Location: West (Cayo District) Population: About 8,000
About Benque Viejo Del Carmen
Situated at about 80 miles from Belize City, this town has a great potential to make your life more calm and pleasant. This town is mainly populated by Mestizo (primarily descendants of refugees coming from Guatemala (neighbouring country), that is why in this town's locals prefer to use the Spanish language even though, English is well understood and spoken.
This town has a very special place in History for the fact that its own name comes from history itself. You see, around 1800 some wood cutters took advantage of the beautiful Mopan River to be able to float down the logs to the Belize River. So they used to call it Old Bank, and later on the name was translated to Spanish, Benque Viejo and then added Del Carmen in honour of the town's patron saint (La Virgen de Monte Carmelo).
In Benque culture, religion takes the lead, here you will find many religious denominations /churches but the majority of the inhabitants are Roman Catholics. Even the biggest yearly event that takes place in July is given in honour of the town's patron saint. This celebration lasts for three days usually around the second week of July, which are packed with a bit of everything; games, food and fun stuff.
Benque Viejo Del Carmen is a place in which you can trust to reside, for many reasons. Peaceful, quiet, and residents are humble and welcoming. There are many modern facilities for your convenience like electricity, potable water, cable, internet, Clinic, Post Office, Credit Union, gas stations and a bank is coming soon, just to name a few. In this town you will also find a preschool (kindergarten), three primary schools and two secondary schools (high school).
If, what to do for fun? Is your next question, let me tell you that Benque is also allot of fun, for there are many things to do to have a great time. Let's see, if you have a very adventurous spirit then, perhaps you would love a hike and visit the majestic Xunantunich (Mayan temple) located in the neighbouring village of Succotz or if you are looking forward to relax while you enjoy nature, well, the river would be your best choice. And, why not! If you get in the mood for a more exciting experience this town has two very popular Night Clubs waiting for you (these places are usually improvising to make it much fun every time, that is why people come from a long way to visit these night clubs).
This town is very convenient since there are many grocery stores, a few meat markets and restaurants (mainly Chinese), but if you would like to get a taste of Belize cuisine, then there are also local restaurants offering just that. Currently, the development of the Commercial Free Zone is taking place in which you will also have many things to do. Meanwhile, you could pay a visit across the border (Melchor de Mencos City, Petén, Guatemala) and go shopping for modern or exquisite typical clothes, or even go further and visit the great Tikal (Mayan Temple).
Educational institutions - There is the Del Carmen Pre-school, which has just added a new building due to the high demand on population. There are three Primary Schools, Nazarene School located at Juanito Gongora St., Adventist Primary School located on George Price Blvd. and The Mount Carmel Primary School which is situated near the Marshalleck stadium. Mount Carmel Primary School has a great location, has a big campus. These schools are well equipped with all the academic demands, especially Mount Carmel Primary school, this school counts with many years of experience and has a great reputation on their teaching methods as well as Mount Carmel High School. There is also the Mopan Technical High School located on Hills of Promise; this school is also a great choice.
Attractions-In Benque as I mentioned earlier there is not much to see but that doesn't mean this place is boring to the contrary it is a great spot for family time. People from Benque usually enjoy family activates such as nice BBQ's on the banks of the beautiful Mopan River or the community celebrations or activities which are very extensive. There is also two Ice Cream Parlours one in Burns St. and the next is conveniently near the Marshalleck Stadium which is and has been the host for many great events such as concerts, dances etc. The House of Culture is always having cultural activities which all the town enjoys especially every Sunday night at the beautiful centennial park for they convert it into an outdoor cinema. Benque is definitely a family town but the nearby attractions are also taken advantage of to spice things a bit. Nearby attractions, include the ancient Maya ruins of Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Tikal (Guatemala) and the cave Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM), and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve but many resorts are great for socializing such as Mystic Jungle, Cahal Pech and many more. But when it comes to enjoying a nice dinner then San Ignacio Town would be the first choice for it is one of the most popular parts in the country; this place has a wide variety of restaurants from Belizean to International (Mexican, American, Indian, Chinese, Italian, etc.
Finding your way in Benque
Banking-Currently there is only the Mount Carmel Credit Union but a Bank is coming pretty soon. The Credit union is located on Church St. in front of the majestic Catholic Church (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish); at this same place is where the Belize Electricity Ltd office is located as well as the BTL (Belize Telecommunications Ltd.)Office and conveniently the Post Office is located on the second level. For banking transactions you would have to go to San Ignacio Town, there you will find Belize Bank Ltd., Bank of Nova Scotia and Atlantic Bank Ltd.
Exchanging Money-Being Benque Viejo Town the last stop before going across the border this town counts with a Casa de Cambio (Currency Exchange House) located on George St. Here would also be the Lottery office (Boledo, Panama) which is open from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Sunday to Monday. "Money-Changers" can usually be found at both the Belmopan and San Ignacio bus stops but the usual spot for "Money-Changers" is at the Western Border. The standard rate is $1.00 US = $2.00 BZE and in Quetzal Q7.50 (Guatemala Currency).
Most businesses--large and small--throughout the Cayo District accept US currency for payment at a $2 to $1 exchange, so you can pay directly in US dollars.
Email / Internet Access -E-mail and internet services are available in town located on George Price Blvd., but on the Town Hall library in Benque these services are also available.
