plan a trip to belize on a budget

How to Visit Belize on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips and Tricks

Posted on Published: December 3, 2019  - Last updated: February 2, 2024

Ahh, Belize. The country is known for excellent snorkeling and diving, lush jungles and ancient Mayan ruins. Beautiful palm-tree lined beaches await you in Belize. But is it possible to go to Belize on a budget?

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Yup – sure is!

It’s 100% possible to visit this tropical destination without spending a fortune.

I’ll show you how to take an INCREDIBLE 6-day trip to Belize on a tiiiiight budget.

And no, I’m not talking about an all-inclusive. If you’re going on a trip, go big! This one’s packed full of adventure. After all, there’s so many things to do in Belize !

I’ll go over exactly what I spent when I traveled to Belize on a budget, and tips for spending less.

Quick tip: before you go, be sure to prioritize as you’re setting up your budget. You might opt for luxurious accommodations, nice dinners or extravagant tours. It might be challenging to do a low budget trip if you’re trying to do it all. (And that’s totally okay too!)

Best time to go to Belize on a budget

Short answer: May and November (before Thanksgiving). Your best prices on flights, accommodations and tours will be during the low tourist season.

Plus you’ll have the best weather. Belize rainy season is June through October. So going just before it starts or after it’s finished up will allow you to maximize the weather and low prices in Belize. Although if you’re staying inland, you’re more likely to experience rain.

Belize on a budget: actual cost

Here’s a breakdown of the cost of my trip to Belize. Read on for details and savings tips for the categories below.

All totals are calculated using USD. Belize dollars are twice the value of the US dollar, so keep that in mind. Meaning if I went to a restaurant and paid $20 for dinner, it was $40 in Belize dollars.

Also, this was a mother-daughter trip with my mom. So I was able to split some of the costs with her – like accommodations, rental car, etc.

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Travel Belize cheap with a good deal on flights

I mean, you could technically drive there from the states but it’s quite the drive. 😉 I go into detail on this post about how to book cheap flights . So check out those resources and book yourself a discount ticket price!

For this trip, I used an alert from Fare Drop . They emailed me about the cheap flights. (Sign up for a 30-day free trial using this link . They’re awesome!)

I already had savings put aside from my vacation savings account , and I jumped at the flights!

I booked flights straight into Belize City. You can hop on a little plane to make it to San Ignacio, San Pedro or Placencia. If you’re staying in just one location while in Belize, it might be worth it to skip the rental car or public transportation and opt for a quick flight.

Flight: $405

I’d even seen flights in the $200 range from several cities! I live in Omaha, so international flights don’t get much cheaper for me. Unless I use points from travel rewards credit cards . Just be patient and creative. 🙂

Save money on your trip to Belize by booking cheap accommodations

If you want to travel to Belize on a budget, you likely won’t be staying at a fancy resort. I mean, hotels in Belize are certainly more affordable than many cities in the US and other pricey destinations, but hotels in Belize are not the way to go to save money.

However, there’s plenty of accommodations to choose from. The most commercialized areas with the most luxurious hotels are in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

There are a lot of smaller hotels, hostels, or vacation rentals with just a few rooms all over the country. Of course, you can find a wide range of locations and sizes on Airbnb or VRBO. I personally booked a villa through VRBO in San Ignacio and a beach-front cabana through Airbnb in Placencia.

Accommodations cost in Belize: $216 per person for 5 nights ! Talk about traveling to Belize on a budget!

Note – this is at the low end of the price range, during low season. Prices will go up during peak travel season in Belize. Also, our cabana in Placencia was very basic, which made it affordable!

Next biggest expense could be activities

Depending on what you’re coming to Belize to do, you can expect to pay a decent amount for activities and excursions.

Most day-long tours will run you $100+ per person, so keep that in mind when creating your vacation spending plan . Some times you can get into the activity, like my tour of Xunantunich, which was only a $5 park entrance fee. However, we hired a tour guide so we could understand the history of it for $20 more – totally optional!

Here are some common activities in Belize:

• Archeological sites (Mayan ruins)
• Waterfalls and swimming holes
• Chocolate tour to see how the ancient Mayans made chocolate drinks
• Snorkeling or scuba diving
• Deep sea fishing

To give you an idea of price, my day trip to Tikal from San Ignacio was $145, including lunch. (Although Belize charges a $20 country departure fee which was paid for individually and categorized as misc. above.)

When I took a snorkeling trip to Laughing Bird Caye off the coast of Placencia, it was $105 per person, including lunch. So do your research in advance and plan to spend some money here…if you’re up for an adventure!

Cost of activities in Belize: $287. This includes:

• Day trip to Tikal from San Ignacio – $145
• Tour of Xunantunich near San Ignacio – $25
• Chocolate-making class in San Ignacio – $12
• Day trip to Laughing Bird Caye from Placencia- $105

Read next: Visiting Tikal – Guide to the Mayan Ruins (day trip from Belize)

I could have saved more money on my trip to Belize by not going on as many tours. For my budget and based on what I wanted out of my trip, this was the right amount of activity and adventure for me.

Cost of food in Belize

While planning my trip to Belize on a budget, I estimated $40 per day to eat. Note that I brought quick breakfasts into Belize with me, so the plan to spend $40 didn’t include breakfast.

Away from the touristy areas, it’s pretty easy to find a meal in Belize for $6-$10 USD . If you’re at a restaurant right on the water filled with lots of tourists, you can expect to spend $10-$15, per person, excluding a drink.

I drink a lot of water so I mostly drank water with meals. If you’re traveling from the US, the CDC advises to drink bottled water, so I usually paid about $1 for that at restaurants.

Appetizers and desserts ran $5-10 USD on average. If you’re drinking alcohol, add $4-8 USD per drink to your price for a meal.

For a tight budget trip, keep alcohol purchases to a minimum!

You could go to an ice cream shop for around $5 USD.

Pro tip: to search for places to eat, use Trip Advisor and search for reviews and use the $$ signs to see the price of places before you go.

Cost of food in Belize for a 5-day trip: $193

Note that the most expensive food days were at US airport restaurants. Average cost of food per day: $33 – under budget! { happy dance }

You might also be interested in: Best Budget Travel Tips (So good you’ll want to try them now) Exactly What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Rental car in Belize

Now if you’re staying at a single destination, then you may opt for public transportation. You can affordably catch a bus from Belize City to several cities throughout the country for relatively cheap.

If you’re staying in Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, a popular way to get around is by renting a bicycle.

Renting a car was the right choice for my mother-daughter trip because we were traveling to multiple cities. And we wanted the flexibility to stop and explore each region as we wanted to.

Belize cost to rent a car for 5 nights: $137 + $53 for insurance = $190 per person Note: this was before the rental car shortage so prices were cheaper then!

And by the way if you need to rent a car in Belize, I highly recommend the discounted rates on  Discover Cars . I routinely save 10% – 30% on rentals (using the most reputable car carriers)

When setting up your budget – don’t forget rental car insurance! Most US car insurance policies won’t cover driving outside the US and Mexico. So check your policy and add some money for rental car insurance.

Belize on a budget: tips, shopping and miscellaneous costs

Depending on how many activities and tours you book will depend on your budget for tips. Since both my mom and I were taking the tours, I was able to depend on her for tipping too. I spent $22 on tips.

In retrospect, I probably could have spent more here.

By the way, Belize was an amazing destination for a mother-daughter trip. Here are more fun mother daughter trip ideas – US and international destinations!

Shopping and souvenirs

If you enjoy shopping when you travel, there’s plenty of opportunity in Belize! Most areas that there are hotels or villas, you’ll find some little shops nearby. I didn’t see any large fashion retailers, though. It’s all little markets and artisans selling goods on sidewalks.

I’m not a big shopper, so I didn’t put much in my budget for this category. But I saw others spending a decent amount. Little trinkets could cost you $5-$10. Totes, purses and dresses run more like $20–$30. Hand-carved wood items are more like $25-$50.

I bought 2 things, which is pretty rare for me! Authentic Mayan cacao powder from my chocolate making tour had to come home with me for hot chocolate in the winter. I spent $8. I also purchased wood-carved serving utensils, which I had been looking for in the US. Those cost me $15.

Total spent on shopping: $21

Miscellaneous travel costs in belize.

I had just $23 in this category . I spent $3 on a map of Tikal and $20 on the Belize border fee for exiting the country for my Tikal tour.

Belize on a budget – yes, I got travel insurance

Even when traveling to Belize for cheap, I bought travel insurance. I always recommend to buy travel insurance when leaving the US , and sometimes traveling within the states, too! I know it will financially protect me before and during my trip.

Total spent on travel insurance: $66

Don’t forget to budget for gas in belize.

Because I totally did! This was one of the areas that I didn’t include in my original budget for Belize. Gas is pricey in Belize – $5 or more per gallon! Luckily the country isn’t very big and you can get across the whole thing in a tank of gas.

Cost of gas in Belize: $43

Trip to Belize cost – hidden expenses

Here are some hidden ‘extra’s’ to keep in mind when visiting Belize on a budget.

Avoid foreign transaction fees from your bank or credit card company. Take cash with you or make sure that you’re using a credit card with no international transaction fees.

More Caribbean destinations: 17 Reasons to Go to Puerto Morelos 28 Amazing and Unexpected Things to Do in Turks and Caicos

Vaccinations for Belize

I’m not a doctor so I can’t recommend what’s best for you but the CDC does recommend some vaccinations for travel to Belize. Considering I’d been to many other countries, I had all of the vaccinations needed for travel to Belize.

I did end up getting antimalarial medication because there’s a ton of mosquitos in Central America, and Malaria is carried by mosquitos. My medication cost me $26 after insurance.

By the way, be sure to pack lots of bug spray for Belize!

International cell phone data

Another sneaky expense for a budget trip to Belize is cell phone data. Depending on your cell phone plan, you may or may not have a charge for data. Be sure to check with your phone company before you go.

Pro tip: Keep your phone in airplane mode and use WiFi to keep your data charges down. You can even download google maps when on WiFi and use them offline while driving .

How much does a trip to Belize cost?

Well mine was $1466. I was thinking my trip would be about $1250, so I did go over that amount. Here’s why:

We arrived in Belize and I found out my mom had never been snorkeling. ( whaaat!? ) That night we booked our snorkeling trip to Laughing Bird Caye because I knew Belize was the place to do it! I value spending money on experiences over things, so I was okay with this.

Next, I didn’t consider buying international car insurance or gas. Two mistakes I won’t make again! Combined those were $96.

I brought a big buffer with me on my trip so at the end of the day it really wasn’t a big deal. Overall, I’m happy with my $1466 budget trip to Belize. I had a great mother-daughter trip with tons of memories and got to see a new part of the world. My heart is happy!

Alright, so I want to know what you think! How would you prioritize your spending for Belize? What would you do differently?

Read next: 20 Things to Do in Belize for an Epic Vacation Best Island Getaway in Belize: Laughing Bird Caye Is Aruba Expensive? Ultimate Guide to a Cheap Aruba Vacation How to Do Turks and Caicos on a Budget

If this article was helpful, save it for later !

Thursday 5th of November 2020

This was very informative, thanks. I want to go to Belize, but would have to do a budget vacation....so this info is handy. Sounds like we are similar in our travel wisdom.

You're so welcome, Keith. It's quite easy to visit Belize on a budget! I hope you get to go soon (safely).

Wednesday 19th of February 2020

Awesome post and blog! I learned so much from your experiences so thank you for this much needed content.

Aw, thanks Conniea! So glad to hear it :)

Great article! I love Belize.

It's such a beautiful country!

Sunday 8th of December 2019

My partner and I have been thinking of going to Belize - it's easy to fly there from our home base Toronto. Thanks for this in depth guide, your detailed break down of spending and budget is super useful.

Thanks Erin. Hope you get there soon!

Sujenne Macaay

Nice, Coming from an island I never had Belize high on the list because I am used to the weather and the beaches. But this makes me get it higher on the list. Should look out for tickets coming from Europe now though.

Hope you can find some decent flights, Sujenne. It's a great destination with a lot to offer.

Belize on a Budget: What Does a Trip to Belize Cost?

Oh, Belize: you were beautiful, you were home to one of our favorite tours to date, and you were very expensive for your region. Traveling Belize on a budget is no picnic compared to its neighboring countries!

We intentionally planned a shorter stay in Belize than in nearby Mexico and Guatemala , because we knew that the cost of a trip to Belize would stretch our spending goals.

Even with forewarning, however, the high prices in Belize came as a bit of a shock after a little over six weeks in Mexico–and as a result, we severely limited our excursions there.

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The Basics of Our Trip to Belize on Budget

The Belize trip costs outlined here represent our time spent backpacking Belize on what we would consider a flashpacker budget.

Basically, no to dorm rooms, usually yes to a/c (with regrets when it we skipped it!), and no to major luxuries.

We spent 12 full days in the country, averaging a total Belize travel budget of $90.44/day for two people, or $45.22 per person, per day.

This added up to a total cost of $1085.29 for our nearly 2-week trip.

Our time spent backpacking Belize took us to Placencia and San Ignacio.

All prices for our trip to Belize costs are listed in USD unless otherwise noted.

As usual for our travel budget roundups, we don’t include the costs of entering or leaving the country here, as those expenses can vary so dramatically depending on your starting point.

Our Lodging Costs in Belize

Total: $534.48 for 12 nights, an average of $44.54/night..

We stayed in one private room in a hostel in Placencia for $54.50/night and a room at a budget hotel with air conditioning and an ensuite bathroom in San Ignacio for $34.58/night. 

Where We Stayed in Belize

Sailfish Resort — Our opinion of the Sailfish Resort is one of extremes.

The good: the property was well-kept, the staff very nice, the wifi excellent, and the resident puppy (Einstein) was adorable.

The bad: No a/c, the smallest room we’ve ever stayed in (and that’s saying something!), and shared bathrooms that required us to walk outside, down a flight of stairs, and to the back of the property to access them.

Not a lot of fun in the middle of the night, especially if it’s raining like during three of our nights there.

Our verdict? Just like Placencia, the Sailfish Resort was nice enough in some areas, but too expensive ($54.50/night USD for a private room) for what it was.

San Ignacio

Acropolis Maya Hotel — For the most part, The Acropolis Maya Hotel was exactly what we would expect of a budget hotel: clean but not luxurious and in a decent location.

The owner was friendly, and cleaning happened about once every other day.

The major downside?

A/C is NOT included in the price, despite being listed that way on Booking.com .

We were able to negotiate the cost down some due to the confusion, but it left a very bad taste in our mouth when we left.

Our Transporation Costs in Belize

Total: $37.00.

We only used two rounds of transportation while in Belize: a bus from Belize City (where we arrived from Mexico) to Placencia, and one from Placencia to San Ignacio.

We were able to walk everywhere that we needed to go to in both destinations, which was a bit of a relief for our Belize travel budget.

Our Restaurant Travel Budget for Belize

Total: $197.08.

Food was very pricey in both Placencia and San Ignacio, though slightly more so in Placencia.

We usually spent $15-20 for the two of us to eat a meal.

We did find some delicious street food near the outdoor market in San Ignacio, which offered much better value than traditional restaurants.

Since Belize has to import much of its food, the high prices aren’t much of a surprise in the grand scheme of things–but for backpackers traveling Belize on a budget like we were, food prices mark an immediate and obvious difference from traveling in Mexico and Guatemala!

Our Grocery Expenses in Belize

Total: $69.68.

Our grocery costs were mostly confined to Placencia, where the sticker shock drove us to try to avoid the restaurants.

Food was much more expensive than in the USA–think 2-3x the price for many items.

Including restaurant meals, $11.12/person/day of our Belize travel budget went to food.

Our Tour + Excursion Expenses in Belize

Total: $205.55.

