Belmopan Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, and eat in Belmopan, Belize, with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the top attractions, dining scene, accommodations, and more.


Belmopan Travel Guide - Plan Your Visit to the Capital of Belize

Belmopan, the capital city of Belize is a bustling and vibrant hub that serves as an excellent gateway to many nearby attractions. Located in central Belize, Belmopan is a young city that was established in 1970 after a devastating hurricane destroyed the former capital city, Belize City. This city is known for its laid-back atmosphere, local culture, and vibrant wildlife, making it a perfect destination for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an escape from the crowds.

List of Places to Visit in Belmopan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Belmopan’s rich history and culture are reflected in its many museums, galleries, and historical sites. These include:

  • The Belize National Museum: A museum dedicated to preserving the country’s history and culture, including artifacts from the Maya civilization, colonial times, and modern Belize history.

  • The Guanacaste National Park: A protected area surrounding the remains of an ancient Maya site, including ruins of the Queen’s Palace and the Goliath Palm, the largest of its kind in Belize.

  • The George Price Center for Peace and Development: A museum that honors Belize’s first prime minister, George Price, and his contributions to the country’s independence and social justice movements.

Natural Attractions of Belmopan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Belmopan is an adventure lover’s paradise, surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains, and sparkling rivers. Some of the most popular outdoor attractions in and around the city are:

  • The Blue Hole National Park: A stunning natural attraction featuring a series of freshwater pools, sinkholes, and caves surrounded by lush forest. The parks boast beautiful flora and fauna that you’re likely to spot on your visit.

  • St. Herman’s Cave: A stunning natural cave system that boasts crystal clear waters, impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors to the cave can indulge in cave tubing, spelunking and hiking, among other activities.

  • The Belize Zoo: A unique wildlife sanctuary that showcases native animals in their natural habitats. You can meet jaguars, toucans, ancient howler monkeys, and many other amazing creatures that cannot be found anywhere else.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Belmopan

Hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts can enjoy the city’s scenic trails around the Blue Hole National Park and St. Herman’s Cave. In addition, the Guanacaste National Park offers an excellent opportunity to hike to ancient ruins of Queen’s palace and Goliath Palm, Belize’s largest palm giant. Adventurers will have the chance to experience the lush jungle environment with breathtaking views.

Best Things to Do in Belmopan: Activities and Tours

There are many engaging tours that exploring the city and its surroundings. A few of the most popular tours and attractions include:

  • Horseback and ATV riding: A popular way to explore the surrounding forest with trained guides who take visitors to see stunning views of the city spreading out beneath.

  • The nam- blower adventure: A thrilling spelunking journey through the ancient Maya underworld, in a 4-in-1 package that allows visitors to swim, walk, and float to the cave’s many unique locations.

  • Food tours: Visitors can indulge in flavorsome Belizean cuisines at famous restaurants and food markets located around the city. Belize’s unique blend of diverse cultures is perfect to embark on a culinary journey.

Week-Long Itinerary for Belmopan

A great way to explore the city and its surroundings is to spend a week or more in Belize’s capital city. To help you plan your trip, we have put together an itinerary of the best places to explore in Belmopan.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Belize National Museum
2 Explore the surrounding forest on horseback
3 Swim and float through the nam-blower adventure
4 Take a food tour of the city and try the best of Belizian cuisine
5 Visit the Blue Hole National Park and St. Herman’s Cave
6 Take a cycling tour of the city
7 Relax at a local spa and enjoy winding down after the week of excitement

Food and Drink Scene of Belmopan

Must-Try Dishes

Belizean cuisine is a mixture of traditional Maya, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Some dishes you should try in Belize include:

  • Rice and beans: A national dish of Belize made from hearty red beans cooked with rice and coconut milk.
  • Fry jacks: A deep-fried dough that is usually served for breakfast stuffed with eggs, bacon and other Belizean breakfast treats
  • Pibil: An ancient Maya dish made from tender pork that is marinated in bitter orange juice and spices before being smoked.

Local Beverages

Belizean cuisine and dining is incomplete without Belizean rum and beers. Visitors to the city should try:

  • Belize beer: A refreshing beer that is brewed in Belize. It is the most popular beer of Belize.
  • Belikin stout: A local dark beer that is perfect for those who love strong beer with notes of roasted barley and malt.
  • Hibiscus tea: A floral drink made from the dried hibiscus flowers. It is flavourful and refreshing and is served in many restaurants.

