Belmopan's Best: A Guide To The Must-Do Experiences In Belize's Capital

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife. While it's not a typical tourist destination, it's a popular spot for day trips, with many jungle attractions just outside the city. Here are some of the must-do activities when visiting Belmopan:

- Explore the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch, an archaeological reserve located 30 minutes southeast of the city, offering cave tubing and zip-lining adventures.

- Visit the George Price Centre for Peace and Development to learn about the story of Belize and see the National Assembly Building, modelled after ancient Maya Temples.

- Experience the natural beauty of St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, featuring a blue hole cenote for swimming and well-maintained trails for hiking.

- Indulge in the local cuisine and fresh produce at Belmopan's outdoor markets, including the popular market area near the bus terminal and the Belmopan Market Plaza, which operates as a flea market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

- Discover the flora and fauna of Guanacaste National Park, located just outside the city, with over two miles of hiking trails offering bird-watching opportunities.

- Take a day trip to explore nearby attractions such as the Crystal Cave, Blue Hole National Park, or the Xunantunich Maya Ruins.

- Wander through the Independence Plaza, home to the prime minister's offices, pedestrian pathways, and the National Assembly Building.

- Explore the Hummingbird Highway, one of the country's most scenic routes.

Explore Nohoch Che'en Caves

The Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a popular destination in Belize for cave tubing and ziplining. The site is located about an hour away from Belmopan and consists of an extensive network of limestone caves surrounded by dense jungle. The Caves Branch River flows through 19 caves in the system, providing ideal conditions for tubing and the exploration of side passages that lead to other caves, such as the spectacular Crystal Cave.

Cave Tubing

The basic cave tubing tour includes a 1.5-hour float through the caves, witnessing schools of eyeless cave fish, stalactites, and strange Maya paintings on the cave ceilings. The cost includes a life vest, helmet, and inner tube. Tours can be customised to explore further into the cave system. The ultimate full-day tour includes cave tubing, ziplining, and a visit to the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins.

Ziplining

In addition to cave tubing, the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve also offers ziplining. This activity allows you to soar through the canopy of the rainforest, zipping through the trees and even across a river.

Getting There

The Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is located at Mile 37 on the George Price Highway in Frank Eddy Village, Cayo District. It is about a 30-minute drive southeast of Belmopan.

Visit the George Price Centre

The George Price Centre for Peace and Development is a must-visit when in Belmopan, Belize. This non-profit, non-governmental organisation is dedicated to honouring the legacy of Right Honourable George Cadle Price, Belize's first Prime Minister and National Hero. Established in 2000 by a group of admirers, the centre was officially inaugurated in 2002 and opened to the public in 2004.

Located on Price Centre Road in Belmopan, the centre serves as an educational resource and library, offering visitors the chance to explore the story of Belize and learn about its peaceful development. It is a popular attraction for travellers and often hosts major events and conferences.

When visiting the George Price Centre, you can expect to find a museum and educational centre that provides insight into the life and work of George Price, affectionately known as "the father of Belize". The centre aims to promote peace and development in Belize, making it an informative and enriching experience for visitors.

In addition to the centre itself, you can also explore the nearby National Assembly Building, which features a brutalist representation of ancient Maya Temples. This provides a fascinating contrast between modern architecture and the rich historical heritage of Belize.

The George Price Centre is easily accessible, located in the centre of Belize within the Cayo District. Belmopan is approximately 45 minutes by car from San Ignacio and an hour from Belize City, making it a convenient stop on your Belizean journey.

Swim and hike at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Belize. Located just 20 minutes south of Belmopan, the park offers a plethora of activities, including hiking, swimming, tubing, and spelunking.

Hiking

St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park boasts well-maintained trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, from dense rainforests to open savannahs. Along the way, hikers can discover hidden waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, and ancient Maya ruins. The trails are suitable for all levels, from beginner to experienced trekkers, offering both short leisurely walks and challenging hikes. The lush greenery and diverse wildlife, including exotic birds, playful monkeys, and maybe even a jaguarundi, make for a perfect setting for nature exploration on foot.

