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City guide

Belmopan

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize. Its population in 2022 was 20,754.

Type City

Why go

  • Capital city of Belize.
  • Served by Uaxactun Airport (UAX).

History

Belmopan is the capital city of Belize. Its population in 2022 was 20,754. Belmopan is the smallest capital city in the continental Americas and the second-largest settlement in Belize, behind the former capital Belize City. Founded as a planned community in 1970, it is one of the newest national capital cities in the world. Since 2000, Belmopan has been one of two settlements in Belize to hold official city status, along with Belize City.

Airports

Hector Silva Airstrip (BCV) 2 km to the centre
Belmopan, CY, BZ — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor. ✈ 1 airline (Regional Air Iceland) · direct flights to 5 destinations incl. Belize City, CUK, San Pedro, SQS, TZA (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 5 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Matthew Spain Airport (SQS) 26 km to the centre
Spanish Lookout, CY, BZ — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor. ✈ 1 airline (Regional Air Iceland) · direct flights to 4 destinations incl. BCV, Belize City, San Pedro, TZA (OpenFlights route data).
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 4 direct destinations

Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.

Indoor | Outdoor
Manatee Airport (MZE) 26 km to the centre
Spanish Lookout, CY, BZ — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Uaxactun Airport (UAX) 92 km to the centre
Uaxactun, PE, GT — Indoor waiting area, but you walk out to the aircraft to board — bring an umbrella or a coat if the forecast is poor.
Indoor | Outdoor
Privassion Airstrip 30 km to the centre
CY, BZ
Outdoor
Chan Chich Airstrip 45 km to the centre
Gallon Jug, OW, BZ
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

Belmopan
Belmopan
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Uaxactun Airport (UAX); 7 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: BCV has direct flights to 5 destinations on 1 airline (incl. Belize City, CUK, San Pedro, SQS, TZA).

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Belmopan. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Tours & experiences

ATM Cave Tour
Adventure