Things to Do in Belmopan

About Belmopan

Nestled in the heart of Belize's lush Cayo District, Belmopan defies expectations as one of the world's smallest and youngest capital cities. This planned city, born in 1970 after Hurricane Hattie devastated the former capital, offers travelers an authentic gateway to Belize's cultural crossroads, where government buildings sit beneath rainforest canopies and the rhythms of Caribbean, Maya, and Central American life blend seamlessly. Here, the extraordinary becomes ordinary—a capital where nature and nation-building exist in rare harmony.

Travel Tips

• Cash is King - While Belmopan is the capital, many local businesses don't accept cards, so bring Belize dollars (exchanged at a fixed 2:1 rate with USD) or US cash, which is widely accepted throughout the city.

• Plan Around Government Hours - Since Belmopan is primarily an administrative city built in 1970, most activity centers around government offices that close by 5 PM, making the city quite quiet in evenings and weekends when many residents return to Belize City.

• Use Belmopan as Your Base for Caves and Ruins - The city's central location makes it an ideal jumping-off point for day trips to nearby attractions like the ATM Cave, Caracol Ruins, and Blue Hole National Park, all within 1-2 hours' drive.

• Don't Expect Tourist Infrastructure - Unlike San Pedro or Placencia, Belmopan has limited tourist amenities, restaurants close early, and nightlife is minimal, so stock up on supplies and plan meals in advance if you're staying overnight.

When to Visit

Belmopan's dry season from late November through April offers the most comfortable visiting conditions, with temperatures ranging from 70-85°F (21-29°C) and minimal rainfall, though March and April see temperatures climb toward 90°F (32°C) with increasing humidity before the rains arrive. The wet season from June through November brings heavy afternoon downpours and humidity levels exceeding 85%, with September and October being particularly drenched (averaging 12-15 inches of rain monthly) and coinciding with Atlantic hurricane season, which can cause severe disruptions despite Belize's mountains providing some protection to the capital. Budget travelers should target September through early November when hotel rates drop 30-40% and tours offer significant discounts, accepting that you'll encounter daily thunderstorms and muddy conditions at nearby attractions like the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. December through February coincides with Belize's peak tourism season when San Ignacio (just 20 miles away) hosts the popular Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta in mid-July and September brings Independence Day celebrations on the 21st with parades in Belmopan itself, though these patriotic festivities mean higher accommodation costs. For the optimal balance of weather and value, late November and early December offer post-rain lushness with Christmas tourist crowds still weeks away, temperatures hovering around a pleasant 75-82°F (24-28°C), and excellent conditions for exploring nearby Mayan ruins like Caracol without the scorching heat or muddy trails.