Belmopan: Discover Belize’s Quiet Capital, Rich in Mayan History and Surrounded by Natural Beauty
In 1961, Hurricane Hattie nearly wiped out Belize City, the historic capital of Belize. By 1970, the national government proposed moving the capital inland, to a new model city in the geographic center of the country, far from the destructive power of hurricanes. Many were skeptical at first, but the government knew that it was impossible to protect Belize City from future hurricanes, so the capital was permanently moved to Belmopan.
For the first decade, Belmopan was practically deserted. Weeds sprouted in the cracks of empty streets, a few bureaucrats handled their tasks in the new administrative offices, and much of the traffic was made up of insects. Recently, however, the city has started to grow, surpassing 10,000 inhabitants and hosting a few embassies. Despite this growth, it remains one of the smallest capitals in the world.
The National Assembly and Government Complex
A grand National Assembly was built in Belmopan, modeled after Mayan temples and plazas, intended to house all government offices. Over time, the complex proved too small, and now the area around the central park hosts numerous government buildings that lack architectural uniformity. For a long time, Belmopan struggled to be recognized by Belizeans as the capital, with many preferring to commute from Belize City or San Ignacio. However, more and more people are discovering the appeal of the capital’s residential suburbs, with wide, tree-lined streets.
Exploring Belmopan
Located less than 4 kilometers south of the Western Highway, Belmopan is a small town easily explored on foot. The city’s young age is evident in its rigid urban grid, devoid of any historic buildings. Due to the limited number of attractions, visitors are advised to stay no more than a couple of days. To make the city more appealing to younger generations, Belmopan has established a university, though enrollment numbers remain lower than anticipated.
In the heart of the city, government buildings surrounded by lawns are closed to traffic but resemble a drab, concrete campus, hardly attracting visitors. The square National Assembly building occupies the highest point, with various ministries surrounding it.
Archaeological Treasures and History Exhibits
If you’re interested in Mayan ruins, the Archeology Department in Belmopan holds a treasure trove of artifacts from Belize’s rich Mayan sites in its basement. Although there isn’t an official museum yet, many pieces are available for viewing. The Belize Archives Department offers rotating exhibits on topics like hurricanes, the Garinagu, Baron Bliss, and local history. The archives, which include photographs, newspapers, books, maps, documents, and audiovisual materials, are open to the public.
Guanacaste National Park
Located 4 kilometers east of Belmopan, near the junction of the Western Highway and Hummingbird Highway, is Guanacaste National Park. This small, 21-hectare reserve sits at the confluence of Roaring Creek and the Belize River. The park’s main attraction is a giant guanacaste tree, a survivor of the canoe builders’ axes that still stands tall in the middle of the jungle. The tree supports a mini-ecosystem, adorned with bromeliads, epiphytes, ferns, and dozens of tropical plant species. Wild orchids bloom among the ferns and moss, while many exotic animals and colorful birds roam the area.
Best Time to Visit Belmopan
The best time to visit Belmopan and Belize is during the dry season, which lasts from December to May. During this time, rainfall is minimal, though there may be an influx of tourists, especially along the coast, leaving the capital relatively quiet. It’s best to avoid the months from July to November, when hurricanes and heavy rains are common. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, ranging from 24°C in January to 27°C in July.
Accessibility and Transportation
Just a few kilometers north of the city center is the Hector Silva Airstrip, a small airport completed within the last decade to improve Belmopan’s accessibility from abroad. The capital, located on one of only two paved roads in Belize, can be reached by bus from Belize City and Dangriga. However, there are no rail connections within the country.
