Belmopan

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize. It is located in the middle of the Cayo District; about an hour's drive from the old capital of Belize, Belize City. Belmopan being an inland city, its temperatures are quite high during the day but much cooler at night.

A population of only 8,000 makes Belmopan the smallest capital in the world. Belmopan was established following devastation of the former capitol, Belize City, by Hurricane Hattie in 1965. High ground and open space influenced the choice and ground-breaking began in 1966. By 1970 most government offices and operations had already moved to the new location. 

Belmopan is just east of the Hummingbird Highway and is usually accessed by Constitution Drive, which leads straight into the center from a roundabout. Banks, buses, market, and government buildings are tightly clustered within easy walking distance of each other.

Independence Plaza makes up the center of the town of Belmopan. The Prime Minister's office and administrative buildings are grouped within the plaza in the center of Belmopan. The post office is located here. Surrounding the plaza are pedestrian walkways which connect to business and residential areas. The hospital, a number of embassies and the main campus and administrative buildings for the University of Belize are all within walking distance.

Next to the plaza is "Market Square" where much of the local commerce takes place. Open most days, vendors sell everything from tropical fruits to copycat designer jewelry.

Adjacent to the market is the Novelo bus terminal. If you plan on staying over 30 days you can renew your passport at the immigration office which is directly across the street from the market.

Despite Belmopan’s quiet reputation, weekends can be quite alive in the capital city of Belize. Thursdays start with karaoke at the Bull Frog, but turn into a rocking dance party around 11 p.m. when the place gets packed.

Things to Do

Guancaste Park- A few minutes from the Belmopan town center, the park is located next to the Western Highway at the Belmopan turnoff. In the park, orchids and other "air plants" can be seen. The Visitor's Center is a first-class source of information about the birds, butterflies, and animal life you are likely to see. Hourly guided tours are conducted daily. Enjoy swimming in Roaring Creek which passes through the park.

Swimming and Cave Tubing- Undoubtedly the most scenic road in Belize, the Hummingbird Highway is a visual experience. Carved through the foothills of the Maya Mountains, the road connects Belmopan to Dangriga in Stann Creek District. On the way stop at the the "Inland" Blue Hole, a popular swimming, picnicking and hiking spot, where an underground river emerges briefly before returning underground again. St. Herman's cave is only a 15-minute walk from the Blue Hole Information Center. Close by is guided Cave Tubing at Caves Branch. Float in rubber tubes deep within the Caves Branch River system.

A few more miles down the road and you will be at Five Blues Lake where you can swim in five shades of blue water. Wildlife, birding and caving are other attractions here.

Getting There

Car or Bus - Belmopan is a quick one hour ride from Belize City. Although there is an airstrip just outside Belmopan, it is usually more economical to catch the bus. Buses leave and return each hour.

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