Due to watching our travel budget for Belize carefully, we limited how many activities we took part in while there, and sadly, didn’t sample any of the incredible dive sites in Belize (we quickly made up ground once we got to Honduras, though, and we completed our Advanced Diver Certifications on Utila!).

We took exactly three tours/excursions: $10 to visit Cahal Pech , $18 to tour the Green Iguana Sanctuary in San Ignacio, and a whopping $177.55 for the ATM Cave tour.

The ATM tour was incredible and worth the price tag, but it also ranks as the most expensive single-day excursion we’ve done since starting our long-term backpacking trip more than 8 months ago.

San Ignacio, the jumping-off point to the ATM Cave, though, was absolutely our favorite stop in Belize.

When we eventually return, we’ll plan a longer stay there, and maybe check out ruins like Xunatunich as well.

Miscellaneous Belize Travel Budget Costs

Total: $41.50.

Luckily, a 12-day trip didn’t lead to many miscellaneous expenses.

$1.50 on Krazy Glue to repair my cell phone case and $40 on Belize exit taxes are all that fell into this category.

The Value of Traveling Belize on a Budget

One of the things that we try to keep in mind while writing budgets is not only numbers but value.

I wrote recently that one of my favorite things about our recent 6-week trip to Mexico was that it was not only affordable but that we got so much for our money.

On a similar note, cities like Paris may be more expensive than places like Bangkok , but the value Paris provides still makes it worth visiting (which is not to say Bangkok doesn’t also offer incredible value of its own!).

At this point in our lives, Belize didn’t strike the right balance of cost and value for us.

On a long-term trip like what we are on, we couldn’t bring ourselves to, for example, experience Belize’s diving, when Honduras’ much more affordable diving is just ahead in our future and our incredible experiences diving on Koh Tao are not very far in our past.

Outside of the diving (which is admittedly supposed to be legendary), we couldn’t find much that made Belize distinct enough to warrant budget backpackers spending oodles of time in one of Central America’s most expensive countries.

The Impact of Currency Exchange Rates On Our Belize Travel Budget

It’s worth noting that current exchange rates also impacted our trip to Belize costs.

The Belizean dollar is pegged to the USD at a 2:1 ratio.

While the USD currently being very strong is obviously something that we generally benefit from, it made the price contrast with Mexico (whose peso is at one of its lowest points against the USD in the last few years) very obvious.

Based on what we’ve seen tour companies advertising and people we have met on the road, it seems popular to visit Tikal in Guatemala as a 1-2 day trip from Belize–but I feel the opposite.

For a long-term traveler or someone who is on a budget, I’d argue that it’s better to focus your travels on Guatemala and take a 1-2 day trip to Belize to see the ATM cave!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

8 thoughts on “Belize on a Budget: What Does a Trip to Belize Cost?”

Thanks for the post (along with your other One’s about your time in Belize). I’m trying to decide where to take a trip in September, and Belize has always fascinated me. But your posts about it make me think maybe we will try somewhere else.

Man, that’s a tough call! I have a hard time saying not to go anywhere, but it definitely wasn’t our favorite place. We found Mexico’s beaches to be a much better value in the region–and we’re working on checking out Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama for comparisons as well! ;-)

Panama is good but Costa Rica is amazing.

Enjoyed reading about your trip to Belize. Please, what tour company did you use for the ATM Cave Tour? Thank you!

Hey Robert! I didn’t save the name of the company, but they were located next door to the Ko Ox Han-ah restaurant in San Ignacio, near the center of town but not on the pedestrian street reserved for tourists. We paid about 5 USD per person less there than the companies located in the pedestrian area.

• Pingback: Ambergris Caye: The Best Budget Paradise in Belize - Eternal Arrival

How on earth did you only spend $37 on transport?

Hey Ashlyn! It was pretty easy: we hardly used any transportation! We took chicken buses from Belize City to Placencia, and Placencia to San Ignacio. That was it! We walked everywhere else. As a rule, we don’t include our transportation into or out of a country in these budgets, because those expenses can vary so dramatically depending on where you’re coming from.

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9 top tips for visiting Belize on a budget

Dec 28, 2023 • 5 min read

It's possible to visit Belize on a budget – you just need to know how © Onne van der Wal / Getty Images

Beautiful Belize is becoming ever more popular as a vacation destination. Unfortunately, that popularity means it's more expensive than its Central American  neighbors.

But that doesn’t mean all the culture, cuisine and natural beauty Belize has to offer is beyond the reach of budget-conscious travelers. With the right amount of planning, insider advice, and an open mind, this diverse country can be yours to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Belize on a budget.

Daily costs in Belize

• Hostel room for two: $BZ110
• Basic en-suite room for two (shoulder season): Starting at BZ$180
• Public bus fare: BZ$10 to $40
• Coffee: BZ$6 (Americano)
• Sandwich: BZ$4
• Dinner for two: BZ$50
• A bottle of Belikin beer: BZ$2.50 at a store ($5 at a bar)
• Local mixed drinks: BZ$5 to $12
• Average daily cost: BZ$200 to $280

1. Visit during the shoulder season for affordable accommodation

When visiting Belize, accommodation is likely to take up the largest portion of your budget. Choosing the right time to travel can make a huge impact on how much – or how little – you spend. Whilst the low season (June to October) is the cheapest time to visit , there is a risk of hurricanes and heavy rainfall, so numerous tourist spots either close or run a limited operation.

Shoulder season is the ideal time to travel for cheaper prices – up to 50% less than the high season in some cases – without big crowds or heavy rains. The sweet spots fall right after the Easter break (late April or May) until early June, as well as late October to November before the holiday rush at Christmas.

2. Fly to Cancún first and then travel overland to Belize

Surprisingly, one of the cheapest ways to get to Belize from the US is by making a stop in Mexico first. Flying to Cancún  can cost up to BZ$500 less than flying directly to Belize, and travelers can then catch an overnight ADO bus to Belize City for around BZ$140.

The journey takes approximately eight hours and is cheap, convenient and pretty comfortable. While service was discontinued during the pandemic, the popular route started again in July 2023.

3. Seek out some lesser-known destinations

Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula may be among the best places to visit in Belize , but that also means they come at a high price. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives worthy of attention.

You’ll find quite a few budget and mid-range stays in San Ignacio Town and the surrounding Cayo District. Hotels like Midas Resort (starting at BZ$250) and Cahal Pech Village Resort (starting at BZ$195) are a lot cheaper than high-end resorts, especially during shoulder season. The area is also a great base for exploring caves, national parks and Maya sites. 

If you’re visiting Belize for its amazing beaches , consider staying on  Caye Caulker , the smaller of the country’s two northern islands – it's an affordable alternative to Ambergris Caye. Better yet, the Garifuna village at Hopkins has the best of both worlds with a side of immersive cultural experiences to go with glorious stretches of sand.

4. Delve into the Belize District to experience the country’s Afro-Caribbean culture

The often-overlooked  Belize District is one of the most budget-friendly and culturally rich areas in the country.

Head to the Belize River valley, where communities like Crooked Tree and Bermudian Landing offer everything from wildlife encounters to cooking lessons. These historic villages are also some of the best places to experience Belize’s Afro-Caribbean culture.

5. Seek out local restaurants and food trucks 

While the phrase might be a cliché, eating like a local will save you money in Belize. Mom-and-pop restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines from rice and beans, tamales and soups to stews, curries and traditional desserts. All can be bought for less than BZ$20. 

Cheap eats like panades (deep-fried cornflour crescents filled with fish or beans) and tostadas (tortillas) cost even less, while still being both delicious and filling. You might even find a few food trucks here and there, selling affordable eats like burgers and tacos.

6. If you have a shoestring budget, sip on local drinks 

Whether it’s happy hour or not, local alcoholic drinks are significantly cheaper than imported ones, and the options are surprisingly varied. For around BZ$4 at a bar, you can enjoy an ice-cold Belikin beer (which also comes in seasonal flavors), a rum and coke or a coconut rum and pineapple juice cocktail.

7. Take the scenic route

Using public transport  in Belize will greatly cut the cost of your trip while still affording you beautiful views. A water taxi ticket to Caye Caulker from Belize City costs BZ$75 roundtrip with a local operator like San Pedro Belize Express .

The journey is about 45 minutes and includes views of the open sea and tiny islands. Puddle-jumper flights, while quicker, cost more than three times as much.

Heading inland? Belize’s bus system covers all major highways, with the only caveat being that you’ll have to arrange a shuttle from the airport to the bus terminal if you’re flying in. Be sure to catch an express bus for the most comfortable trip. Fares range from BZ$10 to BZ$40.

8. National parks and protected areas offer cheap things to do

Belize is home to 17 national parks and more than 100 protected areas. Together they offer a wide range of activities for travelers, some of which can be accessed for as little as BZ$10. These include caving, hiking, birding, medicinal trails and snorkeling.

On the mainland, take a trip to  St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park (Belize’s other famous blue hole) for some hiking or head to St Herman’s Cave for a refreshing swim in a cenote. It’s found right off the Hummingbird Highway, accessible by public transport.

For a more budget-friendly Maya site, try Cahal Pech in San Ignacio Town. As well as being easy to get to, you can enjoy the site on your own. However, a local guide can be hired for as little as BZ$40.

To see Belize’s incredible marine biodiversity, a snorkeling tour of the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve is just BZ$80 per person .

9. Finally, don’t try to see it all in one go

Ditch the idea that you have to cover everything in one trip. Skip the stress of endless “must-do” lists and get to know your destination by fully immersing yourself in the vibe and culture of an area. This will help you spend less on things like internal transportation and tours.

This article was first published Jun 27, 2023 and updated Dec 28, 2023.

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Belize Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 8, 2024

Belize is one of Central America’s biggest tourist destinations and one of my favorite countries in the region. Backpacking around Belize was an amazing experience. It’s a small, easy-to-navigate country so you don’t need a lot of time to visit.

Yet there is a ton to see and do here as well.

The diving here is world-class. Belize’s barrier reef (the second largest reef in the world) draws in scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts from around the world. Explore Mayan ruins or relax on picturesque beaches. Trek through the jungles of the interior and bask in a vibrant, diverse culture.

And those with an interest in archaeology will find the Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Caracol fascinating — I certainly did!

I loved visiting Belize. It may not be the cheapest destination in Central America but it’s still quite affordable and is one of the easiest and more relaxing places to travel in the region.

This travel guide to Belize will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this idyllic destination.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Belize

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Top 5 things to see and do in belize.

1. Visit Altun Ha

Anyone even remotely interested in Mayan culture should make it a point to check out Altun Ha. This former Mayan trading center is located 19 miles (31 kilometers) outside of Belize City and attracts visitors not only for its ruins but for the wildlife in the region and the jungle ecosystem. The main attraction of the site is the Temple of the Masonry Altars, set in the Grand Plaza, dating back to the 7th century. The Temple is 54 feet (16 meters) tall and a climb to the top rewards you with a panoramic view of the pyramids and plaza below. You can purchase a licensed guide for 20 BZD outside the museum at the entrance. A half-day tour costs around 100 BZD and includes transportation, the entrance fee, a guide, and drinks. Admission is 10 BZD.

2. Explore the Cayes

There are hundreds of small islands off the coast of Belize, but the two most visited are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker . Ambergris is 35 miles (56 kilometers) east of Belize City and is the largest and the most expensive as it’s popular with families on resort-style holidays. You’ll want to spend some time exploring San Pedro Town, the major town on the island. Caye Caulker, on the other hand, is popular with backpackers. Both islands have incredible activities and you’ll have a hard time choosing which snorkel or diving trip, kayaking tour, swimming with sharks, or manatee-watching tour you want to do. Don’t miss the beautiful nature reserve on Caye Caulker, home to 170 species of birds as well as turtles, iguanas, snakes, and crocodiles. If you’re there in the summer, be sure to check out Lobsterfest for local music, beach parties, and all the incredible lobster dishes you can possibly eat.

3. See the Belize Zoo

One of the most popular attractions in Belize City is its zoo. With the tagline “the best little zoo in the world,” this 29-acre site is home to over 120 species of animals, all of which are native to the country. The zoo was started in 1983 and aligns with local wildlife conservation efforts to care for rescued, orphaned, or donated animals. Check in advance for special education days that include World Croc Day, National Tapir Day, and more. They also have guided tours by appointment and even accommodations on the premises. Their dorms start at around 80 BZD per person and camping starts at around 18 BZD. Admission to Belize Zoo is 30 BZD. Be sure to wear long pants, comfy footwear, and insect repellent, as the zoo is literally in the jungle.

4. Visit Xunantunich

Xunantunich is one of Belize’s most impressive and easily accessible Maya sites, known for its spectacular scenic location in the middle of the jungle. Archeologists date this site around 600 BCE (though the exact date is unknown). Xunantunich means “Maiden of the Rock,” which stems from its spooky legend of a dark, ghostly Mayan woman who was sighted climbing up and down the pyramid before disappearing. Getting here is an adventure — you take a hand-cranked cable ferry across the Mopan River, near the village of San Jose Succotz (don’t forget to tip the operator 2 BZD). The main El Castillo pyramid is 131 feet (40 meters) high, with ornate carvings on both the eastern and western sides. It’s a strenuous climb that’s well worth your efforts. Once you reach the top, you’re treated to stunning panoramic views of the landscape, including the Macal and Moral rivers. Expect to see lots of birds and butterflies, as well as incredible views from the temples and plazas. Admission is 10 BZD.

5. Wander the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Coming to Belize and not diving or snorkeling would be like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower or going to New York City and not wandering around Central Park. Hol Chan is the most well-known marine reserve in the country, made up of Ambergris Caye marine areas (including Belize’s Great Barrier Reef), coastal seagrass beds, as well as the Boca Chica and Cangrejo Shoals mangrove islands. The diving and snorkeling within the park are fantastic, with beautiful caves, coral, and plenty of tropical fish. Head to nearby Shark Ray Alley for the chance to get up close and personal with nurse sharks, sea turtles, and southern stingrays. Activity prices start at 180 BZD for half-day tours.

Other Things to See and Do in Belize

1. see the wildlife.

Much of Central America is a wildlife observer’s paradise, and Belize is no exception. Birdwatchers will enjoy Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary with its world-class spotting opportunities, while those interested in big cats can flock to the country’s most famous protected area, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can find jaguars. Another must-do is to check out Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, a 1070-acre protected natural area teeming with wildlife, from hundreds of bird species to pumas, tapirs, and more. Finally, the Green Iguana Project allows visitors to get an up-close-and-personal look at the endangered Green Iguana species..

2. Visit Bacab Adventure & Eco Park

Only 20 minutes outside Belize City, and with over 500 acres of lush jungle, here you’ll find hiking trails, waterways, wildlife (such as howler monkeys), a giant swimming pool with a waterfall. It’s part theme park and part nature reserve, and makes for an excellent getaway from Belize City. There are plenty of activities, from horseback safari, kayak tours, jungle biking, nature walks, swimming, bird watching, ruins tours, and more. It’s a fun place to visit with kids.

3. See Caracol

Caracol is a large Mayan site located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. This was once one of the most powerful cities of the Mayan era. Unlike Altun Ha, the ruins in Caracol are less restored and are located in a jungle setting, which adds to the ancient feeling of the site (which made them my favorite because I felt like Indiana Jones). The site is full of reservoirs, walls, and tombs, with the best attraction being the main temple (called the Canaã or Sky Place), a 143-foot (44-meter) tall building that offers incredible views and surprising acoustics. Admission is 15 BZD.

