The Belize River, also known as "the Old River", runs 290km through the center of Belize. The river begins where the Mopan River and Macal River join just east of San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize.The river served as the main medium of commerce and communication between the interior and the coast until well into the twentieth century. Presently, the river is a vital source of water and domestic use for local people living along the river.