The Urban Jungle Of Belmopan: Exploring Belize's Unique Biome

Belmopan, Belize, is located in the Cayo District and is the capital city of Belize. It has a tropical monsoon climate and is situated 76 metres (249 feet) above sea level. The city was constructed after Hurricane Hattie in 1961 destroyed much of Belize City, the former capital. Belmopan is known for its hurricane-proof, Brutalist-style buildings and is considered one of the safest cities in Belize. The city's National Assembly Building is designed to resemble a Pre-Columbian Maya temple. The surrounding areas of Belmopan feature dense rainforest, abundant waterfalls, and extensive caves, making it a centre for ecotourism.

The tropical monsoon climate in Belmopan

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is characterised by its tropical monsoon climate. This climate is marked by a lengthy wet season, which spans from May to January, and a notably shorter dry season that covers the remaining three months of the year. Even during the dry season, Belmopan experiences some rainfall, a typical feature of cities with tropical monsoon climates.

Belmopan's wet season lasts for over half of the year, bringing high levels of precipitation to the city. The wet season is followed by a transition period to the dry season, where rainfall gradually decreases. The dry season in Belmopan is characterised by reduced rainfall and increased sunshine. The dry season usually spans from February to April, with March and April being the driest months, receiving approximately 45 millimetres or 1.8 inches of rainfall on average.

The temperatures in Belmopan remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 23°C to 28°C. The city's climate is influenced by its location in the foothills of the Belize Maya Mountains, situated 76 metres above sea level. The higher elevation contributes to cooler climate conditions at night, providing a respite from the daytime heat.

Belmopan's tropical monsoon climate has shaped various aspects of the city's development and infrastructure. The city's buildings were originally designed with extensive ventilation to accommodate the warm and humid conditions. However, the widespread introduction of air conditioning has reduced the effectiveness of this design. Additionally, Belmopan's location was strategically chosen to be inland and at a higher elevation to mitigate the impacts of hurricanes and tropical storms, which frequently affect the region.

The tropical monsoon climate of Belmopan also influences the local flora and fauna, contributing to the diverse ecosystems found in the surrounding areas. The city serves as a gateway to nearby national parks and protected areas, including Guanacaste Park and St. Herman's Blue Hole, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird-watching, swimming, and kayaking.

The city's history

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize and is located in the Cayo District, near the Belize River Valley. It is one of the world's newest capital cities, having been founded in 1970. The city was constructed following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which destroyed approximately 75% of Belize City, the former capital. The hurricane highlighted the need to relocate the capital to an area that was less susceptible to flooding.

In 1962, a committee chose the site for the new capital, situated 82 kilometres (51 miles) west of Belize City. The name "Belmopan" was derived from the country's two rivers: "Belize", the longest river in the country, and "Mopan", a river that empties into the Belize River.

The construction of Belmopan began in 1967 with funding from a British grant. The first phase of the project was completed in 1970, and the government was officially moved to the new capital that same year. The city was designed as a planned community, with the National Assembly Building—modelled after a Pre-Columbian Maya temple—serving as its focal point. The surrounding buildings were designed to mirror this theme, creating the impression of an ancient Mayan plaza.

Belmopan's population has grown over the years, with an estimated 20,000 people in 2009. The city has attracted immigrants and Belizeans seeking a safer environment and better infrastructure than the former capital. It has a diverse population, including Kriols, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, and immigrants from Asia.

Belmopan is a thriving city with banks, embassies, consulates, supermarkets, and a growing number of call centres. It is also a hub for ecotourism, with nearby national parks and protected areas such as Guanacaste Park and St. Herman's Blue Hole. The city is known for its well-laid-out streets, paved roads, and green spaces. It has a tropical monsoon climate, with a lengthy wet season from May to January and a short dry season for the remaining months.

Belmopan's attractions

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is not a typical tourist destination. However, it does offer a few attractions, with many others just outside the city. Here is a list of attractions in and around Belmopan:

Attractions in Belmopan

• The George Price Centre for Peace and Development: Here, you can explore the history and story of Belize.
• The National Assembly Building: Designed to resemble a Mayan temple, this building is the focal point of the city's design, with surrounding buildings mirroring this ancient style.
• Belmopan's Outdoor Markets: You can eat local food or stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables at Belmopan's various outdoor markets.