FAX-Many hotels/resorts will receive or send FAX's for their guests. In addition, BTL (Belize Telecommunications Ltd.) will send or receive a FAX for you at their offices in San Ignacio, and Belmopan. For Benque Viejo, The Mount Carmel Credit Union would be the contact for any fax services.
Sales / Developing - Many stores; including Venus Photos & Records on Hudson Street in San Ignacio have one-hour photo processing, as does Brodie's in Belmopan. In overall, you are better off bringing with you as much film as you think you will need because of higher prices and limited choice of brands and film speeds. A better option is to bring a digital camera along.
Gas Stations-There are two gas stations one is located on George St. and the next is on Churchill St. Gas Stations are very accessible in and around San Ignacio, in Santa Elena, Belmopan, Spanish Lookout, Unitedville and San Antonio village near Mountain Pine Ridge. Regular Gasoline costs around $4.60 BZE per gallon as of Jan. 2009.
Grocery Stores-Benque has a variety of small "Tiendas" which sell "staples"--rice, beans, canned goods, bread, soft drinks, and so on. If you are looking for grocery stores that carry a wider selection of foods, try the following stores then along the George Price Blvd you will find the grocery stores basically owned by Chinese.
In San Ignacio, Celina's Super Store on Burns Ave. has groceries, dry goods, and is an Ace Hardware affiliate. Celina's has a wide variety of goods available but there is also Cost Less Mart located on Benque Viejo Road in which you will find the best prices in town (no kidding).
If you're near Spanish Lookout, Farmer's Trading Center, on the main road, offers a good selection of groceries and household items at reasonable prices, and they have a hardware store next door, as well.
Benque Market -Unfortunately in Benque there is only the Meat Market in which you will be able to get the usual meats Beef, Pork, Chicken but no fruits or vegetables, now, when it comes to fruits and vegetables there is spot located on the corner of Churchill St. and Victoria St. where you will find local fruits and vegetables. Benque residents usually purchase their fruits and vegetables on the San Ignacio Market Square, especially on Saturdays, Being one of the best markets in Belize having a wide array of produce for sale by local farmers, Mennonites and other local vendors, on top of that, they sell at very reasonable prices. Apart from fresh vegetables and fruits you will also find new and second-hand clothing, hand-made furniture by Mennonites, exotic plants, fish and household items. Hey, make sure to plan your visit to the market early, as most great buys go quickly.
Health Facilities & Safety-There is the Mopan Clinic 823-2079which is currently under renovation so for now the clinic is temporarily operating at Burns St in front of the Ice Cream Parlour. La Loma Luz Hospital, a private hospital located in Santa Elena, has a good reputation as a primary care centre and 24 hours emergency services. Their phone number is 824-2087 and FAX is 824-2674. Along with Mopan Clinic there are also two other government-run health facilities in the district: the San Ignacio Hospital, 824-2066 and the Belmopan Hospital, 822-2264. Not forgetting our lovely four legged companions, Benque has a Veterinary Clinic located in front of the Marshalleck Stadium.
There are two pharmacies with the same owner so they have the same name Wendy's Pharmacy. Both pharmacies are well-stocked North American style pharmacy and if they don't have it you can place your order and they will definitely get it for you. The owners are Registered Pharmacists on hand and specialize in medicines for special medical needs. One pharmacy is located on Churchill St. and the next is located on George Price Blvd.
If you need to contact the police to report a crime, an automobile accident, or for any other reason, there is a police station in Benque (823-2038) Benque Viejo. The neighboring village of Succotz police station (823-2329) San Ignacio (824-2022), and Belmopan (822-2221). In case of emergency, dial 911 anywhere in Belize for police assistance.
Fire Rescue/National Fire Service-Benque counts with its own Fire Station, it is located on Joseph St.(823-2082).There is also the one is San Ignacio Town, located on Buena Vista St.(824-2095).Then again for any emergency call 911 for assistance.
Offices-As mentioned earlier Benque has a Post office which is located on Church St. on the second level of the Mount Carmel Credit Union (823-2073). In San Ignacio, the post office is located right next to Courts Furniture store on Hudson Street (824-2049.
It costs 45 cents to send a letter to the USA. Rates for Europe are slightly higher. Figure about two weeks for a letter or card to reach the U.S. from Belize. Express mail available.
Express Mail-DHL Worldwide Express has an office at the Buena Vista St. in San Ignacio where you can send or receive "overnight" packages. It takes about 4 days for express delivery between Belize and the U.S. Their main office is in Belmopan. Exodus Travel in San Ignacio is a Federal Express agent and right across from the San Ignacio police station. For Local mail or packages within the Country of Belize there is DSL located on Savannah St.
Telephone -Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) has office in Benque Viejo which is located on Church St., here they can help you take care of all your phone call needs. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other places of business will now also let you use their phone, if you make the call using a BTL Phone Card. Phone cards come in denominations from BZ$2 to BZ$50 (BZ$2 = US$1). The cost for calls you make, is automatically, deducted from the value of the card, and the phone from which you are calling is not charged. You can buy the cards at any BTL offices and almost every shop. Remember for international calls just dial 1010199 before the number you are trying to reach in order to get a cheaper rate.
Western Union - Should you need an emergency transfer of cash, In Benque - The Western Union Office is located on George St., but if you happen to be in San Ignacio Celina's Super Store and Plaza Del Rio shopping mall are also agents for Western Union.
