COBEC

February 1^st – 2^nd, 2024

University of Belize

LOGISTICS

Belmopan, Belize

ABOUT BELIZE[1]

Belize, known as the “Jewel,” is the only English-speaking country in Central America. Its northern neighbour is Mexico. Guatemala is to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Belize is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, and has significant wildlife reserves,  large cave systems, and coral reefs.

Belize has a multicultural and multi-ethnic population and a low population density. As shown in archaeological records from Caracol, Lamanai, and Lubaantun, the first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. The first European contact was in 1502. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more   English settlements were set up. In 1840, Belize became a “Colony of British Honduras” and in 1862, it became a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, the country had a representative      government of England but in January 1964, full self–government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.

Belize’s population of just over 400,000, comprises a melting pot of Maya-Ketchi, Maya Yucatec, Maya Mopan, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese people. Belize is also home to many North American and European retirees. Belize is engaging to tourists because it is a   unique destination, given its blend of cultures, biodiversity, and friendly and peaceful nature. While English is the official language of Belize, language is diverse with Kriol, Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Ketchi, Maya Yucatec, Maya Mopan, Mandarin, and German being spoken by various segments of the population. the Kriol language is widely spoken.

Belize has an average annual temperature of 84° F (29°C). December, January, and February can be relatively cool, but the temperature rarely falls below 60°F (16°C). Belize’s dry season is between February and May and the rainy season lasts from June through December. During the rainy season, parts of the country may receive up to 150 inches of rain through intense afternoon thunderstorms storms. Belize sits in the hurricane belt and may get its share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain during the hurricane season, (June to November).

THE CITY OF BELMOPAN

Belmopan is the capital of Belize. The city is situated south of the junction of the George Price Highway (formerly known as the Western Highway) (which leads from Belize City to San Ignacio and the Guatemalan border, and the Hummingbird Highway, the scenic road which runs from Belmopan, south-east to Dangriga (47 miles) on the Caribbean coast.

Belmopan is a relatively new capital city. In 1961, Hurricane Hattie destroyed 75% of the houses and business places in Belize City, the then capital. The government of the day proposed to promote the building of a new capital city. In 1962, a committee chose the site now known as Belmopan, located 82 kilometres (51 miles) west of the old capital of Belize City.

Belmopan is 76 meters (250 ft) above sea level, near the Belize River Valley, with an imposing view of the majestic Mountain Pine Ridge foothills. It boasts cool climate conditions at night. Belmopan, also known as The Garden City, has large park areas with   dotted with Flamboyant trees. At the centre of the city is Independence Plaza, surrounded by administrative buildings and the Prime Minister’s office. Various banks, the post office, Belize Telecommunications Ltd. (BTL), and the immigration office are within walking distance. The city is also home to the Western Regional Hospital, several embassies, and the main campus of the University of Belize. Market Square houses the bus terminal, market stalls, food vendors, and numerous   small shops.

The University of Belize’s Central Campus, including the faculties of Health Sciences, Education and Arts, Management and Social Sciences, and Science and Technology is in Belmopan. Numerous international organizations such as UN, CCCC, have their offices in Belmopan. The city offers all the administrative services expected in a capital city.

GETTING AROUND

Local airline and helicopter services, rental cars, tour operators, local buses, boats and even horses make getting around Belize easy. Be ready for an adventurous, exciting journey when you head to the beautiful beaches, dive sites, or the Mayan archaeological sites.

Travel via local airlines in passenger aircraft is the fastest and most popular means of transportation throughout Belize, especially for itineraries that combine different in-country locations. There are small airports in Belize centrally located around key points of interest in the country. Flight schedules are coordinated with the arrival and departure of international flights, for even more convenient traveling and exploring. Belize City and the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) are hubs for most rental agencies, with  localized services available in the larger tourism destinations.

Water taxis are the primary means of transportation between the islands and barrier reef attractions off mainland Belize. Regularly scheduled water taxis operate between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.

There is a well-planned highway and road system that connects all mainland towns, villages, and attractions. The three main highways are: the Phillip Goldson Highway, which runs northwards between the Mexican border and Belize City; the George Price Highway, which runs westward between Belize City and the border of Guatemala; and the Hummingbird Highway which leads to southern Belize. Car rental services are available off the parking lot of the Belize International Airport. While there are signs, the signs are few and far between. Also, there are many speed bumps which are used instead of stoplights in many areas.

Bus travel is a common in Belize. Many Belizeans rely on buses for their daily commute to work, school, or shopping. The bus service along the main highways is frequent, usually hourly, and sometimes half-hourly during peak travel times. Bus terminals exist in most towns and boat services operate from all major coastal regions and island towns. Specific bus lines are authorised to run in specific parts of the country. Popular bus lines like James, Floralia, and Ritchies have their schedules online.

