population: 0.01 million

extension: 1.209 square kilometers

Museums

Great! If you're in Benque Viejo del Carmen and interested in museums, a great place to visit is the San Ignacio Town Hall. It's located about 7 km away in the town of San Ignacio and has a museum that showcases the history and culture of the area.

If you're looking for other museums in the area, you might want to check out the House of Culture in Belize City, which is about 130 km away. This museum features exhibits on Belizean art, history, and culture. Another option is the Museum of Belize, also located in Belize City, which has displays on the country's archaeology, natural history, and colonial past.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Benque Viejo del Carmen (Belize) include:

1. Rice and beans - this is a staple dish in Belizean cuisine, usually made with red beans and served with coconut milk and spices.

2. Fry jacks - these are deep-fried dough balls often served for breakfast or as a snack, sometimes accompanied by refried beans, cheese, or other toppings.

3. Stewed chicken - a hearty and flavorful dish that's often served with rice and beans or tortillas on the side.

4. Garnaches - a popular street food consisting of small corn tortillas topped with refried beans, cheese, and pickled onions.

5. Conch fritters - another popular appetizer or snack made with conch meat mixed with flour and spices, then deep-fried until crispy.

6. Tamales - a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa (corn dough) filled with meat, vegetables, or other ingredients, then steamed in banana leaves.

7. Chimole - a soup made with chicken, vegetables, and herbs, often served with tortillas or rice.

8. Hudutu - a fish stew made with coconut milk, plantains, and yams, typically served with cassava bread.

These are just a few examples of the delicious and diverse cuisine available in Benque Viejo del Carmen and Belize as a whole.

Activities

Sure, here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Benque Viejo del Carmen:

1. Visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins: These ancient ruins are located just a short distance from Benque Viejo del Carmen and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Maya civilization.

2. Take a dip in the Mopan River: The Mopan River is a popular spot for swimming and tubing. Locals love to cool off in its clear waters on hot days.

3. Attend the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge: This annual event is a canoe race that takes participants down the Belize River. It's a great opportunity to see some of the country's top athletes in action.

4. Explore the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve: Located about an hour from Benque Viejo del Carmen, this reserve is home to stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural swimming holes.

5. Sample local cuisine: Belizean cuisine is a fusion of Caribbean, Mexican, and Central American flavors. Locals recommend trying dishes like stewed chicken, rice and beans, and fry jacks (a type of fried bread).