4. Explore Actun Tunichil Muknal

One of the most exhilarating, if not spooky, things to do in the country is the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave tour. The cave is home to the remains of victims of Mayan sacrifices and, after a brief hike and trek through the jungle, you’ll come face to face with their skeletons. The site was discovered in 1989 and has been popular with tourists ever since. It was one of my favorite activities in the country. Because it is so popular, tours have become a lot more restrictive on where you can walk and when you can go. Expect to pay around 225-250 BZD for an organized tour. Bring water shoes, a bathing suit, and clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.

5. Dive the Barrier Reef

This is the second-longest barrier reef in the world, stretching over 186 miles (300 kilometers) as part of a reef system that extends all the way up to the Yucatan Peninsula. The vibrant coral and magnificent marine life make up the country’s most popular tourist attraction. Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the reef within one of the many islands in the marine park or take a boat tour further out. In 1996, the reef was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Blue Hole is the most common reason people visit the barrier reef. This incredibly striking underwater sinkhole is known for its crystalline waters, coral, fish, and stalactite-filled caves, stretching hundreds of feet below. Other must-do activities include snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swimming with whale sharks at the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes, and exploring Half Moon Caye.

6. See St. John’s Cathedral

Located in downtown Belize City, St. John’s Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in South America (and the oldest standing structure in the country). Built from red bricks that were brought aboard English sailing ships in the 1800s, this is an awesome piece of history to check out. The original church became a cathedral in 1891, and the neighboring cemetery was actually built during the colonial era using slave labor.

7. Visit Orange Walk

The Orange Walk area of Belize has a diverse range of locals, from Creoles to Mennonites. Often dubbed “Sugar City” because of its abundance of sugar cane, the town of Orange Walk is an ideal location for exploring the Altun Ha and Lamanai and a variety of nature parks and is often used as a stop on the way to Mexico . However, honestly, there’s not much in town, and I wouldn’t suggest spending more than a few days here before moving on; it’s more of a layover stop than anything.

8. Explore Placencia

Placencia is the ideal location for divers, snorkelers, and those who wish to explore the Mayan ruins in the south of the country. It’s also an increasingly popular destination for tourists and expats. The town still has a laid-back Caribbean vibe and life here centers around the narrow main street where you will find most bars and restaurants. Located at the end of Placencia’s bustling boardwalk, Placencia Beach is brimming with shops and eateries. I loved my stay here and ended up staying an extra week.

For more information on specific cities in Belize, check out these guides:

• Caye Caulker Travel Guide
• Orange Walk Travel Guide
• Placencia Travel Guide
• San Ignacio Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Belize

Belize is a safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime against travelers is very rare. It’s one of the safest countries in the region.

Petty theft (including bag snatching) is one of the most common types of crime in Belize so always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe. It’s a good idea to store major valuables and large amounts of cash in a hotel safe or other secure location when you’re out exploring for the day. And, be extra-vigilant when visiting ATMs or banks.

I would avoid Belize City as much as possible. If you have to spend a night there, avoid wandering too far from the main tourist part of town. While the country as a whole is safe, Belize City is not, especially at night. I would be extra vigilant here.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators. They are rare, but they can happen.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific tips, visit one of the many solo female travel blogs out there. They’ll be able to provide more detailed advice.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance. Keep in mind that Belize City has the two best major hospitals in the country should you need medical attention.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Belize, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

Always trust your gut instinct and be sure to make copies of your passport and important documents.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Where to Stay in Belize

There aren’t a ton of hostels in Belize so make sure you book early to secure your spot. Here are my suggested places to stay in Belize:

• Sophie’s Guest Rooms (Caye Caulker)
• Sea Dreams Hotel (Caye Caulker)
• D’s Hostel (San Ignacio)
• The Old House Hostel (San Ignacio)
• Marissa Guest House (San Ignacio)
• The Royal Rat (Placencia)
• Alux House (Placencia)
• Casa Ricky’s (Orange Walk)

Belize Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorms – 20-50 BZD
• Hostel private rooms – 70-100 BZD
• Budget hotels – 140 BZD
• Airbnb private rooms – 40 BZD
• Airbnb apartments – 200 BZD
• Campsite – 18 BZD
• Street stalls – 5 BZD
• Casual restaurant – 13 BZD
• Sit-down restaurants – 50-100 BZD
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15 BZD
• Beer – 4-5 BZD
• Cappuccino/latte – 8 BZD
• Bottled water – 1.5 BZD
• Groceries for a week – 80 BZD

Belize Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 80 bzd per day.

On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, eating street food, using local buses to get around, and doing the occasional cheap activities.

Midrange – 180 BZD Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you’ll get a budget hotel/private hostel room/Airbnb, be able to dine out on all your meals, drink more, do more intercity travel, take the occasional taxi, and enjoy any tours you want within reason.

Upscale – 325 BZD Per Day

On a luxury budget of 325 BZD or more, well the sky is the limit and there’s nothing you really can’t do. This amount of money will get you anything you want!

Belize Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Belize can be a very expensive country and costs here can add up super quickly if you aren’t careful. It’s one of the more expensive countries in the region (though the islands are more expensive than the interior towns). To help you save money, here are a few budget tips for Belize:

• Travel off-peak – The most expensive time to visit is between October and April. By traveling in the off-season, you can significantly reduce prices for accommodation and flights.
• Hitchhike – It’s a common custom among the locals to simply hitchhike everywhere they need to go. You see old ladies, children, and families on the side of the road looking for a ride. It’s just what they do. My friends and I met great people thumbing it across the country without spending any money at all.
• Use public transportation – Aside from hitchhiking, the most cost-effective way to get around Belize is by using public transportation. The country’s bus system covers all major highways and cities. See the How to Get Around section for more information.
• Combine excursions – Many tour operators offer trips that combine popular excursions. These are a good way to save on transfers to each tourist destination as well as possibly get dropped off at your next destination.
• Embrace happy hour – Most bars have a happy hour in the late afternoon and offer cheap drinks. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for suggestions on where to go for the latest deals.
• Bring your own food – Because many day trips and excursions charge extra for lunch, bring your own food and save money. There’s tons of grocery stores that sell things to make sandwiches with.
• Eat local – Rather than dining in restaurants in touristy areas, seek out neighborhood joints for more affordable prices. Better yet, fuel up on street food from vendors. This is almost always the cheapest option.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can share insider tips and advice. There aren’t a ton of hosts here however so send your requests early.
• Pack a water bottle – The tap water can be hit or miss here so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter. Not only will you save money but you’ll reduce your single-use plastic usage as well. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw since it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

How to Get Around in Belize

Public transportation – A lot of the destinations within Belize are pretty walkable once you get there. There really isn’t any public transportation as the towns and villages are too small (and easily walkable). Some of the larger cities, like Belize City, have small bus networks.

The best way to get around the smaller places is to rent a bike. They cost around 25 BZD per day in many places and are a great way to explore.

Bus – Buses are the cheapest travel option to travel across the country, with fares costing between 5-25 BZD (depending on the distance traveled). For example, a bus from Belize City to Orange Walk takes 1.5 hours and costs 10 BZD. A five-hour bus to Placencia from Belize City costs about 20 BZD.

Most of the buses are old school buses that take locals and visitors between cities and all around the country. There’s no real nationwide company and schedules change frequently. Your best bet is to ask someone at your accommodation for the updated bus schedule or just show up at the bus terminal and go from there.

You can also refer to belizebus.wordpress.com. It’s not a professional website, but it’s updated frequently and it is dependable.

Flying – There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. These small planes take you between Caye Caulker, Placencia, Corozal, and Ambergris Caye. Flights aren’t cheap though. Belize City to Caye Caulker is 200-300 BZD round-trip, while Belize City to Placencia is about 250-550 BZD, depending on the season. You should only fly here if you’re really pressed for time.

Car Rental – If you want a lot of flexibility to get around Belize, a car rental is a great idea. Rentals are around 90-150 BZD per day. Drivers usually need to be 25 and have an IDP (International Driving Permit). Drivers under 25 might be able to rent a car though there may be extra fees.

To find the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Ferry – You can take ferries and water taxis to the islands (cayes) from Belize City with either San Pedro Belize Express or Ocean Ferry Belize (about a 1.5-hour journey). Belize City to Caye Caulker starts from 42 BZD one-way, while Belize City to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) starts from 62 BZD one-way. Between San Pedro and Caye Caulker, it’s from 42 BZD one-way.

A ferry also runs between Corozal, Sarteneja, and San Pedro. Another route runs between Placencia and Independence, while frequent water taxis run between Dangriga and the Central Cayes. You don’t need to book your ferry or water taxi in advance. Just show up at the ferry terminal and you’ll be good to go.

Hitchhiking – Belize actually relies a lot on hitchhiking. The buses can be late or sporadic and are sometimes already full when they arrive. Most people here don’t have cars because they are so expensive. My friends and I hitchhiked throughout the country and saw lots of locals doing it too. HitchWiki has a lot of information on hitchhiking in Belize.

When to Go to Belize

The best time to visit Belize is from the end of November to mid-April. This is the country’s dry season and, although it’s peak season, Belize never really gets too crowded. It’s warm and tropical with clear skies, and you’ll have no trouble visiting the country’s best attractions.

The water is also clearest during this time for diving, and temperatures average around 80°F (27°C) each day.

From the end of April to May, humidity intensifies and temperatures increase to an average of 87°F (31°C) each day.

The rainy season is the low season and it lasts from September to October. Many businesses are shut down during this time so keep that in mind as you plan.

For the cheapest prices, consider visiting in June or July. This is when hotel prices tend to be at their lowest. November and May are good months to visit for those who want to avoid crowds as much as possible. Otherwise, you can’t beat the dry season for its sunny skies and pleasant temperatures.

Belize Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Belize Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Belize travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Belize Safe to Visit?

How to Get Around Central America on a Budget

Central America Travel Guide

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How to Explore Belize on a Budget: Expert Tips & Tricks

Dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes and rich culture of Belize? Worried about breaking the bank? In this post, we’ll show you how to make your dream trip to Belize not only affordable but also incredibly enjoyable.

Belize is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers, offering a plethora of exciting experiences without compromising on beauty or adventure. From pristine beaches and lush rainforests to ancient Mayan ruins and vibrant local markets, Belize has it all.

But what about the costs? Don’t fret! We’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to keep your expenses in check while still immersing yourself in everything this incredible country has to offer.

So, if you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Belize without emptying your wallet, buckle up and get ready for some budget-friendly exploration!

Table of Contents

How to Visit Belize on a Budget

Insider tips for an affordable trip.

Planning a trip to Belize doesn’t have to break the bank. By following some insider tips, you can experience all that this beautiful country has to offer without emptying your wallet.

Here are some key strategies to help you save money and make the most of your time in Belize:

• Travel during the off-peak season : Consider visiting Belize during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) when prices tend to be lower, and there are fewer crowds. This way, you can enjoy discounted rates on accommodations and activities.
• Stay in budget-friendly accommodations : Look for guesthouses, hostels, or small locally-owned hotels instead of luxury resorts. These options often provide comfortable stays at more affordable prices, allowing you to stretch your budget further.
• Eat like a local : Explore local food markets and street stalls where you can find delicious and inexpensive meals. Embrace the flavors of Belizean cuisine by trying traditional dishes such as rice and beans, tamales, or fry jacks.
• Opt for public transportation : Instead of renting a car or relying solely on taxis, consider using public transportation options like buses or shared shuttles. They are not only cost-effective but also give you an opportunity to interact with locals.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Explore

Belize is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Don’t worry about missing out on these experiences due to budget constraints! Here’s how you can explore the hidden gems of Belize without breaking the bank:

• Visit national parks and reserves : Belize boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves that offer breathtaking landscapes and incredible biodiversity. Many of these protected areas have low entrance fees or even free admission days.
• Take advantage of free activities : Enjoy the pristine beaches along the coastlines without spending a dime! Snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing are all free activities you can indulge in. Hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities abound, allowing you to connect with nature at no cost.
• Join local tours or group activities : Instead of hiring a private guide for every excursion, consider joining group tours or activities organized by local operators. This way, you can share the costs with other travelers while still having an enriching experience.

Stretching Your Dollar in Belize

To make the most of your budget while visiting Belize, keep these additional tips in mind:

• Plan ahead : Research and plan your itinerary in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts on accommodations and transportation.
• Stay hydrated with tap water : Belize has safe drinking water from the tap in most areas. Fill up a reusable bottle to save money on buying bottled water throughout your trip.
• Look for package deals : Many tour operators offer discounted packages that include accommodation, meals, and activities bundled together. These can often provide significant savings compared to booking everything separately.
• Engage with locals : Get insider recommendations from locals on affordable places to eat, lesser-known attractions, or hidden spots worth exploring.

By implementing these strategies and being mindful of your spending habits, you can have an incredible adventure in Belize without blowing your budget!

Cost of Traveling in Belize: A Comprehensive Guide

Insights into the overall cost of traveling in belize.

Traveling to Belize can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to plan your budget accordingly. Let’s dive into the cost of traveling in this beautiful country and gain some insights that will help you manage your expenses effectively.

Average expenses when visiting different regions of Belize

It’s essential to consider the average expenses you can expect. Here is a breakdown of common expenses in various parts of the country:

• Accommodation : The cost of accommodation varies depending on where you stay. In popular tourist areas like Ambergris Caye or Placencia, prices tend to be higher compared to less crowded destinations like Cayo or Hopkins.
• Food : Eating out at restaurants can be quite expensive, especially in touristy areas. However, if you’re on a budget, you can find affordable local eateries or street food vendors that offer delicious meals at lower prices.
• Transportation : Getting around Belize can be done through various means such as buses, taxis, or renting a car. Buses are the cheapest option while taxis and car rentals provide more convenience but come at a higher cost.
• Activities : Belize offers a wide range of activities for travelers including snorkeling, diving, exploring ancient ruins, and wildlife spotting tours. These activities often come with a price tag, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.

Managing your budget effectively

To make the most out of your trip without overspending, here are some tips about traveling the Caribbean for cheap that will help you managing your budget effectively:

• Plan ahead : Research and create an itinerary before your trip so that you have an idea about the costs involved for each activity and region.
• Consider off-peak seasons : Traveling during off-peak seasons can save you money on accommodation and activities as prices tend to be lower.
• Opt for local transportation : Instead of relying solely on taxis or car rentals, consider using public buses or shared shuttles to get around. This can significantly reduce your transportation expenses.
• Eat like a local : While it’s nice to indulge in fancy restaurants occasionally, try exploring the local food scene where you can find authentic meals at more affordable prices.

Cost-saving strategies for exploring Belize

Exploring Belize on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on the best experiences. Here are some cost-saving strategies that can help you make the most of your trip:

• Choose budget-friendly accommodations : Look for guesthouses, hostels, or budget hotels that offer comfortable stays at a fraction of the price compared to luxury resorts.
• Take advantage of free activities : Belize is known for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of free activities to enjoy such as hiking trails, beachcombing, and swimming in natural pools or waterfalls.
• Book tours and activities locally : Instead of booking tours through travel agencies beforehand, consider booking them locally once you arrive in Belize. You may be able to negotiate better deals and save some money.

By following these tips and being mindful of your spending, you can have an amazing time exploring Belize without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance between enjoying yourself and managing your finances wisely.

Affordable Accommodation Options in Belize

If you’re planning a trip to Belize on a budget, finding affordable accommodation is key. Luckily, there are plenty of options available that won’t break the bank.

Let’s explore some of the best budget-friendly accommodation choices throughout Belize.

Charming Guesthouses and Hostels

One option for affordable lodging in Belize is staying at charming guesthouses or hostels.

These accommodations often offer shared dormitory-style rooms or private rooms at a fraction of the cost compared to resorts or hotels.

