 getting there
The drive there from Belize City takes about 1 1/2 hours along the relatively straight and flat Western Highway.
A population of only 7,100 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.
Independence Plaza marks the center of town. The prime minister's office and administrative buildings are grouped within the plaza. 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 and tomalleys to Mennonite watermelons and 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.
Today, Belmopan is increasingly becoming the center for the business
of land acquisition, commerce and other legal applications.
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Things to Do ....
 Guancaste Park, a few minutes from town, 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 starting at 8:30 am with the last at 3:30 pm. Enjoy swimming in Roaring Creek which passes through the park.
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.
 The entrance road to the popular Mountain Pine Ridge is to the west of Belmopan, about 15 miles along the Western Highway towards San Ignacio.
The Belize Zoo makes for a good stop-over as you make your way towards the capitol. It's located along the Western Highway about 28 miles west of Belize City. |
