Search hotels in Belmopan →Order an eSIM for your trip

Belmopan is the capital of Belize and one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Built in the 1960s and 1970s after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961, the government chose a safer inland site near the geographical centre of the country. Today, Belmopan is a quiet, green "garden city" of government buildings, embassies and residential neighbourhoods. While the city itself is small, it's perfectly located for exploring some of Belize's most spectacular attractions: jungle caves, waterfalls, Maya ruins and national parks in the Cayo District. The famous ATM Cave, the St Herman's Blue Hole and the Maya sites of Xunantunich and Caracol are all within easy reach. This Belmopan travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top things to do, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Belmopan

Belize has a tropical climate with warm temperatures (25–32°C) all year.

Dry season (December–May) is the best time to visit, with less rain, easier jungle hiking and cave access. March to May can be very hot.

Wet season (June–November) brings heavy rain, especially in the afternoons. It's also hurricane season, with the highest risk from August to October. Caves such as ATM may close after heavy rain due to flooding.

Events:

• September Celebrations: St George's Caye Day (10 September) and Independence Day (21 September) bring parades and festivities across the country.
• Garifuna Settlement Day (19 November): Celebrates Garifuna culture, especially in southern Belize.

Top Places to Visit in and around Belmopan

1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave)

One of the world's most extraordinary caves, about 45 minutes from Belmopan. Visitors swim, wade and climb through the cave to reach chambers containing ancient Maya pottery and the calcified skeletons of human sacrifice victims, including the famous "Crystal Maiden." Access is only with licensed guides, and cameras are not allowed.

2. St Herman's Blue Hole National Park

A natural turquoise swimming hole in the jungle, plus St Herman's Cave, which you can explore with a guide or by cave tubing, and forest trails.

3. Guanacaste National Park

A small park at the edge of Belmopan, named after a giant guanacaste tree, with trails along the Belize River and good birdwatching.

4. National Assembly Building

Belmopan's most iconic building, designed in a style inspired by Maya temples.

5. George Price Centre for Peace and Development

A museum and library dedicated to George Price, the "Father of the Nation," who led Belize to independence in 1981.

6. Belmopan Market

A colourful market selling tropical fruit, vegetables and local food, especially busy on Fridays and Saturdays.

7. Cave Tubing at Nohoch Che'en

Float on an inner tube through river caves at the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, about 30 minutes away.

Also worth visiting: the Belize Zoo (with native animals like jaguars and tapirs), Five Blues Lake National Park and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Beyond Belmopan

• San Ignacio: The adventure hub of the Cayo District, about 35 minutes west.
• Xunantunich: Maya ruins reached by a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River.
• Caracol: The largest Maya site in Belize, deep in the jungle.
• Big Rock Falls and Rio on Pools: Waterfalls and natural pools in Mountain Pine Ridge.
• Tikal (Guatemala): One of the greatest Maya cities, about 2.5 hours away across the border.
• The cayes: Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, with the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole.

Suggested 4-Day Belmopan Itinerary

Day 1 – Belmopan: Visit the market, the National Assembly, the George Price Centre and Guanacaste National Park.

Day 2 – ATM Cave: Take a guided adventure into the ATM Cave.

Day 3 – Blue Hole and caves: Swim at St Herman's Blue Hole and go cave tubing, then visit the Belize Zoo.

Day 4 – Maya ruins: Explore Xunantunich or take a full-day trip to Caracol via Mountain Pine Ridge.

Belizean Food

Belize's food reflects its mix of Creole, Maya, Mestizo, Garifuna and Mennonite cultures. Try rice and beans with stewed chicken, fry jacks (fried dough) for breakfast, tamales, salbutes and panades, hudut (a Garifuna fish and plantain dish) and conch fritters. Wash it down with Belikin beer or fresh fruit juices.

Why Belize Moved Its Capital

Hurricane Hattie struck Belize City on 31 October 1961, killing hundreds of people and destroying much of the city. To protect the government from future storms, a new capital was planned 80 km inland on higher ground. Belmopan, combining the names of the Belize and Mopan rivers, officially became the capital in 1970. Despite the move, Belize City remains the country's largest city and commercial centre.

Where to Stay in Belmopan

• Belmopan city: Business hotels and guesthouses near government offices.
• Jungle lodges near Belmopan: Eco-lodges along the Hummingbird Highway and Caves Branch.
• San Ignacio: More hotels, restaurants and tour operators, 35 minutes away.
• Mountain Pine Ridge: Luxury lodges in the forest.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Belmopan here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Belize

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), near Belize City, is the main international gateway, about 1 hour by road from Belmopan, with flights from the US, Canada, Central America and seasonal routes from the UK. Search and compare cheap flights to Belize to find the best fares. A departure tax is usually included in your airline ticket; land border crossings charge an exit fee.

By Bus

Buses connect Belmopan with Belize City, San Ignacio, Dangriga and the Guatemalan border.

Getting Around

• Car rental: The best way to explore the Cayo District (drive on the right).
• Buses: Cheap and frequent on main highways.
• Taxis: Available in Belmopan; agree on fares.
• Tours: Most attractions are visited with licensed guides.

Travel Costs in Belmopan

Belize is more expensive than its Central American neighbours. The currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), pegged at BZ$2 = US$1, and US dollars are widely accepted.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU and many other countries can visit Belize without a visa for up to 30 days, extendable.
• Passport validity: At least 6 months beyond arrival is recommended.
• Return ticket: Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds may be required.
• Exit fees: Included in airline tickets; payable in cash at land borders.

Always check official Belize immigration sources before travelling.

Local Tips for Belmopan

• Safety: Belmopan is calmer than Belize City, but crime exists across Belize. The US advises increased caution. Avoid walking alone at night and avoid overland travel after dark.
• Cave safety: Only visit ATM Cave with licensed guides; caves may close after heavy rain.
• Insects: Use repellent against mosquitoes and sandflies.
• Language: English is the official language; Spanish and Kriol are also widely spoken.
• Tipping: Around 10–15% in restaurants and for guides.
• Water: Drink bottled or filtered water outside major hotels.
• Cash: Carry small bills; US dollars are accepted, but change is often given in Belize dollars.
• Sun: Wear a hat and sunscreen on jungle and river trips.
• Staying connected: Local SIMs from Digi and Smart are available, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Belize eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• ATM Cave tour: Belize's most famous adventure.
• Cave tubing and zipline: At Nohoch Che'en.
• Xunantunich and San Ignacio tour: Explore Maya ruins.
• Caracol day trip: Visit the largest Maya site in Belize.
• Tikal day trip: Cross into Guatemala.

Browse and book the best tours in Belize here.

FAQ

Is Belmopan worth visiting?

Yes, as a base for caves, Maya ruins and jungle adventures in the Cayo District.

Why is Belmopan the capital of Belize?

It was built inland after Hurricane Hattie destroyed much of Belize City in 1961.

How far is Belmopan from Belize City?

About 80 km, or 1 hour by road.

Do I need a visa for Belize?

Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 30 days.

What is the ATM Cave?

A cave containing ancient Maya artefacts and skeletons, visited on guided tours.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.