• Cost-effective : Guesthouses and hostels are generally more budget-friendly than traditional hotels.
• Social atmosphere : Staying in a hostel allows you to meet fellow travelers from around the world, making it a great choice for solo adventurers or those looking to make new friends.
• Shared facilities : Many guesthouses and hostels provide communal kitchens, which can help you save money on dining out.
• Less privacy : Sharing a room with other travelers means sacrificing some privacy compared to staying in a hotel.
• Limited amenities : While guesthouses and hostels offer basic amenities, they may not have all the luxuries you would find in higher-end accommodations.

Affordable Hotels

Another option for budget-conscious travelers is staying at affordable hotels.

These establishments offer comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, making them ideal for those seeking value without compromising comfort.

• Cost-effective : Affordable hotels provide comfortable accommodations at lower rates than luxury resorts.
• Amenities : Despite being more budget-friendly, these hotels often offer essential amenities like WiFi, air conditioning, and private bathrooms.
• Convenient locations : Many affordable hotels are situated near popular tourist attractions and transportation hubs.
• Limited services : Some budget-friendly hotels may not have additional services such as spas or restaurants within their premises.
• Availability : During peak travel seasons, affordable hotels can fill up quickly, so it’s essential to book in advance.

Alternative Lodging Options

If you’re looking for a truly economical experience, consider alternative lodging options in Belize. These options include camping or staying with locals through platforms like Couchsurfing or Airbnb .

• Cost savings : Camping or staying with locals can be significantly cheaper than traditional accommodations.
• Authentic experiences : Staying with locals allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain unique insights into the destination.
• Flexibility : Camping gives you the freedom to explore different areas of Belize without being tied to a specific location.
• Limited amenities : Camping may lack certain amenities like WiFi or electricity, depending on the location.
• Availability : Not all areas of Belize offer camping facilities or local hosts, so it’s important to research and plan accordingly.

Strategic Booking for Maximum Savings

To make the most of your budget when booking accommodation in Belize, consider these strategies:

• Off-peak travel : Traveling during non-peak seasons can result in lower rates for accommodations.
• Flexible dates : Being flexible with your travel dates allows you to take advantage of any discounted rates or promotions.
• Comparison websites : Utilize online platforms that compare prices across multiple booking sites to find the best deals.
• Negotiation : In some cases, negotiating directly with accommodation providers can lead to better rates, especially for longer stays.

By exploring various affordable accommodation options throughout Belize and strategically booking your stay, you can enjoy a memorable trip without breaking the bank.

Budget-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Belize

If you’re planning a trip to Belize on a budget, don’t worry! There are plenty of exciting activities and attractions that won’t strain your wallet.

From thrilling adventures to cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone without spending too much money.

Uncover Exciting Activities in Belize

Belize has got you covered. You can experience the thrill of snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea or explore the vibrant marine life at popular spots like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. These activities offer an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.

Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Belize offers several stunning trails that are both affordable and breathtaking.

Explore Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the “Jaguar Preserve,” where you can hike through lush rainforests and spot exotic wildlife.

Another must-visit is the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, where you can embark on an adventurous journey through underground rivers and ancient Mayan artifacts.

Discover Low-Cost Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in local traditions and culture without spending much money by exploring free or low-cost cultural experiences in Belize.

Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a grassroots conservation effort that protects howler monkeys while offering visitors an opportunity to learn about these fascinating creatures for a small fee.

For history buffs, exploring ancient ruins is a must-do activity in Belize. The Mayan archaeological site of Xunantunich is not only awe-inspiring but also affordable to visit. Climb to the top of El Castillo pyramid for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle—a sight worth every penny.

Take Advantage of Discounted Tours

To make your budget stretch further, look out for discounted tours or group activities that offer great value for money. Many tour operators provide package deals or discounts when booking multiple activities together.

For example, you can combine a visit to the Belize Zoo with a trip to one of the nearby national parks for an immersive wildlife experience at a discounted rate.

If you’re traveling with a group, consider booking group tours or activities that often come with reduced prices. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have the chance to meet other like-minded travelers and make new friends along the way.

Exploring the Cayes of Belize on a Budget

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, then Belize’s cayes are calling your name. And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to explore these stunning islands.

Let’s dive into some budget-friendly ways to experience the beauty of Belize’s popular cayes like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.

Affordable Ways to Visit Popular Cayes

Visiting Belize’s cayes doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some tips for exploring these beautiful islands without emptying your wallet:

• Opt for affordable accommodations:  Look for budget-friendly guesthouses or hostels on the cayes. These options often provide comfortable stays at a fraction of the cost compared to luxury resorts.
• Take advantage of local transportation:  Instead of hiring private boats or planes, hop on public water taxis or ferries to reach the cayes. This is not only a more affordable option but also allows you to enjoy scenic views during your journey.
• Consider island hopping day trips:  Rather than staying overnight on each caye, plan day trips from one central location. This way, you can explore multiple islands while saving on accommodation costs.

Budget-Friendly Water Activities

There are plenty of budget-friendly options that allow you to make the most of your time without breaking the bank:

• Snorkeling:  The Belize Barrier Reef is a snorkeler’s paradise! Grab your mask and fins and discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures.
• Kayaking:  Rent a kayak and paddle along the crystal-clear waters surrounding the cayes. Explore hidden mangrove forests and enjoy breathtaking views as you navigate through calm lagoons.
• Relaxing on the beach:  Sometimes, the best things in life are free. Grab a beach towel, find a shady spot under a palm tree, and simply relax on the pristine beaches of the cayes. Enjoy the warm sun, gentle breeze, and the sound of waves crashing nearby.

Island Life on a Budget

Living the island life doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s how you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Belize’s cayes while keeping your expenses in check:

• Eat like a local:  Skip fancy restaurants and opt for local street food or small eateries where you can savor delicious Belizean cuisine without breaking your budget.
• Rent a golf cart:  Exploring the cayes by golf cart is not only fun but also an affordable way to get around. Renting a golf cart allows you to explore every nook and cranny of the islands at your own pace.
• Take advantage of free activities:  Many cayes offer free or low-cost activities such as hiking trails, wildlife spotting, or visiting natural attractions like caves or secluded beaches. Take advantage of these opportunities to experience Belize’s natural beauty without spending a fortune.

So there you have it – exploring the Cayes of Belize on a budget is absolutely possible! From snorkeling in turquoise waters to relaxing on white sandy beaches, there are plenty of affordable ways to make unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

Cost of Food in Belize: General Travel Expenses and Food Costs

In order to plan your trip to Belize on a budget, it’s essential to understand the average cost of food in the country. Your food expenses can have a significant impact on your overall travel budget, so it’s important to find affordable dining options that still offer delicious meals.

Explore Local Cuisine and Affordable Dining Options

When visiting Belize, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a rich and diverse culinary scene. From traditional dishes like rice and beans to fresh seafood delicacies, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. The key is to find affordable dining options that won’t break the bank.

One great way to experience local flavors without spending a fortune is by trying out street food vendors. These vendors offer tasty treats at reasonable prices, allowing you to sample authentic Belizean cuisine while staying within your budget. Whether it’s savory tacos or flavorful pupusas, you’ll find an array of mouthwatering options from these street food stalls.

Another option for budget-friendly meals is exploring local markets. Here, you can find fresh produce, spices, and ingredients at lower prices compared to restaurants or grocery stores.

You can even buy groceries and cook your own meals if you have access to a kitchenette or shared cooking facilities at your accommodation.

Tips for Saving Money on Meals

While indulging in delicious meals is part of any vacation experience, there are ways to save money without sacrificing flavor. Here are some tips for saving money on meals during your visit:

• Embrace local eateries : Look for small family-owned restaurants or “mom-and-pop” shops that often offer more affordable prices compared to larger establishments catering primarily to tourists.
• Opt for lunch specials : Many restaurants in Belize offer lunch specials that provide generous portions at discounted prices.
• Share meals : If dining with friends or family, consider sharing larger portions to reduce costs.
• Stay hydrated : Instead of spending money on expensive drinks at restaurants, carry a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day.
• Pack snacks : Bring along some snacks like granola bars or fruit to keep you fueled between meals and avoid unnecessary expenses.

By implementing these tips, you can enjoy the diverse culinary scene in Belize while keeping your food expenses in check. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance between exploring local cuisine and sticking to your budget.

Transportation Tips for Traveling on a Budget in Belize

Navigating transportation options in Belize can be an adventure in itself, especially when you’re trying to stay within your budget. I’ve got some practical advice that will help you get around without breaking the bank.

Affordable Ways to Get Around

There are several affordable options at your disposal. Here are some of the best ways to travel on a budget:

• Public Buses : Public buses are a popular and inexpensive mode of transportation in Belize. They connect major towns and cities, making it easy for travelers to explore different regions without spending a fortune.
• Shared Shuttles : Another cost-effective option is shared shuttles. These vans or minibusses operate on set routes and pick up passengers along the way. Sharing the ride with fellow travelers helps split the cost, making it an economical choice.
• Renting Bicycles : If you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore at your own pace, renting bicycles is a fantastic option. It’s not only budget-friendly but also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the scenic beauty of Belize.

Insider Tips for Negotiating Fares

When using taxis or other private transportation services, it’s essential to know how to negotiate fares effectively. Here are some insider tips that will help you save money:

• Research Average Fares : Before hopping into a taxi, do some research on average fares for your destination. This knowledge will give you an idea of what’s reasonable and prevent overcharging.
• Negotiate Upfront : When negotiating with taxi drivers, try to agree on a price upfront rather than relying on meters. This way, there won’t be any surprises when it comes time to pay.
• Share Rides : If you’re traveling with fellow adventurers heading in the same direction, consider sharing a taxi. Splitting the fare among multiple passengers will significantly reduce your transportation costs.

​ Strategic Itinerary Planning

Planning your itinerary strategically can also help minimize travel expenses between destinations. Here’s how you can do it:

• Group Destinations : Try to visit places that are close to each other in proximity. This way, you can save on transportation costs by minimizing the distance traveled.
• Consider Public Transportation : Utilize public buses or water taxis for longer journeys instead of opting for expensive flights or rental cars. Not only will this save you money, but it will also give you a chance to experience the local way of traveling.
• Stay Longer at Each Location : Instead of constantly moving from one place to another, consider staying longer at each destination. This not only allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture but also reduces transportation costs.

By following these traveling tips and tricks, you can explore Belize on a budget without compromising on your travel experience. 

Whether it’s hopping on a public bus, negotiating taxi fares like a pro, or strategically planning your itinerary, there are plenty of ways to save money while getting around this beautiful country.

Making the Most of Belize on a Budget

Congratulations! You now have all the tools you need to make the most of your trip to Belize without breaking the bank.

From budget-friendly accommodation options to affordable activities and attractions, we’ve covered it all. By following our tips and advice, you can experience the beauty and adventure of Belize while staying within your budget.

Now that you know how to visit Belize on a budget, it’s time to start planning your adventure! Don’t let financial constraints hold you back from exploring this tropical paradise. With careful planning and a little creativity, you can enjoy everything Belize has to offer without emptying your wallet.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Belize!

FAQs for Belize on a Budget

Can i travel to belize on a tight budget.

Absolutely! Belize offers plenty of opportunities for budget travelers. By opting for affordable accommodation options, choosing budget-friendly activities and attractions, and being mindful of your expenses, you can explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank.

What are some affordable activities in Belize?

Belize is rich in natural wonders that won’t cost you a fortune. You can go snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Blue Hole or explore ancient Mayan ruins like Xunantunich or Altun Ha. Hiking through lush rainforests or visiting wildlife sanctuaries are great ways to experience Belize’s natural beauty at an affordable price.

Are there any cheap transportation options in Belize?

Yes! Public buses are a cost-effective way to get around in Belize. They connect major towns and cities at reasonable prices. Alternatively, you can also consider renting a bike or walking if you’re exploring smaller areas.

Can I find affordable food options in Belize?

Certainly! Look out for local eateries where you can savor delicious traditional dishes at reasonable prices. Street food stalls and local markets are also great options to experience the local cuisine without breaking your budget.

Is it safe to travel on a budget in Belize?

Like any other destination, it’s important to take precautions while traveling on a budget in Belize. Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep your belongings secure. By practicing common sense and being cautious, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip within your budget.

What is the best time to visit Belize on a budget?

The best time to visit Belize on a budget is during the low season, which runs from May to November, where you’ll find lower prices on accommodation, tours, and flights.

What are the most budget-friendly activities in Belize?

S ome budget-friendly activities include hiking in national parks, enjoying the public beaches, exploring the Mayan ruins, and snorkeling in less touristy areas.

How can I save on accommodation in Belize?

Consider staying in budget hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb listings. Also, traveling during the low season can secure lower accommodation prices.

Is street food safe and budget-friendly in Belize?

Street food is generally safe and significantly cheaper compared to dining in restaurants. It’s also a good way to experience local Belizean cuisine.

Are there any free attractions or activities?

Yes, there are free or low-cost activities like hiking, exploring towns and villages, and enjoying public beaches.

Is public transportation in Belize budget-friendly?

Yes, public buses and shared vans are the most budget-friendly transportation options in Belize.

Look for group tours or discounts offered for booking multiple excursions with the same company. Alternatively, exploring independently were  safe and permissible can also save money.

Are there any budget-friendly islands in Belize?

Caye Caulker is known for being more budget-friendly compared to other islands like Ambergris Caye.

How much daily budget should I anticipate?

This largely depends on your personal spending habits, but a daily budget of $50 – $70 USD could cover basic accommodation, food, and some activities.

Is it safe to travel around Belize on a budget?

Yes, it is safe, but like with any travel, it’s essential to exercise common sense, stay informed, and take standard safety precautions.

Can I volunteer in exchange for food or accommodation?

Yes, some organizations and hostels offer volunteer opportunities in exchange for food or accommodation.

Is bargaining acceptable in markets or with street vendors?

Bargaining can be acceptable, especially in markets. It’s a good way to get a better deal and interact with local vendors.

Are there any discount cards or passes for attractions in Belize?

While there may not be a universal discount card, individual attractions or tour operators may offer their own discounts or loyalty programs.

Can I use US dollars in Belize?

Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, and the exchange rate is generally fixed at 2 Belizean dollars for 1 US dollar.

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Belize Travel Guide on a Budget

adidaswilson

Updated on: September 9, 2023

Belize, a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, is a haven for budget travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty. With its rich Mayan history, vibrant culture, lush rainforests, and stunning barrier reef, Belize offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors on a budget. This comprehensive travel guide will provide you with essential tips and recommendations for exploring Belize without breaking the bank.

I. Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Belize is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, you can enjoy more pleasant weather conditions, making it easier to explore the country’s diverse landscapes. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (May and October) can help you avoid crowds and secure better deals on accommodations and activities.

Visa Requirements

Citizens from most countries can enter Belize without a visa for stays up to 30 days. However, it’s always best to check with the Belizean consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date visa requirements.

Currency and Exchange Rates

The official currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). US dollars are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some local currency as well. Be sure to monitor exchange rates before your trip and use ATMs to withdraw local currency. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash when visiting rural areas.

II. Getting Around

Transportation Options

The most common and affordable mode of transportation in Belize is the public bus system, which connects all major towns and cities. For shorter distances, taxis or shared taxis (colectivos) are also available, but be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in to avoid overpaying.

Car Rentals

Renting a car can provide more flexibility and comfort, allowing you to explore the country at your own pace. However, it’s important to consider additional costs such as fuel, insurance, and parking when planning your budget. Be prepared for challenging driving conditions, including poorly maintained roads and aggressive drivers.

III. Top Budget Destinations

Belize City

The largest city in Belize, Belize City offers a mix of historical and cultural attractions for budget travelers. Affordable accommodations can be found in the city center or in the surrounding neighborhoods. Must-see attractions include the Museum of Belize, St. John’s Cathedral, and the Belize Zoo.

Budget Tip: Many of Belize City’s museums and cultural institutions offer free or discounted admission on specific days or hours. Check their websites for up-to-date information.

