Armenia Village

Armenia is set in the foothills of the Mayan Mountain Range and is surrounded by jungle, caves, rivers and wildlife. It is a relatively small, rural village with a “homey” feel, but is close enough to Belmopan for easy access to amenities. The village population of 1,000 residents is composed of both Spanish/Mestizo and Maya populations. The first settlers in the area were immigrants from Guatemala, El Salvador, or Honduras, trying to escape the ravages of civil war. Both Mopan and K’ekchi Maya people also moved to the area from southern Belize in order to have better access to health care, transportation and a market in which to sell their crops.

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By Bus
Getting to Armenia is easy via the public buses going either North or South along the Hummingbird Highway. Buses pass by Armenia virtually every hour, check with Novelo’s or James’ Bus Lines for schedules and prices.

By Vehicle
From the Western Highway, turn at the well-marked junction for the Hummingbird Highway which is just across from Guanacaste National Park. Travel south for approximately 9 miles until you reach the speed bumps which announce your arrival in the village.

By Taxi
Taxis from Belmopan can carry passengers to Armenia. Price starts around US. $15.

Armenia is small enough that one can easily traverse the village on foot.

Accommodations & Meals

Several local families, both Mayan and Spanish/Mestizo, are willing to assist individuals or groups who are interested in experiencing village life first-hand, and they are more than happy to share their personal stories and cultural heritage as well.

For information on accommodations in the village, contact the Armenia Village Community Phone at 809-2036.

Places to eat:
A & H Restaurant can provide visitors and residents alike with a Belizean meal or a beer under a cool palapa.

Families are also willing to share meals with guests and they are more than happy to accommodate vegetarians.

Phone: There are two phones in Armenia that can be accessed by visitors with calling cards which can be bought locally.

There are no internet cafes, post office, or healthcare facilities yet in Armenia, but all of these can be found only 15 minutes away in Belmopan.

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Cultural Activities: The Mayan Women’s Group in Armenia makes and sells crafts such as baskets, embroidery, and jewelry. They can be found every day at Blue Hole selling these crafts and refreshments as well. There are also many other Mayan women in Armenia who sell similar crafts out of their homes.

A few families with televisions show movies in the evenings, or you can usually find a game of dominos or cards being played. The local shops are often a venue for chatting with the neighbors or sipping a coke. There are also several churches in Armenia, at least one of which is having a service any night of the week.

Walking: Armenia is set in the foothills of the Mayan Mountain Range and is surrounded by lush jungle, caves, rivers and wildlife making it an ideal place to explore by walking through and around the village.

Local Farm Tour: Since most villagers are subsistence farmers, it’s possible to walk to their farms and see their work.

Hiking, Swimming, Caving and Birding: At St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park, just 4 miles south of the village. Click here for detailed information.

Sporting Events: Virtually every evening, the men play football on the public field next to the school and there are often football games or marathons there on Sunday afternoons.

Volunteer Opportunities: Jaguar Creek (Target Earth), a Christian environment association whose mission is to “serve the earth and the poor, is involved in Armenia through the Armenia Development Center (ADC), the community library, the school and Village Council. More information on JC can be found at www.targetearth.org or by calling ++(501) 820-2034.

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