Plizio Visual Lab

Valley of Peace Market Gardens

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

Valley of Peace is a unique agricultural community in the Cayo District, established in 1982 as a collaborative project between the Government of Belize and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Originally founded to resettle families fleeing the civil war in El Salvador, it has evolved into one of the country's most vital vegetable-producing hubs. The farmers here specialize in intensive 'market gardening,' utilizing small plots to grow a wide variety of crops including cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, and watermelons. These products are essential supplies for the markets in Belmopan, San Ignacio, and Belize City. The community is characterized by a strong cooperative spirit and a transition towards more diverse farming practices, including cattle rearing and large-scale corn production. Despite infrastructure challenges like seasonal flooding and unpaved access roads, the residents have transformed the fertile lands near the Belize River into a highly productive agricultural zone. Valley of Peace stands as a successful model of social integration and grassroots economic development, contributing significantly to national food security.

Location: Belize
Nearby: San Pablo (Toledo) (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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What is this place?

The Valley of Peace Market Gardens are a community of vegetable and market gardens in Belize's Cayo District. They supply fresh produce to the area and offer a quiet rural experience for visitors.

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Visiting

The gardens are visible from the road, and some farmers sell produce directly on site. Visitors can stroll along the fields, but should respect workers' privacy.

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Where to view it

The best view of the gardens is from the main road running through the valley. Slightly elevated spots offer vistas of the green vegetable beds and surrounding hills.

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Local products

Main crops include tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, lettuce, and pumpkins, with seasonal mangoes and avocados. Products are sold at local markets in San Ignacio and Belmopan.

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Active season

The main growing season runs during the rainy season from June to November, when crops thrive. Harvesting continues year-round, with peak activity in the cooler months.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with nearby San Ignacio, known for its Maya ruins and cave systems. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve with its waterfalls is also worth exploring.