San Ignacio

The charming town of San Ignacio is the gateway to the famous Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, as well as the stunning Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave. Budget accommodations are available in the town center, and there are numerous affordable eateries serving local cuisine.

Budget Tip: Save on entrance fees by purchasing a combined ticket for the Xunantunich and Cahal Pech archaeological sites.

Placencia is a laid-back beach town located on the Placencia Peninsula, offering beautiful beaches and access to nearby natural attractions. Budget accommodations can be found in the town center or near the beach. In addition to relaxing on the beach, don’t miss the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a jaguar reserve offering hiking trails and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Budget Tip: Use Placencia as a base to explore the surrounding natural attractions, such as the Monkey River and the Scarlet Macaw Reserve, which offer low-cost activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, the largest

island in Belize, is a popular destination for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Although the island is known for its luxury resorts, budget accommodations can be found in areas like San Pedro Town and Caye Caulker. Besides diving and snorkeling, other affordable activities include beach hopping, exploring the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and visiting the Secret Beach.

Budget Tip: If you’re planning on diving or snorkeling, look for package deals that include multiple dives or excursions to save money.

IV. Budget Accommodations

Hostels are a popular budget accommodation option in Belize. They typically offer dormitory-style rooms, shared bathrooms, and communal spaces where you can meet fellow travelers. Many hostels also provide free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and access to a shared kitchen. In larger towns and tourist destinations, you’ll find a variety of hostels catering to different preferences and budgets.

Guesthouses and Budget Hotels

Guesthouses and budget hotels are another option for travelers looking for a more private and comfortable stay at an affordable price. These accommodations usually offer basic amenities such as private bathrooms, air conditioning, and sometimes a complimentary breakfast. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before booking.

Homestays and Airbnb

Homestays and Airbnb rentals provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy a more authentic travel experience. They can also be cost-effective, especially if you’re traveling in a group or planning to stay in one place for an extended period. Be sure to communicate with your host before booking to clarify any expectations and ensure a smooth stay.

V. Eating on a Budget

Street Food and Markets

Belize is famous for its delicious street food, such as fry jacks, which are deep-fried dough filled with various ingredients like beans, cheese, or meat. These tasty treats are not only affordable but also give you a taste of the local flavors. Additionally, visiting local markets allows you to buy fresh produce and other ingredients to prepare your own meals, saving you money on dining out.

Local Eateries and Food Stalls

Local eateries and food stalls can be found throughout Belize, offering affordable and filling meals. These establishments usually serve traditional Belizean dishes, such as rice and beans, stewed chicken, and salbutes (fried corn tortillas with toppings). Look for places frequented by locals to ensure good quality and reasonable prices.

Set Menus (Menú del Día)

Many restaurants in Belize offer a fixed-price daily menu called “Menú del Día,” which typically includes a soup, main course, dessert, and a drink. These set menus can be a great way to enjoy a full meal at a lower price.

VI. Saving on Activities

Free Walking Tours

Some cities in Belize offer free walking tours led by local guides. These tours are an excellent way to get acquainted with the city and its history while sticking to your budget. Remember that while the tours are free, it’s customary to tip the guide at the end.

Outdoor Activities

Belize offers plenty of free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking, snorkeling, and birdwatching. Take advantage of the country’s stunning landscapes to enjoy these activities without spending a fortune.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Many museums and cultural institutions in Belize offer free or discounted admission on specific days or hours. Research the attractions you’re interested in visiting and plan your itinerary accordingly to take advantage of these offers.

With a bit of planning and creativity, discovering Belize on a budget is possible and rewarding. This comprehensive travel guide has provided you with valuable tips on transportation, accommodations, food, and activities to help you make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. By immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring the country’s natural beauty, you’ll create lasting memories and discover the unique charm of Belize. Whether you’re wandering the streets of Belize City, exploring ancient Mayan ruins in San Ignacio, relaxing on the beaches of Placencia, or diving into the turquoise waters of Ambergris Caye, Belize offers a wealth of experiences that cater to budget-conscious travelers.

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Lists by Lukiih 🍀

Practical travel guides with less fluff

• 💰 Trip to Belize Cost: My Budget Breakdown (2024)

Is It Affordable? About My Trip Total Cost

Budget Breakdown

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Entertainment

Breakdown by Destination Do You Need Cash?

Lists By Lukiih is readers-supported. When you buy with my affiliate link, I may earn a small commission. Thanks!

Is Belize Affordable To Travel To?

Although Belize is an affordable destination worldwide, it is the  second-most expensive country   to visit in Central America.

• Transportation costs between the mainland and the islands add up.
• Budget accommodations are limited.
• Many popular natural attractions require guided tours.
• The country heavily relies on imported goods.

For comparison, here’s my daily budget for destinations in Central and South America:

See all my daily budgets .

About My Trip

To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:

• I spent a week in Belize , visiting Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio.
• My trip was in July, during the low season, when things were cheaper.
• I traveled with one other person, which allowed us to split costs like housing.
• I’m a mid-range budget traveler. I don’t aim to travel on a budget, but I’m intentional about my spending.
• I finance my trips and don’t receive sponsorship.
• All expenses are per person and in US dollars, converted from Belize dollars.

Belize has pegged its currency to the USD at a constant 2:1 exchange rate since 1978, so you don’t have to worry about getting a bad exchange rate when paying with USD.

Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Belize .

A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend about  $160 per day  in Belize. This budget generally means:

• Staying at accommodations that cost about $55 per night
• Eating at some $$ restaurants and several $ local restaurants
• Paying for several popular tours (e.g., ATM cave )

Here’s a breakdown of my expenses by travel category:

Flight Cost

• $475 (from the east coast of the US to Belize’s international airport)

A round-trip flight between the US and Belize costing under $300 is considered cheap, as international flights typically cost over $500.

Accommodation Cost

The accommodations I stayed at:

My accommodation budgeting tips:

• Stay in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye  – The downtown area is generally more affordable than staying north and south of it, where many of the resorts are located. You can also minimize your golf cart rental costs by staying there, as you won’t need to drive as much. This can save you over $100 in rental costs.
• Consider staying near San Ignacio’s downtown area  – Most resorts in San Ignacio are a 20- to 30-minute walk from downtown, so you’ll likely have to pay for taxis to get around if you don’t stay nearby.

The walk from the resorts to downtown is doable but not always pleasant for women because Belize has a  cat-calling problem . I traveled with another woman and experienced it almost every other walk.

My most affordable meals:

My most expensive meals:

My food budgeting tips:

• You can find meals for less than $5 – The cheapest meals are in the local markets and restaurants (e.g., Central Park in San Pedro and San Ignacio Market).
• The most expensive meals are in San Pedro – San Pedro in Ambergris Caye has many restaurants catering to tourists, so there’s an upcharge at those places.

Transportation Cost

The transportation I used:

My transportation budgeting tips:

• Getting to Belize’s islands is $30 to $100 one-way  – A one-way flight to Belize’s islands (e.g., Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) costs at least $100, while a water taxi costs only $30. The flight takes 10-20 minutes, whereas the water taxi takes 90 minutes.
• Golf rental prices are negotiable on Belize’s islands  – The primary way to get around the islands is by golf cart. Some don’t include gas prices, so ask about it in advance. During the low season, golf cart rental prices are negotiable.
• Traveling between San Ignacio and an island is $100 to $200 one-way  – San Ignacio has a small airport. Taking a flight is significantly shorter (3 hours vs. 45 minutes) but much more costly than taking a taxi and water taxi (around $200 vs. less than $150).

• In San Ignacio, taxis have a flat rate per person  – Taxis have a flat rate of $2.50 per person in the downtown area with no room to negotiate.

The  quality of the San Ignacio taxis varies  (e.g., I rode one without seat belts), so if you find a driver and car that you like, you can ask for their number and arrange rides through WhatsApp in the future.

Entertainment Cost 

The activities/attractions I did:

My entertainment budgeting tips:

• Many popular guided tours cost roughly the same in Belize – Half-day tours cost between $40 and $60, and full-day tours cost $90 to $120. Prices are pretty consistent across tour operators.
• You can negotiate during the low season – If you book multiple tours with the same company, you can potentially negotiate a discounted rate in person. This is how I got a lower rate for Xunantunich .

See my ratings for Belize experiences .

Cost Breakdown by Destination

Below are my trip expense breakdowns for the places I visited during my trip.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s #1 island destination and one of the most expensive areas . One of my favorite activities was snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef. Since it’s a protected area, you’re required to book a licensed snorkeling tour .

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is Belize’s #1 mainland destination and one of the cheaper popular areas . My favorite tour of the trip was the adventurous  ATM Cave .

Do You Need Cash?

• Belize has a great credit card infrastructure, but some areas still depend on cash transactions. This is especially true outside the touristy areas.

My tips on using cash:

• You don’t need to exchange USD for BZD; Belize accepts both. It’s one of the few countries in the world that has pegged its currency to USD at a constant exchange rate.
• Carry $20 to $30 worth of cash per day. I spent about $125 ($18 per day) in cash during my trip.
• Belize has a tipping culture, but it’s not mandatory. Tipping is appreciated, especially in businesses that serve tourists. The typical tip range is 5-15%.

Belize Trip Planner 2024

To make your travel preparation easier, download the trip planner below. It has destination-specific travel information, itinerary, map, and packing list.

My trip planners are built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning. I genuinely love this tool and creating an account is free .

Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .

Belize Travel Guides

• 🇧🇿 Belize Travel Tips: 10 Practical Things To Know
• 🐠 One Week in Belize: Itinerary + 12 Great Things To Do
• 🔦 Belize ATM Cave: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🐴 Horseback to Xunantunich: Firsthand Review & Tips
• 🌧️ Visiting Belize in Its Rainy Season: What To Know & Pack

🧋 Support Lukiih

Lists by Lukiih is a humble website that I fund with my own savings. If you find my tips helpful, I appreciate you saying thanks with a bubble tea !

This is a really great summary, thank you, will become regular reader

Thanks, Igor! I hope to write more in the future.

Thank you for all the helpful tips and resources! This site has helped me tremendously in my decision to visit this year for one week! I was undecided prior to reading your article, I can check Belize off my bucket list!!!

Happy to hear you found my articles helpful, Tonya! Have a great trip.

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MY WANDERLUSTY LIFE

#TimeBudgetTravel

The Perfect Belize Itinerary: 7 Unforgettable Days of Jungle & Islands

Last Updated: December 26, 2023 //  by  Ashley Smith Leave a Comment

When I first drew up my Belize itinerary, I had no idea it would end up being one of the most exciting and memorable trips ever. I mean it, I was tearing up on my last day knowing I had to leave this incredible country. (Not only because I had just acquired the sunburn to end all sunburns.) That’s how amazing, beautiful, fun, delicious, welcoming, and surprising this place is.

For that reason, I’m so happy to share with you this perfect 7-day Belize itinerary so you can have just as an unforgettable time as I did.

Table of Contents

Belize Packing List

How long to spend in Belize

How long you should spend in Belize all comes down to how long you can spend in Belize.  Having never been there before, I didn’t want to commit too long in case I didn’t like it. But I wanted to give it enough time to experience both the jungle and the island side of things.

That being said, you could certainly spend a month here and never have a boring moment – there’s that much to do here. But, one week is still a great amount of time in which to explore the ancient Mayan sites, get up to some adventures in the jungle, and chill out on the Caribbean beaches. In my opinion, 7 days makes the perfect Belize itinerary for first time visitors.

Don’t miss: What to Pack for Belize (And What I Can’t Belize I Brought!)

Best time to visit Belize

Similarly, the best time to visit Belize is whenever you can visit Belize. However, there are definitely more preferable times around which to plan your Belize itinerary. For instance:

December – May

December – May is Belize’s dry season and definitely the best time to visit. You’ll have clear, sunny days and very little chance of vacation-ruining rains. It will also be plenty warm enough during this time despite this being the “winter” months.  

However, this is also the most popular / busiest time to visit Belize. Tourist season in Belize peaks at Easter! So, it will be a bit more “crowded” than other times, prices may be higher, and hotels and tours may have limited availability. But, this is Belize, not the Amalfi Coast in July , so you should be just fine (as long as you plan accordingly).

June – December

June – December is Belize’s wet season when you’ll most likely encounter some rains. However, this isn’t set in stone (‘cause weather be weather), and June, July, and even August can still be great months to travel.

I personally visited in June. It was HOT (bordering on too hot actually) and, despite being the “wet season,” was actually super dry. So, you can plan for the most “ideal” situations, but again, weather be weather.

Popular Belize events

There are also a handful of popular annual events in Belize you may be interested in planning your Belize itinerary around. Check out:

Lobster Fest – Belize’s Lobster Fest is an annual celebration that takes place in July in Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, and Placencia.

Chocolate Festival of Belize – Belize’s chocolate festival takes place in late May in Punta Gorda (the “chocolate capital of Belize” apparently).

International Music and Food Festival – Belize’s International Music and Food Festival is held in Ambergris Caye in late July, mon.

7-day Belize itinerary at a glance

Now I’ll get into the nitty gritty of my perfect Belize itinerary. This 7-day itinerary actually starts on Day 0 (arrival day, we don’t count that). It includes 3.5 days in the jungle and 3.5 days on the islands. *chef’s kiss*

Day 0: Arrive in Belize; transfer to your jungle eco-lodge

Day 1, jungle: Jungle adventures in the Cayo District

Day 2, jungle: Day trip to Tikal National Park in Guatemala

Day 3, jungle: San Ignacio and ATM Cave tour

Day 4, jungle/islands: Wake up in the jungle, transfer to Caye Caulker

Day 5, islands: “Go Slow” in Caye Caulker (or not)

Day 6, islands: Unforgettable snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef

Day 7, islands: Soak up that island life before departing

Belize itinerary, day 0: Arrive + transfer to San Ignacio

The start of your perfect Belize itinerary begins with arriving in Belize (obviously). You can fly to Belize with Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Sun Country Airlines, and United. You can even get direct (nonstop) flights to Belize from:

• Seattle, Los Angeles (Alaska)
• Dallas , Miami (American Airlines)
• Atlanta (Delta)
• Fort Lauderdale, Houston (Southwest Airlines)
• Duluth and Minneapolis, MN (Sun Country Airlines – If you know what Sun Country Airlines is then I guess you’re reading this in Minnesota.)
• Chicago, Denver, Houston (United Airlines)

You’ll want to fly into Belize City (airport code BZE), the former capital of Belize (but not really an especially worthwhile city to visit). From Belize City, you’ll start your Belize itinerary in the western part of the state – in the Cayo District near the town of San Ignacio. But first you’ll need to get there.

How to get to San Ignacio from Belize City

There are a few different ways to get from Belize City to San Ignacio and they all vary wildly . Choose wisely. Maybe do as I say and not as I do.

Public bus from Belize City to San Ignacio

Personally, I opted for the public bus . The trip takes between 2-3 hours and costs around $4 total, but the ride is anything but smooth, literally and figuratively. The bus is dirty and crowded (you might actually have to stand the whole time). It makes frequent stops and the whole thing is just chaotic.

Because it’s really just an old American school bus, there are no seatbelts, luggage racks, or air conditioning. There’s not even a website or ticket system. Just open windows letting in all the road dirt and exhaust fumes and a topless woman breastfeeding in the seat next to you while her infant stares directly into your eyes.

You’ll need to take a cab from the airport to “the bus station” and this is where my assistance leaves you because what comes next is totally random. Ask around for the bus to San Ignacio, ask how to pay, ask where you should be picked up, and prepare for it all to seem just totally made up on the spot.

Once on the bus, know now that I’ve been told you need a PhD in order to drive in Belize – a degree in pothole diversion. So, hold on to your butts! BUT ! The public bus is cheap and the ride will certainly be one you never forget.  