Where to Stay in Belmopan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Belmopan has many accommodation options for travelers. Visitors have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the city lifestyle by choosing hotels, hostels, or guesthouses within budget. Here are some of the best places to stay in Belmopan:

  • Super Palm Resort: Situated near the city center, the Super Palm Resort is a one-stop destination for travelers to the city. The resort provides necessary amenities conducive to a comfortable stay, including fitness rooms, pools, and tennis courts.

  • Garden City Guesthouse: A cozy and comfortable guesthouse perfect for budget travelers. The establishment provides a lush garden and a friendly staff, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a homely environment.

  • Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch: A luxury resort adjacent to the city that provides visitors with a unique cave experience to stay in a cave dwelling. The luxurious setting, along with its unique surroundings, make this resort an exciting and engaging option to consider.

What to Buy in Belmopan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Belmopan offers visitors a chance to take home authentic Belizean products and souvenirs. Visitors can take advantage of the following activities to get the best of Belize:

  • Local craft markets: Visitors will find paintings, locally made bags, baskets, and vases unique to Belizean Art, all handmade by local artisans.

  • Belizean treat markets: Visitors can grab the best of Belizean cuisines, such as homemade hot sauces, coconut oil, and jams, among other local delicacies.

Local Culture and Customs of Belmopan

Belizean culture is a captivating blend of ancient Maya tradition and modern-day Caribbean influences. Visitors can experience the vibrant culture by taking part in festivities throughout the year. The Garifuna People take centre stage with a wide range of cultural music, drums, and dance. Availing oneself to local cultural events is an opportunity to learn more about Belizean culture.

Best Time to Visit Belmopan

Belmopan’s pleasant weather makes it attractive to visit at any time of the year. The dry season runs from December to April, making it the perfect time to explore the town’s natural wonders, take long hikes and embark on cave expeditions. Visitors can experience Belmopan’s culture and customs at any time of the year through festivities throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Belmopan

Do:

  • Respect the local culture
  • Be polite
  • Try local cuisine
  • Take advantage of nature walks and cave-exploring

Don’t:

  • Engage in illegal or disrespectful activity
  • Leave the city limits without a guide or local person’s advice
  • Ignore the dress code in local religious buildings

Safety and Health

Safety in Belmopan

Despite being a small city, Belmopan remains relatively safe and secure for travelers. Visitors are advised to take standard safety precautions such as keeping valuables out of sight, avoiding dark and deserted places at night, and being aware of their surroundings on city streets.

Health in Belmopan

Before traveling to Belize, all visitors are required to obtain prior yellow fever and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations. Malaria medication is also recommended for those visiting rural areas. Visitors are advised to take standard precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including using repellents and wearing protective clothing.

Getting to Belmopan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Belmopan

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City is the closest airport to Belmopan. It is about 58 miles away and can be reached easily by bus, taxi, or rental car.

Bus Stations Near Belmopan

Buses from Belize City stop at the Belmopan Bus Terminal, located near the city center. Regular buses operate from the bus station to other cities in Belize, including San Ignacio, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda.

Other Options

Visitors to Belmopan can also take a taxi, rent a car, or opt for shuttles to travel around the city and its environs. Car rentals provide an exciting experience for travelers if they prefer to explore on their own.

How to Get Around in Belmopan

The best way to explore Belmopan is by renting a bike or car. This way, visitors can explore and stop wherever they please, making it possible to visit many tourist sites not accessible with public transportation. If that’s not an option, visitors can also take advantage of the many taxis in the city and its environs.

Where to Go Next from Belmopan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Belize is a small country that is easy to explore from Belmopan. Some destinations that are worth exploring from Belmopan are:

  • San Ignacio: A bustling town with a lively market, a large Maya ruin site, and popular outdoor activities such as caving and tubing.

  • Hopkins and Placencia: Two beach vacation destinations known for their white sand beaches, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

Conclusion

Belmopan is a charming and engaging city that is perfect for travelers looking for a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and urban living. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient Maya ruins, hiking through lush forests, sampling delicious local cuisine, or just relaxing in a quaint guesthouse, there’s something for everyone in Belize’s capital city. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your visit and discover the best attractions and experiences Belmopan has to offer.

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