Plizio Visual Lab

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Green Hills Butterfly Ranch in the Cayo District is Belize's premier center for lepidopterology and botanical research. Established in 1993, the ranch is dedicated to the breeding and conservation of approximately 30 native butterfly species. Within its expansive walk-in flight area, visitors can observe the entire life cycle of these insects, from egg-laying to emergence, including the iconic Blue Morpho and the Giant Owl Butterfly. The ranch also features a botanical garden specialized in the preservation of local plant species that serve as essential host plants for butterfly larvae. Beyond its entomological focus, the facility operates as an educational hub, disseminating knowledge about Belizean biodiversity. The grounds further provide habitat for over 300 bird species, making it a key destination for naturalists and ornithologists. The ranch's ecological management practices significantly aid in the preservation of local flora.

Location: Belize
Nearby: Cristo Rey (Cayo) (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	21	22	24	26	26	25	25	25	25	24	22	22
Rain mm	110	66	58	40	127	240	175	197	225	251	200	137

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is a butterfly conservatory and botanical garden in Belize, open daily to visitors. You can observe butterflies up close in a large flight house.

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Typical hours

The ranch typically opens from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, varying by season. Holiday hours may differ; advance phone booking is recommended.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the butterfly house and garden. Flash should be avoided to not disturb the butterflies.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how long you explore the butterflies and plants. Allow extra time for the gift shop.

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Combine with

Combine the ranch with the nearby Cayo District, the Maya ruins of Xunantunich, and the natural wonders of Mountain Pine Ridge. All are easily reachable by car.

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Getting there

Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is about 5 km from San Ignacio on the Western Highway. It is accessible by taxi or rental car; parking is available.

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Insider tip

Visit the ranch in the morning when butterflies are most active. Wear light-colored clothing, as butterflies are more likely to land on you.

Geography

Coordinates

17.15000, -88.98000

Facts

The ranch was founded in 1993 by Dutch biologists Jan Meerman and Tineke Boomsma.
The butterfly flight house covers an area of over 3,300 square feet (300 sqm).
Thousands of butterflies are bred annually for display and educational purposes.
A total of 300 different bird species have been recorded on the ranch grounds.
The facility houses the largest collection of passionflowers in Belize.
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is located near the community of Spanish Lookout.