Belize City to San Ignacio by rental car

You can certainly rent your own car to get from Belize City to San Ignacio. But, do you have a PhD? I’m told this is mandatory. (And from what I’ve witnessed personally, oh hell yeah it is.) The ride is going to be rough and will take about 2 hours. Check out the best local Belize car rental deals here and godspeed.

Private shuttles from Belize City to San Ignacio

Otherwise, you can take a private shuttle to San Ignacio from Belize City. This will also take about 2 hours (no stops to pick up coconut salesman, go figure) but will cost just slightly more than $4. Some charge per person and others offer big discounts the bigger your group is.  

There are lots of times to choose from and you’ll get the ride all to yourself, all the way from BZE to San Ignacio. Check out the best Belize shuttles here :

• Private shuttle: Belize airport to San Ignacio town
• Private transfer from Belize airport to San Ignacio
• Shared shuttle: Belize International Airport to San Ignacio

Hotel pickup in Belize City

Another option I highly recommend is to just have your lodging arrange a pickup at the airport for you. Yes, this is going to be the costliest option, but it’s also the most stress-free!

For this Belize itinerary I’m going to recommend you stay at the Black Rock Lodge (more on that in a minute). They offer private airport shuttle service all the way from the airport to their front door. (Because of their remote location, you would still have to get picked up in San Ignacio because you need a special vehicle to get to their property.)

If you’re staying at Black Rock, book your airport pickup with them and call it a day! Otherwise, check to see if your jungle lodging offers the same service.

Also check out: 17 Things that Shocked Me in Belize

Where to stay in the Belize jungle

There are a handful of fantastic jungle lodges to choose from in Belize, but I HIGHLY recommend checking out the Black Rock Lodge . This place is one of my all-time favorite lodging choices and that’s still an understatement.

BRL is a completely self-sufficient eco-lodge deep in the rainforest. It’s bursting with awesome jungle adventures, resident wildlife, an amazing staff, and so much more. The food and drinks here are so good and everything is produced on site, ethically, and sustainably.

Seriously stop me or I will rave about this place for dayzzzz . Instead, I wrote an entire post about how awesome this place is – read my Black Rock Lodge review here . You can read more reviews and book your stay here . You can also watch this quick video I made about them here:

Other accommodation options

However, if Black Rock Lodge should be all booked up by the time you go to reserve, other popular and nearby jungle accommodation options include:

• Ka’ana Resort & Spa – beautiful location, lots of activities and spa treatments, amazing food
• Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort – spacious suites, botanical setting, highly-rated staff
• Table Rock Lodge – excellent reviews, very jungle-y, on-site restaurant and bar
• See all San Ignacio-adjacent lodging here. ( Expedia and Hotels.com usually have good deals too.)

Settle in to your jungle accommodations

Once you’ve made it to Black Rock Lodge, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a quick tour of the property. Spend more time exploring on your own while you wait for dinner, or go ahead and put on your bathing suit and head down to the river. (If you can make it over the rapids without falling off your tube you get a free drink!)

You can work in a light hike, a mountain bike, a more in-depth tour of the property, go for a swim in the pool, or let the resident bird nerd show you all the toucans and other colorful creatures that live nearby.

Soon you’ll enjoy an incredible candlelit dinner among new friends. Then, fall asleep in your hammock under the millions of stars above you (and the Jurassic sounds of howler monkeys across the river that will seep into your darkest nightmares). This Belize itinerary truly is unforgettable.

Belize Itinerary, day 1: Welcome to the jungle!

Today is your first full day of the Belize itinerary. Do you know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby! There are seriously so many options as to how you can spend today.

Partake in some jungle adventures

Personally, I did the following during my time in Belize’s jungles:

Mountain Summit hike in the morning – This trail takes a couple of hours and winds through the jungle up and up to the top of the mountain for excellent views of the rainforest. So much wildlife and beautiful plants and flowers along the way. Also, so much sweat.

Lunch at the lodge – Black Rock Lodge serves three amazing meals a day in the most blissful dining setting. Don’t miss a single meal there, seriously.

Mountain biking – BRL offers mountain bike rental free of charge to their guests. We rode down the road that leads out of the property, past burning wildfires and teak forests and beyond. (And then walked my ass back up because… exhaustion.)

Swim in the river before dinner – All that sweaty fun today led me straight down to the river for a cool swim in nature. Then, another drool-worthy jungle dinner. (There’s also a great pool for those a little fish-phobic.)

Guided night hike through the jungle – A couple we met the night before recommended this to us and it will forever be one of the coolest things I’ve done while traveling. A trained jungle guide takes you along the trails after dark and shows you all the unbelievable things that happen at night.

He points out otherwise unseen nocturnal creatures of all kinds and seriously so much more. It was AMAZING. Important note: you don’t have to hold a tarantula if you don’t want to.

More jungle adventures

Besides the awesome jungle activities we did on the first day of our Belize itinerary, there are many more options for how to spend your day at Black Rock Lodge. You can also choose from:

Canoeing and kayaking – Head out along the Macal River with a trained naturalist guide. Or head to the beach area to do some stand-up paddleboarding. Or just head to bar, no judgment.

River tubing – Do absolutely no work whatsoever and just float down the river. Free rum punch if you can make it over the Black Rock waterfall without falling off! Tubes are totally complementary.

More hiking – Besides the Mountain Summit, there are many more hiking trails that start at the lodge for all different hiking levels. Even a wildlife hike! (Pick up a trail map at the tour desk.)

Spelunking – Take your hiking desire into one of Belize’s awesome cave systems. Search for Mayan artifacts and cool cave formations.

Yoga – This is a wellness lodge of sorts, after all. Borrow one of their yoga mats for free if you didn’t bring one. (I definitely did not include one in my Belize packing list .)

Birding – Follow your nose out to the bird tower for panoramic views with their bird guide! (That’s a toucan joke.) Belize is actually one of the biggest birding destinations in the world.

Visit Mayan sites – You can also head off-site to tour some of the most popular Mayan sites in the area like Cahal Pech, Caracol , Yaxhá, and Xunantunich .

San Ignacio – Don’t forget you can always head into San Ignacio for market day or just to check out the town.

Most popular Belize jungle excursions

If you’re looking for something a little different (and perhaps more organized and/or guided), check out these most popular Belize jungle excursions around San Ignacio:

• Xunantunich & Cave Tubing Combo Tour – Full-day history and adventure tour, small groups, lunch included. (Or check out this unique tour that combines a visit to Xunantunich and horseback riding .
• Cave Tubing & Jungle Ziplining Combo Tour – Full-day guided adventure through the caves and over the jungles, lunch included
• See all San Ignacio jungle adventure options here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide .

Belize Itinerary, day 2: Day trip to Tikal

Yes, one of the most popular things to do in Belize is actually leave it for Guatemala. Do with this information what you will, but it’s totally worth it.

Tikal National Park in nearby Guatemala is one of the largest and most important ancient Maya sites you can visit. It’s just a quick drive over the border from San Ignacio and is so cool .

I won’t spill all the details here, because I wrote a whole post on taking a day trip to Tikal – what you need to know, how to get there, what to see, some important dos and don’ts, etc. Check out my full guide to a Tikal day trip here .

And if you already know you want to do this, take a look at some of the Tikal day tour options here:

• Belize to Tikal Day Trip with Local Lunch from San Ignacio – Full day tour, comfortable transportation, your own local guide, includes lunch.
• Private Belize to Tikal Day Tour with Lunch + Guide – Includes a private guide, air conditioned transport, lunch
• Check out all the Tikal day trip options on Viator and Get your Guide to find one that best suits your needs!

You’ll return from your Tikal day trip totally exhausted so take it easy for the rest of the night. Enjoy the amazing dinner at Black Rock Lodge and get some sleep for another epic adventure tomorrow!

Belize Itinerary, day 3: ATM Cave tour

Another epic day in Belize dawns and this will be another you won’t soon forget. Today, book yourself on one of the once-in-a-lifetime ATM Cave tours.

The ATM Cave in Belize (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is another ancient Maya site, but this one is inside a surreal cave system. You’ll swim and tunnel through these ancient caves to get to a skeleton that sparkles. But the path to get there is straight out of an Indiana Jones flick.

If you’ve done any kind of research on what to do in Belize, I’m positive that the ATM Cave tour has dominated those lists. And it is not overrated at all – it totally deserves those top spots!

However… the ATM Cave is not for everyone. It’s an epic adventure, yes, but a challenging one in many ways. Check out my full guide to touring the ATM Cave in Belize here to get all the exciting details and heart-stopping realities.

And if you already know you want to do this, take a look at some of the ATM Cave tour options here:

• ATM Cave Tour and Picnic – Ton of rave reviews, full day, lunch + rum punch included! (This is closest to the one I did – rum punch and all!)
• ATM Cave Tour from San Ignacio – Full day tour, all fees included, packed lunch/snacks/water included
• ATM Cave with Local Lunch from San Ignacio – Full day, lunch and water included, tons of 5-star reviews!
• See all ATM Cave tour options here in case something else fits your style better.

Again, after your full day tour of the ATM Cave, you’re going to be totally pooped. (It’s a physically-taxing adventure to say the least!) Take it easy, enjoy dinner, pass the hell out.

Lemme help you plan! Also read: What to Pack for Your ATM Cave Tour

Belize Itinerary, day 4: Jungle > Islands

After your night of much-needed rest, enjoy one last Black Rock breakfast and prepare to move over to the islands. If you want, squeeze in some last minute birding or hiking, or any of the other awesome activities on-site. Now, make your back towards Belize City and over the water to the island of Caye Caulker.

How to get to Caye Caulker

To get to Caye Caulker you’ll need to take the water taxi from Belize City. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs just $20 per person.

If you utilize the private shuttle service at Black Rock Lodge, they will happily drop you off right at the water taxi port in Belize City. Otherwise, take your chosen transportation method back to the Belize City and get a (car) taxi to the water taxi dock.

Once on Caye Caulker, you’ll need to either walk or organize a pickup at the port to get to your chosen accommodation. FYI – Caye Caulker is a car-less island. It’s either bicycle, feet, or golf cart from here on out. (The island is just 5 total square miles so it’s not like you’ll have far to go.)

There will most likely also be golf-cart drivers hanging out at the dock in case you need a ride. (This is what we did – just hailed a golf cart once we arrived.)

Where to stay on Caye Caulker

There are lots of totally pleasant places to stay on Caye Caulker, but for my Belize itinerary I trusted my island time to Colinda Cabanas .

We had our own adorable beach cabana for our stay with lots of great amenities, everything we needed actually. The staff was so welcoming and helpful. It was so peaceful and private; I would not hesitate to stay here again! (Seriously, book your room at Colinda Cabanas now !)

Besides Colinda Cabanas, some other popular Caye Caulker hotels include:

• Blue Zen – A favorite of my readers, free bikes, swimming pool, sun terrace and grill, and much more.
• Sea Dreams Hotel – Free WiFi, bar and rooftop terrace on site, free bikes and kayaks
• Weezie’s Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages – Choose from cottages, guest rooms, oceanfront suites, and more. Kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear for free!

After your all checked in on Caye Caulker, take a stroll around the main part of the island. Grab some street food, do a little souvenir shopping, then post up at one of the super chill bars along the beach.

Watch the sunset and continue resting up from the past few days of your Belize itinerary. You’re on Caye Caulker now where the motto is “Go Slow” so you better get used to it.

Belize Itinerary, day 5: Go slow in Caye Caulker

This is very hard for me to write, but Day 5 of your Belize itinerary is all about embracing Caye Caulker’s motto and “Go Slow.” I personally am not a go-slow kinda traveler, but it was incredibly easy to adjust here.

This is your day to just chill out in the sun and do nothing (if you don’t want to). If you’re more like me and you still want to do something, check out this list of 23 Exciting Things to Do in Caye Caulker .

For instance, you can spend your day fishing, kite surfing, sailing, swimming, diving, exploring by bike, taking a scenic flight over the Blue Hole, yoga, kayak, meet some seahorses, and much more. And then spend your evening with a sunset sail. See the full list for all the details!

Belize Itinerary, day 6: Snorkeling + the Split

Okay, now that you’re all rested up and ready to get back at it, it’s time to spend Day 6 of your Belize itinerary in the water. Belize is located along the Hol Chan Marine Reserve – the world’s second most incredible barrier reef. (Their words, not mine. But also mine.)

Snorkeling in Belize

For real though, the snorkeling here is unreal. You’ll swim with sea turtles and a million tropical fish, nurse sharks and rays, eels, manatees, and more. You’ll get to explore a sunken ship and learn all about the stunning wildlife in this area from the most accommodating local guides.

Snorkeling in Belize was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip and I took my tour with Caveman Snorkeling Tours. And yes, I wrote an entire post on it because I had such a great time! Also check out: My Day Snorkeling in Belize with Caveman Snorkeling Tours .

I highly recommend Caveman Snorkeling Tours, but if you need other options, also check out these tours that all include small groups, lunch and refreshments, expert guides, snorkeling equipment, and GoPro footage of your underwater adventure:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve Small-Group Tour from Caye Caulker
• 7-Stop Snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef from Caye Caulker
• Or this 3-stop snorkeling tour for just the highlights (includes snacks but not lunch)
• Check out all Belize snorkeling tours here on Viator and here on Get Your Guide .

Hang out at the Split

After your day of snorkeling, chances are you’ll be super wiped out again (but exceptionally tan). So, for the rest of your day in Caye Caulker, head over to the Split.

The Split is literally a split in the island formed by a hurricane… but now it’s the most popular hangout spot on the island. Grab a bucket of Belikin at the Lazy Lizard and just relax in the turquoise waters or play some corn hole – whatever you have the energy left for.

Belize Itinerary, day 7: Leaving the island life behind

Depending on when your flight home is, you may or may not get to enjoy a little more of that island life before you head out. Grab some last-day fry jacks at Errolyn’s, go for another leisurely stroll, or hang out (literally, so many hammocks) on your nearest over-water pier.

Afterwards, you’ll need to take the water taxi back to Belize City, and then a regular ol’ auto taxi to the airport where you’ll leave the island life behind. It will be a sad day, to say the least.

Belize is an incredible, unforgettable, and, dare I say it, unBelizeable place to visit. The people are so warm and welcoming, the scenery is stunning, and the adventures are epic. Regardless of how you fill your Belize itinerary, consider yourself lucky to be able to experience this Central American wonderland!

More info to supplement your Belize itinerary

• Heading to Belize?  Find  great places to stay here on Booking.com (my fave booking site). But Hotels.com and Expedia usually have similar deals too!
• Need a car?  Check out the  best rental car deals in Belize here.
• Don’t forget to  pick up this guidebook  for all your Belize sightseeing. (It includes a day trip to Tikal too!)
• Want more Belize content? Check out all my Belize posts here.

Have questions about visiting Belize? Ask away in the comments below or reach out on Instagram ! Have fun in Belize!

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About Ashley Smith

Ashley is a historian and Oktoberfest expert & tour guide. She has traveled to 39 countries and specializes in quick trips throughout Europe and the Americas that prioritize hiking adventures, museums of all kinds, cultural experiences, and jam-packed itineraries. She hails from Memphis, TN and currently lives in Boston with her husband and two feline sidekicks.

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How to Enjoy Belize on a Budget: Belize On The Cheap

Some people wonder if Belize is affordable. Here are some great ways to enjoy all the wonder, adventure, and beauty of Belize even if you’re on a budget.

Travel During the Slow Season

Relax poolside at Naia Resort & Spa.

Winter and spring are the busiest times to travel to Belize. As people escape the bad winter weather up north, they head to sunny destinations like Belize. Belize gets most of its visitors from December through January and during Easter . If you can wait until summer to travel, you’ll score great deals on travel, lodging, and food.

