Belmopan
Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1961 after a hurricane destroyed the government buildings in Belize City. Today, this commuter hub is home to approximately 20,000 residents and sits at the crossroads of the Western Highway and the Hummingbird Highway. Most of the people here work for the government in some capacity.
The town lacks tourist infrastructure relative to nearby San Ignacio, and many travelers bypass Belmopan on their way to Maya ruins or the towns on the southern coast, like Dangriga and Hopkins. Belmopan could be a convenient stop for road trippers – it’s the midway point between the east and west coast, just over an hour from Belize City on the coast and an hour from San Ignacio near the base of the Maya Mountains.
The closest natural attraction to Belmopan is St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. This is a favorite spot for hiking and bird watching, with over 200 species flitting among the trees. There are caves to explore and the famous St. Hermans’ Blue Hole for swimming.
Those who do have time to kill in Belmopan can do so at the open air market near the bus station where there are fruit and vegetable stands and several tasty and inexpensive food stalls. Here, diners can experience authentic local cuisine that has both Latin and Belizean influences. Accommodations in town are limited, but there are a few jungle lodges in the surrounding mountains where hikers and birding enthusiasts might want to stay.
Experiences in Belmopan
Explore hand-picked Belmopan tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Barton Creek Cave and Iguana w/Maya Chocolate (GM)
Cave Tubing and Belize Zoo (GM)
Belize Zoo and Baboon Santuary (GM)
Where to stay in Belmopan
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Belmopan accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Sleeping Giant Rainforest Lodge
You’ll find the resort on the edge of the St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. It’s also a short drive from the Five Blue Lake National Park, so you can fill your days with hiking, swimming, and bird watching in diverse environments. Guests can choose from 31 cozy accommodations, which come in the form of private cabins, riverside rooms, suites, and a penthouse.
Dream Valley
The hotel provides guests with a tranquil retreat that harmonizes natural beauty and comfortable accommodations. Its convenient location affords visitors easy access to Belmopan's city center as well as the lush surroundings that draw travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Lamanai Outpost Lodge
In the middle of the jungle, this beautiful and authentic lodge in the ancient Maya city of Lamanai offers both adventure and peaceful nature.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
Get StartedPrivate drivers; English-speaking available.
Avoid the crowds in private day tours.
Better stays, better pacing, better reservations.
Insider-only experiences and exclusive local partners.
24/7 in-country support by phone, text, and WhatsApp.
Insider-led Belize Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
