Founded in the 1860's by a handful of Guatemalan refugees, the small, quiet town of Benque Viejo Del Carmen (often referred to as Benque) is today considered the border town and is visited primarily to cross into the Guatemalan town of Melchor de Mencos.   The newly renovated border facilities are open from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. Being located just a short 8-mile drive from San Ignacio Town; Benque experiences a continuous flow of traffic to and from the border everyday.  

Benque Viejo, which is Spanish for ‘Old Bank', got its name from being a riverside logging camp in the Colonial era of Belizean History when logging camps near to rivers were referred to as ‘banks'.   Chicleros would gather in Benque Viejo to ensure that the mahogany logs they labored to extract from the forests were successfully floated down the river to later be exported to England.

Naturally, the primary language spoken in Benque is Spanish and the cultures and practices of the Spanish and Mayan people of Guatemala and Belize have merged to become indistinctive.   However, in the past five years, Benque has experienced a cultural resurgence.   Being home to numerous talented writers, musicians and artists, a House of Culture was constructed in 2001 to inspire creativity and generate awareness about the beauty of art and culture in the small town.   Inspired, Mr. Luis and David Ruiz, both brothers and residents of Benque created an artistic sculpture park near the town.   With the help of some national and international artists, ‘Poustinia' was developed on 40 acres of land just 5 km from town on the Mollejon Hydro Road.   The unique park features an assortment of surreal earth sculptures molded by the hands of Belizean, Caribbean and European artists.

Also of cultural interest are the two festivals held annually.   There is a three-day ‘fiesta', commonly known as the Benque Fair, held in mid-July when the town comes alive with food, dance and drink.   Further into the year at the ending of October and beginning of November is the celebration of ‘Los Finados', which translates to ‘The Day of the Dead'.   As, the name implies, the beloved souls of the dead are celebrated and offered special dishes and liquor. A twinkling candlelit procession passes through the streets heading towards the small picturesque cemetery at the edge of town.