Stay in a Belize-Owned Hotel

Jan’s Hotel is a budget-friendly option on Caye Caulker.

Instead of a full-service, luxury resort, stay at a locally owned motel, guest house, or bed-and-breakfast. You’ll pay less money and still get clean, comfortable accommodations. They often have their gardens and landscaped areas. Some provide their own tours, guides, and shuttles. You can support a local business while saving money.

Eat Like a Local

Have you tried panades in Belize? Image courtesy The Belize Collection

Food in Belize can be expensive if it’s imported. If you want to eat your favorite brands, you’re going to pay the price. Why not enjoy delicious, freshly cooked local food? Locally owned diners serve stewed chicken with rice, beans, and tortillas for about $6 a plate. Try a taco or fried conch fritters from a street vendor. Visit one of the many farmer’s markets for fresh food of all kinds. Instead of imported beers and spirits, drink locally made Belikin beer and Belizean rum.

Try Low-Cost Travel

Get around with Captain Jak’s rentals.

Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars can be expensive in Belize. If you have more time than money, get to know the local bus system. You can travel around the whole country for just a few dollars a day. You’ll need schedules and routes ahead of time. You’ll also need a lot of patience, but it can be done.

Enjoy Affordable Excursions

Some Belize adventures require a professional tour guide with a government-issued license. These rules exist to protect endangered animals and ecologically sensitive areas. These tours can be expensive, but there are plenty of low-cost alternatives.

Visit Maya ruins: Visiting the Maya ruins generally costs only a small entrance fee. You can learn their history from the onsite museum or by doing a self-guided tour.

Explore wildlife sanctuaries: Most of Belize’s stunningly scenic wildlife sanctuaries and nature preserves charge only a small entrance fee. Several have low-cost camping sites, guided walkways, and inexpensive kayak or canoe rentals.

Visit museums: Spend a fascinating morning learning about Belize’s history and environment. Visit the Natural History Museum and Butterfly Park at Chaa Creek in Cayo District or the Museum of Belize in Belize City. Head to Dangriga for the Garifuna Gulisi Museum and the Maya Center Mayan Museum.

Travel to the islands: A water taxi ride to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker will set you back around $20. In exchange, you get an enjoyable, scenic boat ride to a beautiful island where you can stroll, have lunch and hang out on the beach.

You Can Enjoy Belize on a Budget!

It’s easy to have a great time in Belize. Our sunny weather, beaches, and gorgeous scenery are free, and you can find fun on a budget of any size.  

Larry Waight

Larry Waight is the author of the book, The Ultimate Belize Bucket List. Considered one of Belize’s most active bloggers, Larry is also the founder of Belize Hub. Passionate for all-things Belizean, he’s known for his creative efforts to position Belize as one of the best places to visit in the world. Larry lives in the quaint community of Bullet Tree Falls, near San Ignacio in Western Belize.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Belize Travel Budget - Visit Belize on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Belize Costs

• Is Belize Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Belize cost?
• San Ignacio
• Belize City
• Belize Hotel Prices
• Belize Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Cheap Hotels in Belize
• Best Luxury Hotels in Belize
• Best Beach Hotels in Belize
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Belize
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Belize
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Belize
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Belize
• Best Party Hotels in Belize
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Belize
• Best Hotels for One Week in Belize
• Best Business Hotels in Belize
• Best Hotels for One Night in Belize
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Belize Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Belize
• The Best 3-Week Tours in Belize
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Belize
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belize
• The Best Adventure Tours to Belize
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belize
• The Best Cultural Tours in Belize
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Belize
• The Best Budget Tours to Belize
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Belize
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize
• How much does it cost to travel to Belize? (Average Daily Cost)
• Belize trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Belize?

Is belize expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Belize?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Belize?

You should plan to spend around $106 (BZ$212) per day on your vacation in Belize. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $29 (BZ$57) on meals
• $21 (BZ$42) on local transportation
• $93 (BZ$186) on hotels

A one week trip to Belize for two people costs, on average, $1,477 (BZ$2,966) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 106 BZ$ 212
• One Week Per person $ 739 BZ$ 1,483
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,477 BZ$ 2,966
• One Month Per person $ 3,165 BZ$ 6,356
• One Week For a couple $ 1,477 BZ$ 2,966
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 2,954 BZ$ 5,932
• One Month For a couple $ 6,330 BZ$ 12,712

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Belize cost?

A one week trip to Belize usually costs around $739 (BZ$1,483) for one person and $1,477 (BZ$2,966) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Belize on average costs around $1,477 (BZ$2,966) for one person and $2,954 (BZ$5,932) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Belize will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Belize on average costs around $3,165 (BZ$6,356) for one person and $6,330 (BZ$12,712) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Belize is $373 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Guatemala to Belize 10 Days - 6 Destinations $ 1,257
• Journeys: Explore Belize National Geographic Journeys 9 Days - 4 Destinations $ 1,827

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Central America, Belize is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Belize in the region.

For more details, see Is Belize Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Belize?

The average Belize trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Belize travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Belize

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Belize is $46 (BZ$93). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Belize is $93 (BZ$186). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 46 BZ$ 93
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 93 BZ$ 186

Hotel Prices in Belize

Looking for a hotel in Belize? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Belize based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $159. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Serenade Hotel Placencia Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 85
• Treetops Hotel Caye Caulker Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 225

Local Transportation Budget in Belize

The cost of a taxi ride in Belize is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $21 (BZ$42) per person, per day, on local transportation in Belize.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 21 BZ$ 42

Recommended Services

• Transfer in Placencia from/to Belize Airport BZE and Belize City Viator $ 150
• Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer) Viator $ 205

Food Budget in Belize

While meal prices in Belize can vary, the average cost of food in Belize is $29 (BZ$57) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Belize should cost around $11 (BZ$23) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Belize is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 29 BZ$ 57

Recommended

• Drumming Dancing and Dinner Indigenous Garifuna Style Viator $ 40
• Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour - fish farm & restaurant Viator $ 80

Entertainment Budget in Belize

Entertainment and activities in Belize typically cost an average of $34 (BZ$69) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 34 BZ$ 69

Recommended Activities

• Caribbean Cruises Cruise Direct View Price
• Cave Kayaking or tubing, Ziplines and Altun Ha Private Tour Viator $ 169

Tips and Handouts Budget in Belize

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Belize is $4.13 (BZ$8.29) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Belize is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.13 BZ$ 8.29

Alcohol Budget in Belize

The average person spends about $15 (BZ$30) on alcoholic beverages in Belize per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 15 BZ$ 30
• Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit Get Your Guide $ 40

Water Budget in Belize

On average, people spend $1.87 (BZ$3.75) on bottled water in Belize per day. The public water in Belize is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 1.87 BZ$ 3.75

Related Articles

Belize on a budget.

At A Glance

• Belize has a tropical climate with its rainy season coming between May and November. Hurricane season is between June and November as well, so if possible, this time is best avoided. If you do plan a trip to the area during these months, make sure you have good travel insurance. The dry season in the country is between February and May.
• Buses are a fun way to travel around Belize. You can buy tickets at any of the bus stations around the towns, or you can stand on the side of the road and wave a bus down. There is usually both a driver and conductor on the bus. The conductor will collect your ticket money once you are seated.
• The water taxi is another fun way to travel around the country. It travels between a handful of different cities. The main company is the San Pedro Belize Express and the easiest place to pick up the water taxi is the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City.
• Scuba diving is a very popular activity in this country. If you're looking for affordable diving options you can go through one of the vendors that are found along Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. The most popular excursions go to Hol Chan Marine Reserve as well as Shark Ray Alley. These dives typically cost about US$35. You can book a dive to the Blue Hole but you will pay substantially more for it.
• When quoted a price for an item, always assume you are being given the price in Belize dollars, which are half of the value of the U.S. dollar. If you assume the price has been given in U.S. dollars then the vendors will jump on the opportunity to charge you twice as much. Always assume the lowest cost and begin negotiating from there.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Is Belize Expensive? Cost of Activities, Lodging & Transport

Compared to most countries in Central America, Belize is undoubtedly more 💰 expensive. But if locals can live on the cheap, you can visit on a budget 👌 as well .

In this post, I'll help you get a clear idea of what costs to expect while visiting Belize. As a backpacker at heart, I can share money-saving tips and help you get the most of your stay in Belize.

Let's jump in.

Why Is Belize So Expensive?

There are three main reasons for this:

• Fuel Prices are insanely high 📈 - as a result, tours, food and anything that requires transportation is expensive.
• Products on island are transported 🚚 - due to expensive fuel, anything transported to the islands have higher costs.
• Almost everything is imported 🛩️ - being reliant on agriculture & tourism, the country doesn't produce many things.

Common Travel Expenses In Belize

Street Food

$2.00—$5.00 USD

Public Transport

$3.00—$4.00 USD

Mainland Taxis

$3.00—$5.00 USD

$35.00—$75.00 USD

$8.00 USD per gallon

Ferry To Cayes

$22.00—$32.00 USD

Flight To Cayes

$75.00—$150.00 USD

Half Day Tour

Full Day Tour

Starts at $4.00 USD

How Much Does A Trip To Belize Cost?

There are three general travel budgets:

• Backpacker Budget
• Mid-Range Budget
• Luxury Budget

Daily Backpacker Budget

For the backpacker budget, I'm making the assumption that you will be eating street food, taking the bus, staying at hostels and doing self-guided tours.

Daily Mid-Range Budget

For the mid-range budget, I'm making the assumption that you will be eating at restaurants, taking shuttles, staying at hotels and taking some paid tours. I'm also assuming you will visit more touristy locations like Placencia & San Pedro.

$167.50 USD

Daily Luxury Budget

For the luxury budget, I'm making the assumption that you will be eating at more upscale restaurants, flying to your destinations, staying at resorts and doing many paid tours. I'm also assuming you will visit more popular locations like Placencia & San Pedro.

How To Budget For A Trip To Belize

While traveling, there are four main costs:

• Transportation
• Food & Drinks

Cost Of Activities

Here are real prices for activities and tours you can expect to pay:

Cost Of Lodging

Two factors dictate the cost of lodging in Belize:

• Location - touristy areas like Placencia & San Pedro have some of the highest prices in Belize.
• Seasonality - low season is between June & November which can have lodging discounts of up to 30%.

Here are real prices for lodging you can expect to pay:

If you're interested in jungle lodges, check out my list of Sustainable Eco Lodges .

Cost Of Transportation

Here are real prices you can expect to pay for transportation:

Cost Of Food & Drinks

Here's what you can expect to pay for meals in Belize excluding drinks.

Belize On A Budget

The three best ways to save money on your trip are:

• Visit during the low season - between June & November, most accommodations are 20% lower and there are smaller crowds which gives you way better value.
• Limit your time on the islands - things get pricey on the islands. Touristy destinations like San Pedro & Placencia cater to luxury travelers.
• Pick only your favorite tours - compared to neighboring countries, tours can be twice the price. Consider renting a car and doing self-guided tours.

Here are a few more tips to save money:

• Fly into Cancun - fly to Cancun instead of directly flying into Belize to save money.
• Eat what the locals eat - street food is cheap, tasty and found in every city/town center.
• Use public transportation - buses are very economical compared to shuttles and flights.
• Book tours directly - online platforms like Viator normally have a high fee for their service.
• Buy inland to take to islands - get your groceries inland to save a big chunk of money.
• Travel as a couple or group - prices are lower when purchasing food, lodging & transport as a group.

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Belize Itinerary: 10 Days (On A Budget)

Updated: Aug 6, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Now that I've left Belize and have been in Mexico for a few weeks, it's time to look back at how I spent me 10 days in Belize. If anyone is looking to pass some time in Belize, this is for you.

Keep in mind that this is my vacation budget, as well, so it's certainly do-able to see Belize in 10 days on a budget, in general you'll want at least $40USD a day (or more if you're in Belize City, which I wouldn't recommend, for the record). Belizean dollars are directly tied to US dollars at a 2:1 ratio, so my math is very accurate here.

Belize Itinerary: 10 Days

I spent 10 days in Belize (not including leaving early in the morning on a boat to Mexico), visiting 4 distinct towns all across the country: Belize City , the capital and largest city; San Ignacio , a central jungle town on the border with Guatemala; Punta Gorda , a southern coastal town just a stone's throw from Honduras; San Pedro , the town of Ambergris Caye and the largest island off the country's coast.

From San Pedro I headed east to the border with Mexico, and this year's journey in Belize ended, but the people and memories are unforgettable.

Here's how I spent 10 Days in Belize: Belize City > San Ignacio > Punta Gorda > San Pedro

• Day 1: Belize City to San Ignacio
• Days 2-3: San Ignacio
• Days 4-7: Punta Gorda
• Days 8-10: San Pedro

Belize Backpacking Budget: How Much?

My daily budget ended up being almost $60USD, but this includes the many chocolates and other treats I bought at the Belize Chocolate Festival in Punta Gorda! When deciding where to stay in Belize, I made it a point to not go super cheap or aim for a lot of luxury. My accommodation ranged from $15USD to 20USD per night, while I usually spent about 10USD per day on food. Most of my transportation budget was spent on domestic buses, while I really only splurged on a couple of big activities.

It's definitely possible to visit Belize on a budget even lower than mine.

Budgeted : $525USD Spent : $617USD

Where To Stay In Belize: Hotels

There was more or less $15USD a night budgeted in here, and the only place I spent more than that was at my $30USD a night place in Belize City, where I reiterate, I will go straight through next time I visit Belize . I was at the Red Hut Inn in Belize City, the Old House Hostel in San Ignacio, Nature's Way in Punta Gorda, and Sandbar Hostel in San Pedro.

I would recommend all of them, though some would definitely get my vote before others, for various reasons. I cannot recommend Sandbar Hostel enough, however, and they were actually a recommendation from someone I met in San Ignacio!

Budgeted : $180USD Spent : $175USD

What To Eat In Belize: Food

I'll start by saying that I ate very well in Belize; each place I visited had their own stand-out cuisines representing their eclectic populations. This vast category would not have been nearly so expensive had I not bought a lot of cheap rum, bottles of water, lattes, Chinese food, and coffee beans. I ate mostly street food, which is very cheap and abundant outside of Belize City, and it would have been easy to eat well on even less than my budgeted $10 a day.

For example, you can get a lot of fresh fruit for a few bucks (be sure to wash them with purified water), 2 huge pupusas for $2.50USD, a large plate of curry chicken for $3.50USD. A filling fry jack (huge bubbly piece of bread smothered in stewed meat of the day) is just $2.50USD. Any of those would stave off the hunger for several hours and not set you back much, either.

Budgeted : $110USD Spent : $116USD

How To Get Around Belize: Transport

I went hugely over budget on this one, and this is because I highly underestimated both the cost of crossing the border to Mexico, and the price of covering the country by bus. Twice. I caught a couple of necessary taxis, including the obligatory $25 one ( ouch , though I talked him down to $20) from the airport, but otherwise this is about half buses and half water taxis. If you're not leaving Belize via water taxi to Mexico, you can take out $50USD from what I actually spent.

Budgeted : $50USD Spent : $124USD

Miscellaneous Belize Travel Expenses

Ah, the catch-all of travelers. This could cover anything from bug repellent for a new lock for your backpack. In my case, this meant:

• tickets to an amazing 2-day chocolate festival in Punta Gorda
• doing laundry
• paying the $20USD exit fee to leave the country
• going out reggae dancing
• an expensive excursion to the ATM Caves near San Ignacio (totally worth going over my budget for).

Had I not done the least one, I'd have come in decidedly under budget, but hey, it included a homemade lunch.

