botanical Garden, La Ceiba, Honduras, North America
Overview
Just outside the coastal town of Tela, Honduras, the Lancetilla Botanical Garden sprawls wide and lush, ranking among the largest and most varied gardens on the planet.This tropical paradise bursts with exotic plants, rolling green hills, and a dazzling variety of life, from bright orchids to darting hummingbirds.The garden began as a research center, but now it draws eco-tourists, botanists, birdwatchers, and nature lovers who wander shaded trails scented with wild mint.Lancetilla Botanical Garden sits about 7 km (4 miles) from downtown Tela, Atlántida, Honduras, stretching across more than 1,680 hectares (4,150 acres) of lush terrain; founded in 1926 by the United Fruit Company for agricultural research, it blends tropical rainforest, experimental plantations, and native plants, earning its place as the world’s second-largest tropical botanical garden-here, you can wander shaded trails, breathe in the scent of orchids, and discover what makes this place unforgettable.At Lancetilla Botanical Garden, you can wander among more than 1,200 plant species-from fragrant mangosteen trees and bright orchids to towering bamboo groves and rare, endangered plants gathered from across the globe.Stroll past centuries-old Honduran mahogany and neat rows of rubber trees, then lift your gaze to spot some of the 300 bird species that call this place home-toucans flashing their beaks, motmots swaying their tails, parrots chattering in the canopy.Step into the famous bamboo tunnel, where green stalks arch high overhead and sunlight filters through in soft stripes.Explore easy-to-moderate trails that wind through jungle and garden alike, with butterflies darting past and flowers spilling color at your feet.Learn how the garden, once a hub for banana research, became a center for conservation and environmental education, preserving plants and telling the story of the United Fruit Company in Honduras.Just 10–15 minutes from Tela, it’s best to visit early morning or late afternoon-bring comfy shoes, insect repellent, a hat, and your camera-and you’ll see why it’s one of the largest tropical botanical gardens in the world.✅ Home to hundreds of exotic plants and rare bird species.✅ Perfect for eco-tourism, hiking, and photography.✅ Easily accessible from Tela, making it a great day trip.It’s home to hundreds of exotic plants, and you might spot a rare bird flashing bright wings among the leaves.✅ Ideal for eco-tourism-think misty forest trails, rugged hikes, and unforgettable photo stops.
