Belmopan City

The nation’s capital, Belmopan, is located in the geographical heart of the country. It is one of the few planned cities in the entire country with the well-planned neighborhoods, sidewalks and large green spaces that give it the name “the Garden City”. In 1970 after Hurricane Hattie destroyed much of Belize City, the capital was relocated to Belmopan because it is on high ground and has no rivers that pass through the area. Belmopan is one of the most ethnically diverse areas of Belize.

The city is comprised of government buildings, foreign embassies and non-government organizations. The intellectual center continues to expand as the University of Belize main campus has been relocated here. During the day, the population of the town doubles with commuters who work for the government but in the evenings and on weekends, the city has a small-town, suburban feeling.

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By Bus
All buses traveling east and west or from Belize City to the south stop in Belmopan. Schedules and prices vary, so check with the bus company. All buses stop at the central market area. From here sidewalks connect visitors to the rest of the city.

By Vehicle
On the Western Highway, there are well-marked signs for the Hummingbird Highway and Belmopan. At the junction, turn south onto the Hummingbird Highway. There are two entrances for the City, the first one, Forest Drive, is next to the Pao Chen Texaco station after the first set of speed bumps. The second one is 1/3 mile more down the road at the round about and large, white monument. Either street will lead you into Belmopan. An interesting note is the monument, which is supposed to signify “Belize Moving Ahead”, however, locally, it is known as “the finger” for obviously reasons when you see it.

By Plane
A small airstrip is located just on the outskirts of town near the Western Highway.

Getting Around
Belmopan is well-planned and easy to get around. The Ring Road circles around the city for just over 2 miles. Large areas of green spaces have sidewalks that connect all parts of the city making it very conducive to pedestrians.

By Taxi
Local taxis can be hired at the central market and bus terminal area. There is also a taxi stand by Brodies Supermarket on the opposite side of town. Standard fare is $US 3.

A small local bus leaves the market approximately every ˝ hour and circles the town. It is an economical way to get around at less than $1 for a ride.

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Banks: For a listing of banks in Belmopan, click here.

Internet: At least 3 internet cafes are located near the bus terminal. Just inside the front of the terminal is Technohub. Across the street by Bilani’s store is a second one. The third one is in the upstairs of the shopping center next to Scotia Bank.

Post Office: The post office is located just across the parking lot from the market.

Laundry: Two Laundromats offer full service: D-Wash is located at the end of Nargusta Street. A second place is located next to Pepper’s Pizza.

Stores & Shops: There are two main shopping areas within the Ring Road. The west end of town is the main area with banks, the market, office supply store, household goods, etc. On the east end of the town are the two largest grocery stores: Brodies and Cardinal’s. In the last 2 years, additional neighborhood grocery shops have been popping up on the outskirts of the Ring Road. Worth noting is The Shoe Box, located at the edge of the market. It is cleverly housed in a converted shipping container and is the only place in Belize that sells Birkenstock sandals.

Two bakeries operate in Belmopan. The Chung Fu Bakery on Forest drive bakes breads and a few pastries. The Tastee Pastry, at the end of Forest Drive, across the Hummingbird Highway makes whole grain breads, croissants, and delicate sweets and desserts.

Gift Shops: Three gift shops in town are worth noting. Hibiscus is a new shop between the Belize Bank and First Caribbean Bank. Just upstairs from there is the Galleria Restaurant and Gift Shop. Galleria features the art work of Carolyn Carr, one of Belize’s most well-known artists. The third shop, Art Box, is on the Hummingbird Highway between the two entrances to Belmopan. Art Box has a large selection of wood carvings, paintings and prints, Guatemala textiles, Mayan crafts, jewelry and a few pieces of furniture.

Restaurants
Belmopan boasts a number of restaurants. In addition to the indoor, sit-down restaurants listed below, there are some excellent small restaurants and take out places near the market that cater mainly to the lunch crowd.

