Jardín Botánico Lancetilla

The Jardín Botánico Lancetilla in Tela is a remarkable and historically significant botanical garden, originally established as an experimental center for tropical plants by Dr. Wilson Popenoe in 19251. Today, it stands as one of the most important collections of exotic plant species in Latin America, with a special emphasis on fruit trees and timber. Visitors can enjoy a unique landscape enriched by the diverse flora, including the garden’s namesake, the small but spiny palm Astrocaryum standleyanum, native to the region. The garden is not only a place of natural beauty but also a testament to the region’s dedication to preserving and showcasing its botanical heritage. Lancetilla offers a tranquil escape where one can spend 1-2 hours immersed in the lush greenery and serenity of nature. A visit to Lancetilla is essential to truly experiencing Tela, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to this part of Honduras.

Beautiful garden/walking trails! Loved the tree descriptions throughout the garden. Highly recommend.

Just gorgeous, it has different tours you can take, and a natural wine and jelly shop at the end. you can accommodate in the villas at the park or just drive to it (short ride from town). It's so relaxing to be surrounded by nature.

Loved walking in the park and learning about the botanical gardens. Unique native plants and beautiful scenery. Our guide was very knowledgeable, informative and very professional.

The park lacks maintenance and what looks to be once perfectly designed flower beds and walkways are now reclaimed by nature. The park staff tells you areas are closed as to not assume the risk of injury for fallen trees or scattered rocks, but don’t listen to them!! These areas are the most serene and beautiful and are so worth your time. Skip the rushed-45-minute guided tour through the still groomed areas (unless you’re a family with kids, for which it’s designed) and explore! Bring food and water and have a picnic below the bamboo tunnels. Take a photo between the palm tree walkway. Splash around in the river. Find the lady who sells one-of-a-kind wine made from the exotic fruits that grow inside the park and buy a bottle or three. A must stop if in Tela, but for not the “mall-nature” the staff thinks you should see. If you see what looks like an abandoned path, take it!

Nice garden outside Tela, interesting plants and trees.

Our guide was excellent, with lots of information about the origin and use of the trees represented in the garden. Our guide only spoke Spanish but we had Spanish speakers in our group who could translate.

Soo much beauty in one place. So much too see. So you can jump in the clear water river.