Belize is a tropical country that draws in tourists from all over the world looking for relaxation, adventure, or exploration. There are many places you should visit during your time in Belize, Belmopan should be among your first destinations.
Belmopan is the capital city of Belize and one of its most active cities. Its most attractive features include nearby natural parks, its architecture, and its gastronomy. During September, Belmopan is filled with celebrations that make it a great destination for tourists.
This article will reveal Belmopan in all its beauty and splendor. Perhaps by the time you’re done reading it, you’ll be convinced to bump this destination to the top of your bucket list.
Where in the World Is Belmopan?
The beautiful tropical nation of Belize runs along the Northeastern Central American coast. It sits on a lip of land kissed by the Caribbean sea to the east and is boarded on the west to the south by Guatemala, and on the north by Mexico.
Belize is abundant with gorgeous natural wonders, both coastal and inland. It is also home to some unique flora and fauna.
At the very center of Belize, next to Belize River, you’ll find Belmopan in the Cayo District, one of the smallest and newest capital cities in the world. But don’t let that fool you—there are plenty of things to do in Belmopan, and it’s also where most governmental buildings are located.
A Brief History of Belmopan
Before we dive into the short but interesting history of Belmopan, you should have an understanding of the history of Belize.
For thousands of years, the Maya occupied the land that would much later come to be known as Belize. Their civilization flourished into one of the great Mesoamerican cultures but eventually declined.
This was the situation when the Spanish beached their shores in the 16th century. The conquistadors claimed the land for the Hispanic Monarchy and proceeded in their attempts to convert the entire population to Catholicism.
But unlike the rest of Central America, Belize’s official language is English. However, Spanish is still more commonly spoken, with 62.8% of the population preferring to converse in this tongue.
The designated official language is indicative of yet another foreign influence on Belize. That of the British.
Spain and the British had long disputes over Belize. Things were finally decided in 1798 in the Battle of St. George’s Caye, and the British emerged as the victors.
Their settlement in the land was later formalized into a properly recognized British colony in 1840 and was called British Honduras. Belize became an independent nation on September 21, 1981, but maintains membership in the Commonwealth.
The capital of Belize used to be Belize City, until hurricane Hattie destroyed most of it in 1961. Around 75% of its houses were demolished. Belize City is located in an area that’s very prone to flooding, and this prompted the government to move the capital somewhere safer.
Premier George Cadle Price traveled to London in search of funding for building this new capital. Although he didn’t get all the funding he needed right away, construction was started in 1967 and the first phase of the city was completed by 1970.
Even after it was declared the country’s capital, embassies from around the world were hesitant to move to Belmopan. The US embassy was the first one to do it in 2005. Since then, many other countries have done the same.
The Best Time To Visit Belmopan
Belize draws in tourists all year round, but this peaks from December to January and once again in April during the Easter break. These are the best times to visit Belize, but prices also skyrocket during these periods.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly time for a holiday in Belmopan, the months of May to June generally see the lowest number of tourists as the rainy season starts. Hotel rates are lower at this time, but there is always the risk of rainfall spoiling your itinerary.
However, if you want to get the most out of your visit to Belmopan, you may want to visit during September. September is filled to the brim with celebrations, including Belize’s Independence and St. George’s Caye Day.
Getting Around Belmopan
There are two major cities in Belize. These are Belize City, the largest and former capital, and Belmopan, the current capital city.
The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City is still the only international airport and the world’s gateway into the country, so you’ll have to go through there on your way to Belmopan.
You can book a domestic flight to Belmopan and be there in only 10 minutes. However, getting a taxi or renting a car is a more popular option for tourists.
A taxi will charge you around $100 for taking you to Belmopan, while renting a car will cost you around $75 per day. If you want a more budget-friendly option, you can simply take the bus from Belize City to Belmopan, which will cost you only $5.
Once you’re in Belmopan, you can move around by taxi or car. However, if you want to truly experience the city, you should stick to walking. It’s a small city, so you won’t have to walk long distances.
The Best Hotels To Stay In
Hotels are a home away from home. When in Belmopan, visitors will find one, whatever their budget may be.
The treehouse hotel rooms and world-class services of the Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge and Caves Branch Jungle Lodge make them the more luxurious options.
The Banana Bank Jungle Lodge, Yim Saan Hotel, and Hisbiscus Hotel are more affordable accommodations, while the El Rey Inn is the go-to for backpackers and tourists on a tighter budget.
The Beauty of Belize
Belmopan lies in the heart of Belize, tucked away from the scenic beaches and all that typifies a tropical getaway. But the area around the seat of government harbors its share of beautiful and fascinating sites for tourists to marvel at.
- Nonoch’Che Caves Branch. Known officially as the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, this network of limestone caves has gorgeous blue waters that flow through it, taking explorers deep into the interior that harbors remnants of Maya ceremonial centers. This fascinating historical aspect adds to the natural beauty of the rock formations and makes this site a popular tourist spot.
- St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. Protected areas of this natural reserve spanning an area of 575 acres (2.3 square kilometers) are home to a variety of birds and wildlife that tourists can admire. But the key feature is a sinkhole or cenote created by a collapsed cave. This breathtaking round pool is 300 feet (91.4 meters) wide in diameter and its vibrant blue waters tourists frolic in reach a depth of 25 feet (7.6 meters).
