Belmopan Travel Guide
Travel to Belmopan - The World’s Smallest Capital City
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Belmopan has a surreal quality to it: conceived as a purpose-built, capital city in the tradition of Canberra or Brasilia, its small scale gives it a toy-town feel, as if one is wandering around the architect’s model rather than the finished article. It is worth visiting for this alone along with the chance to witness nation-building in its clearest form.
Chances are that you will drive through, or at least near, Belmopan during your time in Belize as it is at the crossroads of the Western and Hummingbird Highway, and there is a great array of national parks within striking distance.
In 1961, Hurricane Hattie struck Belize City, the nation’s capital at the time, destroying three quarters of the buildings. In response, the government decided it was time to move the State Headquarters to a place less susceptible to the whims of nature. Belmopan, in the centre of the country was chosen as the destination. Building began in 1967 and the first phase was completed in 1970 at a cost of $US 12 million.
A new National Assembly was built, designed on the theme of a Mayan temple and plaza, and most government ministries have now moved here. After initial reluctance, foreign embassies moved here, with the US Embassy finally opening here in 2006!
The national police academy is also located here.
Attractions in Belmopan
A short distance from Belmopan, are some outstanding natural reserves, including the Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Guanacaste National Park, Five Blues Lake National Park and Blue Hole National Park.
Activities in Belmopan
Belmopan is surrounded by stunning landscapes, filled with wildlife, so activities are of an outdoor nature.
These include bird watching, canoeing, hiking, fishing, swimming, horse riding and camping.
Relaxing
Lay in a hammock in the nearby Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.
Getting Around
Belmopan itself can easily be negotiated on foot. Otherwise, taxis are a very economic option.
Belmopan is a hub for buses throughout Belize.
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