Belmopan: Nature, History, And More

Belmopan, Belize's capital, is a hub of government buildings, foreign embassies, and NGOs. While it may not be a typical tourist destination, it is a great place for day trips and serves as a connecting point for those travelling across Belize.

Belmopan offers a range of attractions, from outdoor markets and archaeological sites to nature parks and adventure tours. Here are some of the best things to do in and around the city:

1. Explore Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch: An archaeological reserve located 30 minutes from Belmopan, offering cave tubing and zip-lining.

2. Visit the George Price Centre for Peace and Development: Learn about Belize's history and culture at this educational centre, and don't miss the National Assembly Building, with its unique architecture.

3. Swim and hike at St. Herman's Blue Hole National Park: Located 20 minutes from Belmopan, this park features a blue hole cenote for swimming, along with caves and well-maintained trails for hiking and birding.

4. Indulge in local food: Belmopan's outdoor markets, such as the one near the bus terminal, offer a variety of local dishes and fresh produce.

5. Venture into the Guanacaste National Park: This accessible park, located at the entrance to Belmopan, boasts over two miles of hiking trails, perfect for spotting native plants and birds.

6. Try cave tubing and zip-lining: Belmopan is known for its cave tubing and zip-lining tours, with options like Crystal Cave and the Caves Branch River cave system.

7. Explore nature and wildlife: Belmopan is surrounded by nature reserves and parks, such as the Belize Zoo, Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, and Belize Bird Rescue, offering opportunities to connect with Belize's diverse flora and fauna.

Explore Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch

The Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a super-popular destination for cave tubing and ziplining. The Caves Branch River flows through a network of 19 limestone caves, providing ideal conditions for tubing through on an inner tube or for exploring side passages that lead to other caves, such as the spectacular Crystal Cave.

The basic 1.5-hour tour includes a jungle hike and a gentle float through the caves, where you can witness schools of eyeless cave fish, stalactites and strange Maya paintings high on the cave ceilings. The cost includes a life vest and helmet, and the tubes are sometimes linked together for safety reasons.

Tours can be customised to explore further into the cave system – the ultimate full-day tour includes Nohoch Che'en Cave Tubing, Zipline, and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins.

The turnoff for the reserve is at Mile 37 George Price Highway, Frank's Eddy Village, Cayo District, then it's six miles down a sealed road to the reserve entrance. The reserve has toilets, snack shops, and ziplining and cave tubing to offer.

What to Expect

The basic tour includes a 15-minute hike to the entrance of the caves, where you will be issued with a life vest, headlamp, and inner tube. As you hike, your guide will point out fauna, flora, and the use of the caves by the Mayan people. When you arrive at the entrance, your guide will instruct you on safety procedures.

Now it's time to relax and be refreshed by the fresh spring water from the mountains as you are towed by your guide through the caves. Your guide will point out the various formations in the caves. When you exit, you will do 10 minutes of open river tubing back to the starting point. The entire tubing activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Prices

The basic tour costs USD$60.00 per person with lunch. The ultimate full-day tour costs USD$150.00 per person with lunch.

Visit the George Price Centre for Peace and Development

The George Price Centre for Peace and Development is a non-profit organisation and educational centre that celebrates the life of Belize's first prime minister, George Price. The centre was established in 2000 by a group of admirers to honour Price's legacy as a beloved statesman and national hero. It was officially inaugurated in 2002 and opened to the public in 2004.

The centre features a museum with photographs, information panels, and an archive of documents and letters written by Price. It also functions as a library and conference centre.

The George Price Centre for Peace and Development is located on Price Centre Road in Belmopan, Belize. It is one of the few attractions within the city centre, which primarily consists of office buildings. The centre is a great place to learn about the history of Belize and the life of one of its most influential leaders.

In addition to the George Price Centre, there are several other attractions in Belmopan worth visiting. These include the Blue Hole National Park, where you can hike jungle trails and swim in a cenote, and the Guanacaste National Park, where you can explore the wildlife and lush vegetation. Belmopan also offers a variety of outdoor markets where you can stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables or enjoy local cuisine.