Near the Center of Belmopan

Caladium Restaurant serves Belizean meals and has daily specials. Across the street is Aloha Restaurant which serves Taiwanese foods, coffee and ice cream. In back of the Belize Bank is the Galleria Restaurant that has daily Belizean specials and soups in a setting that displays the artwork of Carolyn Carr. Just past the Shell Station on Constitution Drive is Piccini’s Italian Restaurant that serves an array of Italian, Mexican and American dishes. A half a block further is air-conditioned The Diamond Chinese Restaurant which has a 10+ page menu and serves large portions of food. Located on Forest Drive, going toward the Hummingbird Highway is the Friendship Chinese Restaurant which serves Chinese and Taiwanese foods.

On the east side of Belmopan

Surprise Cafe, in the Brodies shopping plaza, has scrumptious snacks and ice cream. The Bull Frog Inn serves Belizean and American food in an indoor or outdoor setting. They are famous for their Karaoke on Thursday nights. Pepper’s Pizza has an outdoor sitting area on the second floor of the building making it a good spot to see the happenings along the Ring Road. They also deliver anywhere in town.

On the outskirts of Belmopan

One of the newest restaurants in town is Yim Samm located at the entrance of Belmopan. It is arguably the fanciest restaurant in town and has air conditioning. Three popular hang out spots on weekends are the Round-a-bout Restaurant, La Cabana and Oasis.

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Market Days: On Tuesday and Friday mornings the lot between the Police Station and Social Security comes alive with local venders who come to sell fruits, vegetables, plants, clothing, furniture and a variety of other goods. The market is a great way to sample the local cultures with many ethnic groups represented.

Visit to the Museum & Archives: The local museum, just a short walk from the market hosts art shows. The Archives, another short walk, houses a large collection of images and print materials. It is open to the public and is a very good resource for anyone doing research in Belize.

National Assembly & Government Buildings: A collection of unpainted, concrete buildings in the central plaza of the city is the hub of government for the country. Standing at the post office and looking into the plaza is reminiscent of a Maya Plaza, for which the area was designed.

Soccer, Cricket, Tennis & Walking: Residents of Belmopan enjoy exercise and being outdoors as evidenced by the many people walking the Ring Road morning and evening. On the North side of the Ring Road there is the Governor General’s Field where men play football every evening. This same field is used for occasional cricket matches. Just past the field is a public tennis court.

Horseback Riding: For those desiring a horseback ride, just a few miles outside of town is Banana Bank Lodge and Equestrian Center. Tailored to the individual, the trips can be short or long and are an excellent way to enjoy the tropical forest and a break from the ‘city life’ of Belmopan.

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George Price Center for Peace & Development: The George Price Centre for Peace and Development was established in honour of the Rt. Hon. George Price and his lifelong devotion to the peaceful construction and development of Belize and its people. The aim of the Centre is to inspire Belizeans and individuals worldwide, regardless of race, colour, creed or political persuasion, to learn more about and carry on this endeavour. This mission is accomplished through cultural and educational programs. For more information, see: www.gpcbelize.com

University of Belize, Main Campus: The largest, public higher education institution in Belize, the university has recently merged all of the colleges into a major university in Belmopan. Bachelor’s programs are offered in a variety of areas. In addition, the university is home to the Regional Language Center, where international students come to Belize to learn English. The Belize Centre for Human Rights Studies opened in 2004 to research and educate students and the public on their rights.

Guanacaste National Park: This 50 acre park, located just 2 miles from Belmopan has a variety of wildlife and lush vegetation. Visitors can also see the gigantic guanacaste tree, for which the park is named. Located on the Belize River, visitors can enjoy swimming or relaxing on the observation deck. The park has a visitor’s center and small gift shop.

St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park: Located just 14 miles south of Belmopan, the park offers an array of attractions. Click here for more info about St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park.

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Click here to find Toucan Trail accommodations in the Cayo District.

The Cayo District is chock full of people from all walks of life. This section continues to grow and so as you meet people who are interesting, please drop us a line so we can include them in the listing!

Find a Tour Guide

Click here to find a Tour Guide for Belmopan.

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