- St. Herman’s Cave. Located just 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from the Blue Hole, St. Herman’s Cave is another site of archaeological significance, having been used by the Maya with artifacts dating to the Classic Period of their civilization. Aside from the remnants of these man made items, the rugged beauty of the cave also features steps leading downward that were carved in by the Maya.
- Guanacaste National Park – This park is named for the guanacaste tree that survived the period of logging by the Spanish and British settlers. Because its trunk had three bases, it couldn’t be used for timber. Today, Guanacaste National Park is home to various other species of trees, wildlife, and birds. Several trails run through the park, making it an ideal day-out destination for birdwatchers and hikers.
Things To Do in Belmopan
Tourists in Belize are mostly drawn to the natural wonders around Belmopan, with hiking, caving, and swimming in the tropical jungles being on most itineraries. But there are times when the city proper takes center stage.
- Market days. For tourists looking for a more immersive local experience, Tuesdays and Fridays are market days in Belmopan. Farmers and fishermen aren’t the only ones looking to sell. Artisans and tradesmen bring out their wares too. Surveying the infinite variety of commodities will be an interesting way for outsiders to spend time in the city.
- Natural Agriculture and Trade Show – The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Enterprises describes this three-day event in April or May as “the biggest and most attended entertaining and educational annual event celebrated in Belize.” Farmers and small enterprises display their products, while other activities include a rodeo and competitions to select Farmer of the Year and Miss Agriculture.
- September festivities – The dry season from January to March may be the best time to visit Belize. But September has two of the most significant festivities: September 10 marks the Battle of St. George’s Caye, while September 21 is Belize’s Independence Day. Both occasions feature colorful patriotic and cultural celebrations that are a spectacle for both locals and tourists alike.
The Flavors of Belmopan
Belizean cuisine is a fusion of dishes primarily from the two different cultures and ethnicities that came together in this country centuries ago. There are also recipes reminiscent of the traditional Maya diet interspersed with Mestizo elements.
This gives Belizean dishes a similar profile to the cuisines of other Central American and South American countries that were once under Spanish influence. But a distinctive spin on these recipes makes the Belizean food scene stand apart as a cuisine unlike any other.
Belmopan is filled with delicious exponents of this unique gastronomy. You can choose to go to formal restaurants, but there are small food stops at every corner that will give you an authentic taste of the city.
Here are some of the best dishes you must try while on holiday in Belmopan:
Belize Rice and Beans
Belize’s most popular dish may sound like a simple meal, but the Belizeans have turned it into a recipe that is worthy of national pride. The rice and beans are traditionally cooked in coconut milk and served with meat prepared in recado and garlic.
Chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, lobster, and even gibnut meat go with the rice and beans. Potato salad and preparation of plantain are also served along with the dish, and a sauce of habaneros and onions in lime juice tops it all off.
Cochinita Pibil
“Cochinita” is Spanish for little pig, while “pibil” means buried in the Qʼeqchiʼ language. These two words literally describe this classic Maya recipe. A suckling pig marinated in oranges, recado, garlic, onions, and allspice is wrapped in banana leaves and then slow-cooked and smoked over several hours underground or in a clay oven. The result is mouthwatering, tender, and juicy meat bursting with flavor.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a fresh seafood and salad-type dish found in both Central and South America. Other countries’ variants use fish, squid, and octopus, while the Belizean recipe calls for conch, shrimp, or both. The conch and shrimp are cured in lime juice and kept refrigerated for three hours. They are then diced, cucumbers and tomatoes are added, and the dish is spiced with onions, habanero, black pepper, and cilantro.
Chicken Escabeche
This delicious dish is not your average chicken soup. Its Maya and Spanish elements feature broiled then roasted chicken seasoned with oregano and thyme in a white sugar cane vinegar soup base seasoned with onions, black pepper, jalapenos, and allspice. It’s one for the soul but, more importantly, for the palate.
Belizean Desserts
Belizean desserts are exotic delights for your sweet tooth. The top treats you need to have a bite of include soursop ice cream (from the fruit Annona muricata), cassava pudding, coconut tart, Belizean fudge, and Belizean rum fruit cake that takes the original British recipe to new heights.
Trying out the local cuisine of a getaway destination is a must. You may have enjoyed a certain dish at a restaurant before, but sampling those delicacies in their native environment is a whole different culinary experience.
What are the best food and cultural experiences in the Belmopan City area of Belize?
When visiting Belmopan City in Belize, you must sample traditional Belizean dishes like rice and beans, hudut (coconut fish stew), and fry jacks. Explore the great blue hole history & expectation by learning about the rich Mayan culture and trying local delicacies at the weekly farmer’s market.
What are the best food and cultural experiences in Belmopan City, Cayo, Belize?
In Belmopan City, Cayo, Belize, some of the best places to visit for food and cultural experiences include the local market to sample traditional Belizean dishes, the National Agriculture and Trade Show for a taste of agricultural traditions, and the Guanacaste National Park for a natural and cultural immersion.
Final Thoughts
Belize is a tropical paradise that offers far more than just sun, sand, and sea. Belmopan is one example of the breadth and depth of the history and culture of this country, with all its natural wonders, historical landmarks and exciting festivities.