PLACES TO STAY IN/NEAR BELMOPAN

Places To Eat In Belmopan

BELIZEAN/OTHER FOOD

Caladium Restaurant                                          Market Square, Belmopan, 822-2754

Ice Point                                                                  22 Stann Creek St, Belmopan, 822-0681

La Cabana Restaurant                                        Hummingbird Highway, 822-1577

Marenco’s Fast Food                                          29 Toledo St., 802-0416

Ter’s Delight                                                           Stann Creek St., 620-7406

Wings and Feathers Café & Boutique          1380 Forest Drive, 603-1640

Surf and Turf                                                          East Ring Road, 602-3194

Aria’s Lounge                                                        Kai’mat St, 631-1387

BAR & GRILL

Corker’s Restaurant                                            Top Floor Hibiscus Plaza, 822-0400/630-1045

Coco Gardens                                                       5051 Victoria Peak St, Belmopan, 626-5120

Double “O” Restaurant                                      3 Pacific St., Belmopan, 605-1954

El Rancho Restaurant & Bar                              47 Mls Western Highway, 824-2300

Kiki Witz                                                                  Mile 46 George Price Hwy, 669-5423

La Cabana Restaurant & Bar                             1 Zultana St., 822-1577

Mike’s Cue Club Bar & Restaurant                 2 Barton Creek St., 623-1620

The Smoke Shack                                                 1534 Constitution Dr., 627-5166

Wingz                                                                        Nim Li Punit St, Belmopan, 636-0048

PIZZA & SANDWICHES

Dada’s Pizza                                                           1907 Constitution Dr., 662-6455

Jake’s Pizza                                                             1 Custard Apple Street, 624-9980

Pasquale’s Pizza                                                   Constitution Drive, 822-4663

INTERNATIONAL FOOD

Cedar’s Lebanese Grill                                        Constitution Dr., 651-1111

 Everest Indian/Nepalese Restaurant            Market Square, 600-8850

Five Fusion Restaurant & Bar                          44 17 Nim Li Punit St, Belmopan, 625-9352

Good View Restaurant                                      3896 Mountain View Blvd, 607-7005

Shekar Indian Restaurant & Catering           Market Square, 626-5486

CHINESE FOOD

Chen’s Restaurant                                               Hummingbird Ave., (across from New Capital Supermarket), 822-3288

Chon Saan Palace                                                 7096 George Price Blvd, 822-3388

Diamond Restaurant                                          1900 Constitution Dr., 822-0373

Garden City Restaurant                                     Mountain View Blvd, 822-1541/802-0140

Jia Kang Restaurant (Yuki)                                4424 Nim Li Punit St., 604-0588

Yim Saan Restaurant & Bar                               Hummingbird Hwy, 822-1263

New Capital Restaurant                                     Hummingbird Ave, 822-1268

Happy Family Restaurant                                  Forest Drive, 802-0270

COFFEE SHOPS

Casa Café                                                                  43 Forest Drive., 638-2098

Formosa                                                                    Nim Li Punit St., 822-0888

Heritage Coffee House and Tea Bar                    22 Constitution Dr, Belmopan, 625-9229

Moon Clusters                                                          Brodies Shopping Plaza, 602-1644

BAKERIES

Casa Pan Dulce Bakery                                       Price Center Rd, 822-0077

THINGS TO DO NEAR BELMOPAN

ST HERMAN’S-BLUE HOLE NATIONAL PARK

National Park in Hummingbird Highway

The 575-acre St Herman’s-Blue Hole National Park contains St Herman’s Cave, one of the few caves in Belize that you can visit without a guide. The visitors’ center is 11 miles along the Hummingbird Hwy from Belmopan. From here a 500 yard trail leads to St Herman’s Cave. A path leads 200 yards into the cave alongside an underground river. Longer treks in the Cave require a guide. There is a three-hour trail from here via Crystal Cave.

The Blue Hole, a 25ft-deep swimming hole, is about a mile further along the highway. Drive there or take the 45-minute jungle trek from the visitor center. Admission is with the same ticket as St Herman’s Cave.

Any bus along the Hummingbird Hwy will drop you at  the visitor center or the entrance to the Blue Hole

ART BOX

Arts & Crafts in Around Belmopan

It’s hard to miss this cube-like two-story building on the highway just before the Belmopan airstrip. It’s a combination gallery, store, and café, with locally made furniture, jewellery, crafts and stationery, as well as a bookstore heavy on bibles; the branching staircase to the mezzanine is a sight to behold. The attached café     specializes in strong organic coffee and Frappuccinos.

GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARK

National Park

Belize’s smallest national park was declared in 1990 and is named for the giant guanacaste tree on its southwestern edge. The tree survived the axes of canoe-makers but has now died naturally, though it still stands in its jungle habitat. The 51-acre park, off the highway at the Belmopan turnoff, is framed by Roaring Creek and the Belize River, with 2 miles of hiking trails that will introduce you to the abundant local trees and colorful birds.

CONFERENCE CONTACTS