Swimming

The park's main attraction is the stunning Blue Hole, a natural turquoise pool that's part of a river system. Formed by the collapse of an underground limestone cave, the Blue Hole offers a refreshing swim in its sapphire-colored waters. Surrounded by moss and lush vegetation, the area provides a tranquil escape from the heat. The water is cool and turquoise, and the surrounding forest adds to the allure of this natural wonder.

Tubing and Spelunking

For a unique adventure, visitors can try cave tubing, a mix of exploring caves and floating down the river on inner tubes. With a headlamp to light the way, one can float down the river, taking in the cool water and the cave entrance covered in vines. The park also offers spelunking opportunities, with the St. Herman's Cave being one of the most accessible caves in the country. This cave was once used for Mayan ceremonies, and remnants of these rituals can still be found. For a more challenging experience, the Crystal Cave requires a guide and involves rappelling and navigating through narrow passages.

With its natural beauty, diverse activities, and rich history, St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park is a must-add destination for anyone visiting Belmopan, Belize.

Try local food at outdoor markets

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is a great place to try local food at outdoor markets. Here are some tips and suggestions to make the most of your culinary adventure:

Explore the Variety of Outdoor Markets

Belmopan boasts a diverse range of outdoor markets, offering an array of local dishes and fresh produce. The most popular market area is near the bus terminal in the downtown core. This is where you'll find government workers grabbing lunch or buying vegetables before heading home. You can also explore the Belmopan Market Plaza, located just a short walk from the terminal, which transforms into a lively flea market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Indulge in Local Specialties

When it comes to food, Belmopan has something for everyone. As one of the most ethnically diverse places in Belize, you can find cuisine from various cultures. Be sure to try the country's national dish, Rice and Bean with Stew Chicken, which is available everywhere. However, due to the influence of Mestizo cooks, Belizean fast food favourites such as panades, garnaches, salbutes, and tacos are also widely popular.

Visit the Night Markets

Belmopan hosts monthly night markets, providing a unique foodie experience under the stars. These markets feature local artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs, offering a range of culinary delights and entertainment. Keep an eye out for the Garden City Night Market, which takes place in Sir George Brown Park and promises family-friendly fun.

Combine Food with Nature

Belmopan is known for its proximity to stunning natural attractions, so why not combine your culinary adventure with some outdoor exploration? St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, located just 20 minutes south of the city, offers a great opportunity to swim in its famous blue hole cenote and explore well-maintained trails. You can also venture into the Guanacaste National Park, located at the entrance to the city, to experience its lush vegetation and wildlife.

Attend Seasonal Markets

Depending on the time of your visit, you might be able to attend seasonal markets, such as the Christmas markets that pop up across Belize in December. These markets offer a festive atmosphere, local crafts, and unique culinary treats. Keep an eye out for the Placencia Village Council's Christmas Night Market, which features a boat parade, rum popo competition, and prize giveaways.

Explore Guanacaste National Park

Guanacaste National Park is a 50-acre park located in central Belize, just north of Belmopan, in the Northeast quadrant of the Cayo District. The park is named after a huge Guanacaste tree, which escaped being logged due to its trunk dividing into three bases, reducing its value as timber. The ancient Maya once logged these trees to make dugout canoes, which they used along the Belize River, a key trade route for their civilisation.

The park was established as a Crown Reserve in 1973 and became a National Park in 1990. It is managed by the Belize Audubon Society and is one of the most accessible parks in Belize. Its proximity to Belize's major towns and cities makes it a popular destination for day trips.

The park features over two miles of maintained hiking trails, with a bird-watching deck overlooking the Roaring Creek. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including the Guanacaste tree, rain trees, mamey sapotes, Brazilian firetrees, and Honduras mahogany, Belize's national tree. The park is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 100 species spotted, including the Lesson's motmot, black-faced antthrush, smoky-brown woodpecker, and red-lored amazon.

The park is open to the public year-round, from 8 am to 4:30 pm daily. The admission fee is $1 BZD for citizens and $5 BZD for tourists. Visitors are recommended to wear long-sleeved shirts, sturdy shoes, and long pants to avoid contact with poisonous plants.

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