Belmopan

And that makes everything close at hand. You can walk from your hotel to the government buildings in a matter of minutes. If you prefer a taxi, it's US $3.50 to anywhere in town. With its colorful vegetation and many Flamboyant trees, Belmopan has been referred to as the "Garden City."

Belmopan is located approximately 48 miles southwest of Belize City, 22 miles east of San Ignacio and 57 miles northwest of Dangriga and the Caribbean coast. 

Belmopan was established following devastation of the former capital, Belize City, by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. 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. 

Market Square is next to the Plaza and where much of the local commerce takes place. Open most days, vendors sell everything from tropical fruits and tamales to Mennonite watermelons and copycat designer jewelry. 

Adjacent to the market is the 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... 

Things to Do ....

Guanacaste Park, a few minutes from town, is located next to the Western Highway at the Belmopan turnoff. In this 50 acre park, orchids and other "air plants" can be seen along nearly 2 miles of trails with shaded benches for easy wildlife and bird watching.

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.

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 the Black Hole Drop, where adventurers have the opportunity to experience "A rush like no other".

The entrance road to the popular Mountain Pine Ridge lies to the west of Belmopan, about 15 miles along the Western Highway towards San Ignacio. Traveling eastward a few miles, offers the opportunity to enjoy guided Cave Tubing and Zip-line Canopy Tours at Caves Branch. Further down the road, the Belize Zoo makes for a good stop-over as you make your way between Belize City and the capital. 

Belmopan, the town, was incorporated in 2000 and as a result there have been a number of improvements beneficial to business, including a refurbished market area.

The present market upgrading is the initial stage of a more ambitious plan which includes an additional entrance road from the Western Highway which passes through the planned Piccini commercial area.

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