Benque Viejo del Carmen

A small country Belize in recent years is gaining popularity and attracting an increasing number of tourists from different countries. Its main characteristics include beautiful surrounding species, which are created due to pristine untouched nature, and an abundance of cultural attractions , preserved from ancient times. This is typical of almost all settlements of Belize, including the city of Benque Viejo del Carmen.

Benque Viejo del Carmen Description

Benque Viejo del Carmen is at its location the most western city in Belize, it is located 130 km from the country's capital, almost on the border with Guatemala. In 13 km from it there is other settlement - the city of San Ignacio . Also along the edge of the city is the Mopan River . Like throughout Belize, in the location of Benque Viejo del Carmen there were ancient Mayan settlements.

Since the moment when Belize gained independence, there has been a rapid development in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Here there are quite large supermarkets, the annual Fiesta is held, tourism business and infrastructure is developing. Travelers at every corner are offered souvenirs, which can be purchased for the memory of the trip.

Benque Viejo del Carmen - attractions

In the vicinity of the city is such an ancient archaeological monument of civilization as Shunantunich , which contains traces of the ancient Mayan civilization. It rises on a ridge that adjoins the Mopan River. Rituals were held in the Mayan settlement in ancient times.

There is a certain legend connected with the place, which explains the name "Shunantunich". In translation, this means "stone woman". According to the ancient tales, it was a ghost in the form of a woman with red eyes, which appeared on the stone staircase of El Castillo , and then mysteriously disappeared into the wall.

The area of ​​Shunantunich is about 6 square meters. km, the territory includes 6 squares, around which are traces of ancient palaces, numerous mounds. The most famous building is the El Castillo pyramid, whose height is 40 m. It is a stepped terrace decorated with picturesque bas-reliefs. Via El Castillo, there are two central lines of the city. On its territory rituals were held, intended for elite sections of society.

Hotels in Benque Viejo del Carmen

The city of Benque Viejo del Carmen is ready to offer tourists cozy hotels, which are mostly located in a green area in picturesque natural places. Among the most popular of them you can identify the following:

  1. Hotel TreeTops - is surrounded by green well-groomed territory. Guests can relax on the outdoor terrace or stroll in the garden. In the surrounding area are such entertainment as fishing, canoeing, horse riding, walking. The hotel can rent a car, and water sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the necessary equipment.
  2. Hotel CasaSantaMaria - offers a choice of cozy rooms. On the adjacent green territory you can walk or if you want to fry a barbecue. You can eat at the restaurant, where you can choose from local or international cuisine. You can also dine al fresco in a specially designated dining area. The hotel is on the river bank, so you can go fishing or water sports.

Restaurants Benque Viejo del Carmen

Travelers who vacation in Benque Viejo del Carmen will have a snack in one of the local restaurants or cafes. They serve local, South American, Caribbean, Central American cuisine. Among the most visited restaurants, the following can be mentioned: ElSenorCamaron, J's & H Diner .

How to get to Benque Viejo del Carmen?

Benque Viejo del Carmen is located 13 km from the city of San Ignacio and a little more than 120 km from the international airport of Belize . To get to this village, you can overcome the distance by bus or car.