Attractions near Belmopan

• St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park: Located just outside the city, this park offers well-maintained jungle trails and a blue cenote for swimming.
• Guanacaste National Park: Explore the wildlife and lush vegetation at this park, located just outside the city.
• Nohoch Cheʼen Caves Branch: Adventure awaits with cave tubing and canopy ziplining through the rainforest.
• Blue Hole National Park: This park features a stunning pool of water flowing from the St. Herman's cave system.
• Five Blues Lake National Park: A national park featuring a lake and an abundance of orchids.
• Aguacate Lagoon Reserve: A picturesque lagoon with plenty of bird species, including the Blue Ground Dove and Rufous-tailed Jacamar.
• Banana Bank Ranch: Offers horseback riding tours and other activities.
• Art Box. Belize Arts & Crafts Center: A great spot to purchase local crafts and enjoy coffee, chocolate, and ice cream.

The city's culinary scene

Belize's culinary scene is a melting pot of diverse cultural influences, from Maya and Mestizo to Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, British, and more. The capital city of Belmopan showcases this cultural fusion in its restaurants and street food, offering everything from traditional Mayan chocolate-making to eclectic dishes influenced by neighbouring countries.

Mayan Chocolate-Making

Belmopan is home to the Lamanai Chocolate Cabana, where indigenous Maya women carry on the ancient tradition of chocolate-making. They roast and grind locally grown cacao beans using traditional methods, such as a thousand-year-old grinding stone, to create rich, fragrant chocolate. Visitors can participate in this cultural experience, learning about the history and healing properties of cacao while savouring the sweet results of their labour.

Eclectic Restaurant Scene

Belmopan's restaurant scene is vibrant and eclectic, with influences from around the world. Tacos Don Carlos brings festive Mexican vibes and mouthwatering tacos, while Coco Gardens offers a taste of Argentina with its chic picnic-style dining under coconut trees. For Asian flavours, Simple Life serves up Taiwanese staples like chicken chop in a newly renovated outdoor dining space. Surf and Turf brings island vibes to the city with its beach-style decor and conch fritters.

Street Food and Local Specialties

Belize's street food is a gastronomic adventure, with options like spicy Salbutes and Garnaches, hearty Meat Pies, and Panades. The country's national dish, rice and beans, is a Creole staple, often served with stewed chicken and potato salad. Garifuna specialties include Hudut, a fish stew with coconut milk and mashed plantains, and Sere, a rich fish soup with vegetables and spices.

Farmers Market

The Belmopan Market Square, located near the bus terminal, is a bustling hub of activity on Tuesdays and Fridays. Local vendors and farmers from nearby villages set up stalls offering fresh produce, meats, dairy products, unique spices, and local coffee. It's the perfect place to interact with locals, sample authentic Belizean food, and immerse yourself in the city's culinary culture.

The best time to visit

Belmopan, Belize's capital, is not a typical tourist destination. However, with its diverse attractions and proximity to popular destinations, it is a great place to visit. The best time to visit Belmopan is during the dry season, from January to March, when you can expect sunny days and clear blue skies with limited rainfall.

During this period, you can take advantage of the pleasant weather to explore Belmopan's outdoor attractions, such as the Guanacaste National Park, which is just outside the city, and St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park, where you can hike and swim in the cenote. You can also visit the George Price Centre for Peace and Development to learn about Belize's history and see the National Assembly Building, which is designed to resemble a Mayan temple.

If you're looking for the cheapest time to visit, consider travelling between June and August, when hotel prices are typically lower. However, do note that September is considered the worst month for the climate, with an average of 17 days of rain.

The peak tourist season in Belmopan is in December, and the low season is from January to April, August, and November. If you want to join in the national celebrations, visit in September when the country commemorates the Battle of St. George's Caye and its Independence. Alternatively, visit in April or May for the National Agriculture and Trade Show, a weekend event showcasing local businesses and farmers' products.

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