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

St. Hermans Blue Hole National Park is a great place to visit if you're in Belmopan, Belize. The park spans over 500 acres and is located just off the Hummingbird Highway in the Cayo District. It's an easy trip from Belmopan, as it's only 11 miles along the highway to the visitors centre. Here, you can rent a flashlight for BZ$3 before setting off.

St. Hermans Cave

St. Hermans Cave is one of the few caves in Belize that you can enter without a guide. From the visitors centre, a 500-yard trail leads to the cave, where a path takes you 200 yards into the cave alongside an underground river. If you want to venture further, you'll need to hire a guide.

Hiking Trails

The park offers a few hiking options. The Highland Trail, which loops back to the visitors centre, offers nice views but is steep in places; you'll be glad for the rope guides! Be sure to carry a strong flashlight and insect repellent. For a longer hike, there's a three-hour trail from the visitors centre to Crystal Cave.

The Blue Hole

The Blue Hole, a 25-foot-deep swimming hole, is about a mile further along the highway from the visitors centre. You can drive there or take a 45-minute jungle trek. The same ticket you purchased for St. Hermans Cave is valid for admission to the Blue Hole.

Wildlife

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Over 200 species of birds can be found here, including the slaty antwren, piratic flycatcher, red-legged honeycreeper, tody motmot, and northern nightingale-wren. Larger species, such as the ocelot, jaguarundi, and jaguar, have also been recorded in the park.

Grab food at local market stalls

Belmopan's market square is a great place to grab a cheap meal at one of the many food stalls. The market area is vibrant and bustling, with incoming buses and vendors selling fruit, vegetables, meats, dairy products, unique spices, local coffee, shoes, jewellery, and clothing.

The food stalls serve a variety of dishes, including Mexican snacks such as burritos and salbutes (mini tortillas, usually stuffed with chicken), as well as Belizean staples such as rice and beans, cow-foot soup, and omelettes. You can also find the country's national dish, Rice and Bean with Stew Chicken, as well as other Belizean fast-food favourites like panades, garnaches, and tacos.

The market days are Tuesday and Friday, and it's a great place to interact with locals and get a taste of authentic Belizean culture and cuisine.

In addition to the market square, there are several other small food stalls and roadside shacks located throughout Belmopan, serving a variety of local dishes and international cuisine.

Venture into the Guanacaste National Park

The Guanacaste National Park is a 50-acre park in central Belize, just north of the capital city of Belmopan. The park is easily accessible by car or bus, being located at the intersection of the Hummingbird and Western Highways. It is open to the public from 8 am to 4:30 pm, with an admission fee of $1 BZD for citizens and $5 BZD for tourists.

The park boasts an educational centre, a gift shop, and over two miles of maintained trails. The trails take you through the lush vegetation of the tropical forest, with the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, including the white-tailed deer, jaguarundi, kinkajou, and nine-banded armadillo. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the over 100 species of birds that have been spotted in the park, such as the Lesson's motmot and black-faced antthrush.

The park offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. You can start your visit by registering at the Visitor Centre and picking up a map to guide your exploration. The park has two broad forest types: the Cohune Palm forest and the Broadleaf Hardwood forest. Along the trails, you'll encounter a diverse range of plant life, including Belize's national symbols, the exotic Black Orchid, and the colossal Guanacaste tree, from which the park takes its name.

For a relaxing break, head to the wooden observation deck overlooking the river, or take a dip in the refreshing swimming spot. If you're visiting with family or friends, make use of the sheltered picnic areas to enjoy a meal together.

To enhance your experience and ensure the park's pristine conditions are maintained, the Belize Audubon Society, which manages the park, recommends that visitors follow a few simple regulations:

• Register at the Visitor Centre
• Do not disturb, harm, or capture any animals or birds
• No fishing or hunting is allowed
• Do not disturb, cut, or remove any plants or trees
• Do not litter; use the bins provided
• No pets are allowed in the park
• Overnight camping is not permitted
• Use the restroom facilities provided
• Stay on the designated trails
• Firearms are prohibited

Additionally, for your comfort and safety, it is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. Insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water are also essential for your day of exploration in the park.

So, whether you're a nature enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a fun day trip from Belmopan, a visit to the Guanacaste National Park is a great option to consider!

Frequently asked questions