About the capital
Belmopan was built inland after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961, and became the capital in 1970. It is a quiet town of government offices, embassies and green spaces. The National Assembly building echoes the shape of a Maya temple, and the market next to the bus terminal is the liveliest spot.
Nearby
At the junction of the George Price and Hummingbird highways, Guanacaste National Park has short trails along the Belize River. South-east on the Hummingbird Highway, St Herman's Cave and the Blue Hole National Park, a turquoise swimming hole in the forest, make a good half-day trip.
Getting there
Belmopan is about an hour from Belize City and 30 minutes from San Ignacio. Most buses between Belize City, San Ignacio and the south stop here. See the Belize road map.