The Belize Botanic Gardens occupy 45 acres along the Macal River south of San Ignacio, on the grounds of duPlooy's Jungle Lodge. The gardens are a working conservation site rather than a manicured display: native palms, several hundred species of orchid in a dedicated orchid house, fruit trees from across the Maya world, and trails through regenerating tropical forest.
Two-hour guided tours run at scheduled times daily and cover the orchid house, the riverside grounds, and the medicinal plants used by traditional Maya healers. Entry is around US$10. Pair the visit with lunch at the lodge restaurant or a canoe trip down the Macal back to town. Easiest to reach by taxi or on a Macal River tour.