Guanacaste National Park
"Guanacaste National Park (GNP) is a 50 acres protected area located roughly in the center of Belize, It is just north of the capital city Belmopan in the Northeast quadrant of the Cayo District. GNP was established as a Crown Reserve in 1973 and gained National Park Status in 1990.(Link National Park System Act- 1981)

This 50 acre national park is a segment of protected secondary growth tropical forest. It is the most accessible of the Belize Audubon Society managed protected areas, located less than 2 miles from the capital city Belmopan at the intersection of the Hummingbird and Western Highways this makes the park easily accessed by private vehicles and bus. Here the whole family has the opportunity to experience the beauty of Belize’s world-renowned biodiversity only minutes from an urban setting. The proximity of the park to Belize’s major towns and cities makes it the perfect destination for an unforgettable day trip.

The park’s relatively small size allows our visitors to come face to face with the varied wildlife and lush vegetations at an amazingly short distance from the entrance from the entrance gates. To enhance your enjoyment, the park boast an education center with a gift shop, a beautifully, wooden observation deck overlooking the river, a refreshing swimming spot for any age and swimming experience. We also have to offer sheltered picnic areas and over 2 miles of maintained trails.

Guanacaste National Park Buffer Communities
Belmopan is the largest settlement (approximately 8000 residents- 2003) in GNP’s vicinity, with it northern outskirts of Belmopan extending almost to the GNP’S entrance. Just west of GNP is the village of Roaring Creek with approximately 6000 residents. Once a thriving junction town, its role at the center of the country was eclipsed with the construction of Belmopan City in 1970. Also located in the vicinity of GNP are the refugee communities of Salvapan and Las Flores. Populated mostly by Salvadoran and Guatemalan, these communities have grown significantly over the past 5 to 8 years.

The areas around GNP reflects the complex mix of Belizean ethnicity, the predominant group being Creole, but there are representatives of all of Belize’s ethnic group. English is the primary language but Spanish is widely spoken.

Guanacaste National Park Forest Cover
GNP’s forest is secondary growth, much of it recovering from former use as pasture. Most of the forest is in the middle stage of succession. The area’s dry season gives the forest cover a semi-deciduous quality.

There are two broad forest types in GNP: Cohune Palm forest and Broad leaf Hardwood forest. The Cohune palm and Broadleaf Hardwood types are often contiguous or intermixed, however in GNP the Cohune Palm forest type is more common. Within the Broadleaved Hardwood is the riparian forest association and these trees are found along GNP’s riverbanks and have adapted to periodic flooding.

Guanacaste National Park Plant Life
Within the boundaries of the park there is a tremendous range of plant life to be seen from the trails. It ranges from One of Belize’s national symbols, the exotic Black Orchid, is amongst the smallest and most respected to the colossal Guanacaste (Tubroos) tree from which the park takes its name. This tree is truly impressive sight with its diameter in excess of six feet and hundreds of the hanging vines and epiphytes suspended from the upper reaches of its branches. Between the branches there are Stinking Toe Bukuts, Strangler Figs and countless other species of trees. (Link- Plant Species List)

Guanacaste National Park Animals and Birds
The immense range of plants is mirrored in the animal community of Guanacaste. If luck is on your side, you might be able to see a Jaguarundi, Kinkajou, Paca, Nine-banded Armadillo, and White-tailed Deer along with many species of bats. There is no shortage of reptilian life, such as Iguanas up to four feet long that sun themselves in the canopy foliage.

Similarly there is plenty for the avid bird watchers to see, with over 120 speciesof birds have been spotted in the park. The majestic Blue Crown Motmot, can be seen along with the Black-faced Ant-trush, Belted Kingfisher, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Magnolia Warbler and Red-lored Parrot to name only a few. A birding deck and a handicap trail is proposed for this area and will be completed in 2004.

Guanacaste National Park Cultural
GNP has no major Mayan sites, but wardens while doing trail work have discovered pottery pieces and other artifacts. In addition, there is a suspected chultun, or Maya underground storage chamber, located in the north-central part of the park. To date there have been no investigations of this chamber by archeologist.

Guanacaste National Park Visitor’s Use and Park Rules.
GNP is a day use park. The entrance fee are BZ$1 for nationals and Bz$5 for non-nationals. The opening hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm.

To help the Belize Audubon Society to maintain the park’s pristine conditions we ask that all the visitors observe the following regulations:
• Please register at our Visitor Center
• Do not disturb, harm or capture any animals or birds
• No fishing or hunting is allowed
• Do not disturb, cut or remove any plants or trees
• Do not liter. Please place trash in bins provided
• Please do not bring pets into the park
• Overnight camping is not allowed
• Make use of the park’s restroom facilities]
• Please stay on the trails at all times
• Firearms are not to be taken into the park

• Recommendations
Bring sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt, long pants, insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of water.All school groups are welcome, please register with the Belize City office, prior to you visit." The Belize Audubon Society.

Belize Protected Areas
Belize protected areas include Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Blue Hole National Park, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Guanacaste National Park, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Victoria Peak Natural Monument, etc.

"The Government of Belize has fixed entrance fees for the parks. These fees are collected by the Belize Audubon Society, and are used towards the costs of maintaining and protecting these areas. The fees are discounted for Belizeans to encourage local people to visit the parks." http://www.belizeaudubon.org

To become a member of the Belize Audubon Society and pledge your support, fill out the Membership Form and email membership@belizeaudubon.org or fax the Audubon at: 501.223.4985, or send it to: Belize Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1001, Belize City, BELIZE, along with a check or money order payable to: Belize Audubon Society.