Blog

Belmopan, located 50 miles inland from Belize City’s Caribbean coastline, serves as its capital. This city was established after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City. Belmopan houses the central government offices and National Assembly Building. Additionally, Belmopan boasts National Archives, a police training complex, and various government facilities.

Belizing in Belmopan: The Capital of Belize

Belizing in Belmopan is a favorite travel destination among both Belizeans and visitors. Situated in the Western Cayo District, this town serves as an excellent starting point to discover Belize’s ancient Maya sites, natural attractions, and world-class scuba diving opportunities. Belmopan, once an obscure backwater settlement, has seen a dramatic transformation over the years into one of Belize’s fastest-growing cities, as Belizeans and immigrants flock to its outskirts seeking safer communities with modernized infrastructure and housing solutions. Evidence of this can be seen by new developments forming around Belmopan; including numerous suburbs such as Salvapan, San Martin, and Las Flores that have come up over recent years.

Belmopan stands in stark contrast to Belize City, which was hit hard by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, being built inland and high enough above sea level so as to withstand any potential storm surges or tsunamis. Built using modern building codes that protect both housing and commercial developments from natural disaster damage. The capital city of Belmopan hosts many important government offices, embassies, and public institutions. George Price Centre for Peace and Development serves as its main civic hub and offers art exhibits and museum displays as well as theatre performances, music concerts, and dance recitals.

Belmopan, Belize City’s smaller counterpart, is less congested or developed and offers plenty of green spaces to explore – indeed, Belmopan stands out as one of the most beautiful urban areas in Belize with its various parks and gardens. Belmopan may not be known for tourism, but there are still a few resorts worth staying at while you’re visiting. Plus, this town hosts an enormous agriculture fair each May which attracts visitors from across Central America with exhibits, rodeo events, mechanical rides, and cultural presentations – make sure not to miss it! Belmopan serves as an excellent base for exploring Belize’s ancient Maya sites and natural treasures in Western Cayo District, from ancient Mayan ruins to rivers, forests, and national parks that make for wonderful hiking or kayaking adventures. In addition to these government facilities, Belmopan serves as an ideal location for visiting many national parks and protected areas that abound throughout this vast territory.

Beyond Belize City: Exploring Belmopan

Belmopan, approximately an hour’s drive west of Belize City, serves as its administrative center and is home to most government offices, four banks, several supermarkets, and an active nightlife scene. Furthermore, it’s often the starting point for tours visiting Belize’s celebrated Mayan ruins such as Altun Ha – one of Central America’s iconic sites. Belmopan is well worth considering if you plan to spend longer in Belize. Situated near the Belize River, this city has several hotels situated amongst lush rainforest surroundings around it. Belize provides visitors with plenty of opportunities to experience its picturesque countryside, from national parks and rich wildlife habitats to jungle reserves like Crystal Caves or Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary where you can interact with wilder creatures of the jungle on guided tours.

For something truly active and thrilling, why not zip-line down the verdant jungle canopy on a Belize cruise excursion? Admire the lush green rainforest as you fly from platform to platform; witness exotic birds and Howler monkeys up close as you soar through. While you are there, don’t miss the Caracol Ruins located within Chiquibul Forest Reserve – these ancient structures provide some of the most breathtaking sights in Belize! Although hard to access, their magnificent sights provide unforgettable awe. The Belize Zoo is another fantastic way to learn more about Belizean wildlife and rehabilitate injured or sick animals. Home to 45 different species – from birds to jaguars – this facility houses 45 species that reside here and strives to rehabilitate all those injured or sick that visit its grounds.

Make sure to sample Belize’s delicious cuisine when visiting this stunning nation, from traditional favorites such as stewed chicken with beans and rice to unique creations served up at restaurants. Belize offers plenty of fun ways to enjoy its sunshine. To experience all it has to offer, the ideal time and temperature range are December through April when temperatures remain comfortable, and crowds are at their lowest – you won’t have to share temples, beaches, or jungles with an enormous throng of tourists!

Belmopan: The Unassuming Capital City

Belmopan, located in Belize’s central region, is one of its quieter capitals. Although often overshadowed by larger neighbor Belize City, Belmopan offers numerous cultural and historical attractions that deserve equal consideration. Belize’s tourist destinations owe much of their appeal to a flourishing ecotourism industry, which can be found close to Belmopan. Here you’ll find lush pine forests and rainforests perfect for hiking, birding, and swimming; rivers perfect for canoeing, inner tubing, and kayaking; as well as dirt roads perfect for mountain biking and horseback riding! Belmopan is home to several significant archaeological sites, such as Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech and the ancient city of Belmopan; cave temples at Santa Elena; and has a vibrant artist and musician community. Additionally, Belmopan boasts an active musical scene.

City residents enjoy many cultural institutions, such as the George Price Centre which promotes Belizean culture through social and cultural events, while serving as a popular venue for meetings by local associations and NGOs. Belmopan serves as the administrative heart of Belize and as such is home to numerous government buildings such as the National Assembly building and National Library and Archives, both located centrally. As well as government buildings, Belize also hosts several schools and universities. Of note is the University of Belize – founded in 1986 – which stands out among them; other notable tertiary institutions in Belize include the Open Campus of University of West Indies as well.

Education of Belizean children is of utmost importance for the government, and numerous kindergartens, primary, and secondary schools exist across the nation. Although most students attend public schools, several private ones exist as well. One such private institute is the University of Belize – an English-language institution offering education in biology, chemistry, and engineering disciplines. University College of Belize is another key educational institution in Belize and was developed from St John’s College which opened its doors in 1877.

Belmopan: The Administrative Heart of Belize

Belmopan serves as the seat of government for Belize and therefore stands as a hub of public service. Many residents work within national government in administrative or technical roles – making the cluster of government buildings surrounding the National Assembly building home for them. Belmopan serves as the capital city for Belize and thus hosts most foreign embassies; more recently a United States Embassy was also opened here in 2006. Belmopan may not be as large as Belize City, but it remains an expanding hub for commerce and tourism, boasting several hotels and resorts.

Stopover in Belmopan for any traveler is ideal as its location near several key tourist sites makes getting there easy from the airport and offers convenient access to renowned Belize attractions. There is a range of businesses located within the city, from banking and restaurants to retail outlets and shops located primarily within its central business district. Belmopan stands out among Belizean towns as an international cuisine hub, featuring restaurants offering Chinese, Guatemalan, and traditional Belizean fare. If you prefer more laid-back atmospheres, Belmopan also boasts several nightclubs on its outskirts. When spending time here it is wise to be wary as some dubious individuals live here; thus, it would be best if walking at night is avoided.

Belmopan serves as the capital city of Belize, housing several of the government institutions located there such as the Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice, Belize Police Department, and National Immigration Agency. Belmopan serves as the hub of medical services in Belize and features the National Hospital which boasts a full-time cardiology department and advanced catheterization laboratory donated by Smoky Bissell and Bowen family. KHMH now has the equipment and personnel necessary to offer advanced cardiac services to Belizeans, through this partnership. A KHMH doctor can now consult directly with SHVI interventional cardiologists on complex cases via a virtual communication portal.