Budgeted : $185USD Spent : $202USD

Belize Travel Tips

• Try to visit in shoulder seasons of November, May, and June, as that's when you'll get the cheapest prices for hotels (and thus won't need to plan too far ahead)
• Bring your own towel, biodegradable bug spray & sunscreen, and books. Buses rarely come on time and the rides are long and hot, and windows are always open
• Eat at food stands and restaurants with no air conditioning (at least, that how I always figured out where the locals eat)
• Always have cash on hand, as cards are rarely accepted anywhere, even at hostels and guest houses
• Even though Belize is on the Caribbean, make it a point to spend at least a few days inland. Afro-Belizeans have settled largely along the coast, while Mayan peoples and immigrants from neighboring Guatemala tend to live further inland, so it's a whole different look at Belize there

If this itinerary helped you plan 10 days in Belize, please share it with a friend!

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Home » Central America » Belize » Itinerary

EPIC BELIZE Itinerary! (2024)

If Belize were a person, it would be Indiana Jones. The 8867 square miles, half Caribbean getaway, half jungle mystery possitively exudes a sense of adventure and wonder. It’s no wonder you’re excited and looking forward to planning a trip to Belize!

One of the less talked about Central American getaway destinations, for anyone looking to experience the uniqueness of Central America or looking for an almost year-round perfect climate, this is it!

From party hot-spots to snorkeler’s paradise reefs and sacred caves, Belize has it all. It even has pyramids!

If you’re planning a trip in Belize then this this is the itinerary for you!

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Best Time to Visit Belize

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The best time to visit Belize is also the most inconvenient, because it’s when everyone wants to go! This is usually during the country’s dry season, which lasts from November to April.

During this time you can expect the best from Belize’s tropical climate and coastal sea breezes. In fact, temperatures rarely dip below 20 °C/68 °F!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

So, if you’re wondering when to visit Belize, the answer is entirely dependent on what you want. Some prefer the busy, dry season while others prefer the quieter, wet season as it gives them an opportunity to explore in peace.

Whether you’re looking to take a short trip to Belize as you pass through South and Central America, spending the weekend in Belize or just looking to vacation in Belize, you’ll need to take note of the best months to do so and plan according to your individual travel desires!

One of the key parts of choosing where to stay for any trip is choosing an area that suits what you’re looking for. If you’re backpacking Belize to go scuba diving staying on the coastline is a no-brainer. However, not all areas are super affordable.

For that reason, if you’re planning on spending time somewhere, it’s always great to choose someplace central and fairly inexpensive. So, whether you’re wondering where to stay in Belize for 5 days or 20, staying central is key! For this reason, we recommend Belize City .

Two of the best places to visit in Belize are the emerald jungle-based San Ignacio, and the turquoise water surrounded island of Caye Caulker! The problem can be, with such great options, which to choose?

Luckily, by staying in Belize City you not only get great options on accommodation but both destinations are within fairly easy reach! This is a great option for the best place to stay in Belize.

Belize City is the biggest city in the country! As a result, it is home to a variety of hostels , hotels, casinos as well as the Museum of Belize, located inside a former prison! It’s also a great place to get to know the real people of Belize and spend time getting to know the culture and history whilst admiring the architecture! We have listed a few of the best hostels in Belize below to help you get started.

Best Hostel in Belize – Red Hut Inn

Located in a safe and convenient area just outside the city (around 8 miles from the airport) the beach isn’t far away enough for you to not smell the sea breeze. With decent sized, clean rooms, options of A/C and friendly staff, this is a great find for anyone exploring on a budget!

Best Airbnb in Belize: A brand new apartment that keeps you central

With a recently renovated interior and brand new gadgets, this Belize vacation rental is up at a fair price. It’s on a pretty sleepy street, so don’t worry about been kept up all night. That been said, it’s only a short walk from the city centre, so you won’t be spending half your trip stuck on the bus!

Best Budget Hotel in Belize – DB Tower Vacation Rental

4 miles away from Belize harbor and 7 miles from Philip S. W. Goldson International, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for hotel quality without going broke! It offers free WiFi, a hot tub, and a barbecue atop a fantastic rooftop terrace. It’s the perfect place to decompress and enjoy the stunning views this steal offers.

Best Luxury Hotel in Belize – Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina

For those looking for a more luxurious stay, the Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina is the perfect spot. With chain hotels, you’re almost always guaranteed quality and this is no exception. With sea views, a gym and spa center and more than a few pools, this is a great way to experience Belize in style!

There is so much to do in Belize that if you don’t know what you want to do or what there is to see you may miss out on some amazing sites and hidden gems. To prevent that, our Belize Itinerary will show you all you’d want to see and probably even more!

If you’re going to be using our Belize trip itinerary, you’re going to move around quite a bit. As such, there are two common ways for visitors to get around. Most of our stops are fairly close to one another and can usually be walked to and from but day to day you may have to travel to a different area or district. This will often be done using chicken busses!

In case you’re concerned about the name, it’s more of a nickname these days than a description although in some places the buses are still occasionally used to ferry, well, chickens . This is one of the cheapest and most fun ways to travel. Another fun way to travel may be using water taxis that are often used to travel up, down or across the  many rivers that flow through various cities!

For a more medium distance based form of travel, your best bet is the many green license-plate bearing cabs!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Old Belize | St. John’s Cathedral | Belize Zoo | Belize Museum | Riverside Tavern

The first thing you want to do when you arrive in a new city is to get to know it. Uncovering the hidden parks, niche shops, cool bars and understanding the heartbeat of where you are is half the fun of traveling! So for day 1 in Belize, we want you to get acquainted with your new home and the epicenter of your travels, Belize City!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Loosen Up in Old Belize

• Why it’s awesome: Old Belize is a nice way to ease into your adventuring
• Cost: 10$ USD
• Food nearby: Old Belize Exotic Beach & Bar has tasty snacks and more for you to kick-start your morning!

Old Belize prides itself on being able to provide a sense of history and at the same aiming to provide a modern, unforgettable experience!

Old Belize offers a series of interesting and fun activities ranging from Cucumber Beach Marina and Kukumba Beach to the Old Belize train ride and a series of enticing restaurants. It lies on a patch of the coast of Belize City unofficially known as “Kukumba Beach”!

The beach is a man-made one and is home to a 50 feet tall, 90 foot-long water slide which will have you screaming in delight. Other activities include bean bag toss areas, inflatable tubes, rope swings, volleyball nets, live music and bar, and restaurant!

Experience authentic Belizean cuisine! The Old Belize Exotic Beach & Bar restaurant is ideally situated facing Cucumber Beach and the Caribbean Sea. This provides a nice, tropical ambiance for some post-swim food!

Enjoy the peaceful panoramic view of the boats passing through the marina.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Admire the St. John’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: An eerie reminder of the power of old empires. Sort of creepy seeing such a decidedly European building in a distinctly Central American country.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Bird’s Isle Restaurant, their authentic Belizean food will only enhance your cultural experience!

Welcome to your cultural stop on our Belize Itinerary!

Located in downtown Belize City, just a few hundred feet west of the Government House. The majestic Cathedral was built in 1812 as the Church of England’s headquarters in Central America. Once upon a time, the cathedral was once used to crown four different native kings of the Miskito tribe in lavish ceremonies.

Today, the cathedral is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize.

Using gigantic ballast stones brought over from Europe, English colonizers constructed the cathedral as the “power base” of the Church of England in Central America! It makes for an odd point of interest in Belize. The contrast is pretty weird, if you looked only at the Cathedral and ignored the fantastic weather, you could be convinced that you were in an old English town!

It may seem kind of touristy, but it’s also something you shouldn’t miss out on for that reason alone. It’s an incredibly worthwhile stop on our Belize travel itinerary. The incredibly well-maintained architecture (made from Sapodilla and Mahogany wood), as well as an antique pipe organ and tombstones of English colonists, is definitely worth checking out!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Visit The Belize Zoo

• Why it’s awesome: The Belize Zoo is the world’s most famous “little zoo” and is a stunning way to see the wildlife of the country in as close to their natural environment as possible.
• Cost: 15$ USD
• Food nearby: Lil Texas Bar and Grill serves tasty Texan food with delicious Belizean flair!

Home to over one hundred and seventy-five species of animals, this is a must-see destination for animal and nature lovers. The Belize Zoo is a non-profit zoo that focuses on the conservation of wildlife through “environmental education and rehabilitation”!

It was the first nature destination in Belize that is fully accessible to handicap visitors!

The Belize Zoo’s 175 animals represent over 45 native species. The Zoo keeps animals that were orphaned, rescued, born at the zoo, rehabilitated animals, or sent to The Belize Zoo as donations from other zoological institutions around Belize!

A must-visit on any trip to Belize District, the zoo has many animals you’re unlikely to see elsewhere – several tapirs (a Belizean relative of the rhino), scarlet macaws, white-lipped peccaries, pumas and a variety of other animals!

A visit to the Zoo is the best way to get an introduction to the animals of Belize and to understand why it is important to protect the habitats that sustain them.

Insider Tip: Arriving early in the morning is a sure way to beat the loud and often obnoxious tour groups that get brought in closer to midday!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Learn at the Belize Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The National Museum of anywhere is a must-see as it’s the perfect way to learn about where you are and its culture.
• Cost: 5$ USD for entrance
• Food nearby: Celebrity Restaurant & Bar serves some of the best seafood in Belize!

Just a few hundred meters from the coast, the Belize Museum is an essential stop for anyone in Belize! Belize was once a key part of the ancient Mayan Empire and ruins of their ancient cities litter the countryside. Artifacts from the Victorian Colonial era can also be found recounting the time when Belize was once known as British Honduras!

If you opt for a tour, part of the experience includes a visit to an authentic prison cell! Built more than 150 years ago by the British colonial government to house prisoners, the facility was closed down by the newly-independent government of Belize in 1992. Ten years later, the government of Belize renovated the building, converting it to the Belize Museum!

Passing by this stop allows you to experience more than 3000 years of history and is a nice way for anyone feeling reluctant to make the journey to see the ruins of the Mayan civilization!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Dinner at The Riverside Tavern

• Why it’s awesome: Home to the best and biggest burgers in Belize, this eating extravaganza is the perfect way to cap off a busy day!
• Cost: Depending on what you eat, meals may range from 15$ USD (for a takeaway, includes a drink) and up.
• Food nearby: Don’t worry about food, this is all you’ll need!

A definite highlight of our Belize Itinerary!

Whether you’re on the patio overlooking Haulover Creek or inside the busy bar area, this restaurant is a great way to either begin your night out or end your day. It is commonly spoken of as being one of the best restaurants in Belize and has a secure, free, fenced off and guarded area to park in if you’re driving.

Their signature hamburgers come in sizes from 6 oz. and bigger, are arguably the best in Belize. Their onion ringed options are highly recommended as well as their steak and prime rib dishes. These are sourced from nearby cattle from the Bowen farm at Gallon Jug. The Bowens are also the owners of the restaurant as well as Belikin beers.

Insider Tip: This is one of the few restaurants in Belize with a dress code though so be warned, shorts aren’t allowed at night!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

San Ignacio Farmer’s Market | Capello’s Art Gallery | ATM Cave  | Green Iguana Project | Ko-Ox Han Nah

This is the perfect last day for anyone just looking for a 2 day itinerary in Belize!

Day 2/ Stop 1 – San Ignacio Farmers Market

• Why it’s awesome: The market is a fantastic opportunity to experience a literal taste of what makes Belizean life so unique!
• Cost: Varies, depending on stalls, but prices have been known to be around 1$ USD for 10 bananas or 1$ USD for 5 limes!
• Food nearby: Some of the best fruit and veg in the world, all locally sourced can be found right at the market! You can also enjoy breakfast and coffee at the near by Bamboo Tea & Coffee!

In this itinerary for Belize, some places can’t be missed. San Ignacio is one of those places!

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo district with a quaint, small-town vibe. It makes for a perfect stop on any Belize Itinerary! With a colorful history and an eclectic mix of cultures, it makes the perfect place to explore the country’s Mayan ruins and Cave Systems!

But before we get to the exploring part, one of the best things to do in San Ignacio is to visit the San Ignacio Farmers Market.

Opening at roughly 04:30, this marketplace is the largest of its kind in Belize and with the variety of fruit and vegetables available, it is the perfect way to start your day. The open-air market is a perfect blend of bright fruits, vibrant clothing, and colorful languages as it is extremely multicultural. Everything from English to German, Spanish, Creole, and native Mayan can be heard through this bustling hub!

The busiest day to visit is a Saturday and many native Belizeans use this opportunity to meet, exchange gossip or just spend time out with one another. Perusing the best of what Belize has to offer is just the right way to begin your day as you load up on all the fresh produce you can inhale!

Insider Tip: Most adventuring in Belize starts early, ends late and can involve a lot of walking tours so bring some reliable shoes!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Capello’s Art Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: This stunning art gallery offers local artists a chance to shine and as a result, boast some of the most unique and beautiful works of art anywhere in the world!
• Food nearby: Authentic Belizean food and more is available at a hole-in-the-wall spot called Ko-Ox Han Nah (Let’s Go Eat)!

Capello’s Art Gallery is one of the most beautiful buildings in San Ignacia, inside and out.

The gallery prides itself on giving local artists the opportunity to create magical creations. It hosts four full time professional Belizean artists. Each artist has their own private studio and the gallery uses high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting value.

Visiting this talent-filled studio is an opportunity to experience the soul of Belize – just perfect for the art orientated traveler.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Explore the ATM Cave

• Why it’s awesome: These caves are the most sacred in the world and an almost spiritual experience
• Cost: 110$ USD per person(includes guide, lunch, and transport, water and entrance)
• Food nearby: Purple Star Sports Bar & Grill offers generous and cheap meals for anyone looking for nearby value for money!

The ATM Cave (short for the less catchy, Actun Tunichil Muknal) is, according to National Geographic, the world’s most sacred cave in the world. They tend to know a little something about these things so you can assume it’ll be time and money well spent!

The ATM Cave is a something of a mix of natural wonder and archaeological site. It stretches at least a kilometer into the earth, twisting through narrow passes in the rock. This goes on until you reach a massive, glittering atrium of crystallized stalagmites and stalactites.

What makes the cave feel so sacred isn’t just the crystal cathedrals. The ATM Cave is the resting place of the remains from several ancient human sacrifices…. The most famous of these is the “Crystal Maiden” – the intact skeleton of a young female in near perfect condition in the heart of the cave. The “crystal” comes as a result of a covering of calcium carbonate which sparkles eerily…

In addition to human remains, there are also countless pieces of pottery and other artifacts broken into pieces, presumably as part of sacrificing rituals. As such it’s one of the most famous of all the Belize landmarks and not to be missed.

Insider Tip: Bring clothing you don’t mind getting wet and a pair of old shoes as the cave goes from wet to dry to wet and back again!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Green Iguana Conservation Project

• Why it’s awesome: You actually get to interact with these gigantic creatures!
• Cost: 9$ USD
• Food nearby: Running W. Steakhouse & Restaurant is one of the most beautiful places in Belize to grab a bite and toucans can often be spotted as you enjoy your meal

Native to Central, South America, and the Caribbean, green iguanas are some of the largest lizards in the Americas. In fact, their huge tails making up nearly half of their length!

Unfortunately, these iguanas and their eggs are eaten by humans, and considered a delicacy. Locally, edible iguana is known on menus as “bamboo chicken”.

A result of this as well as increasing the destruction of their natural environment has led to them becoming increasingly endangered. Hence the need for the Green Iguana Conservation Project!

The project includes two critical programs. The first involves adopting an Iguana and the second; the Iguana Kids Club. Both promote the process of incubating, hatching, rearing, and releasing young iguanas back into the wild. The aim is to have youth participating in the program walk away with higher awareness and education about these large reptiles.

Situated at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, the Iguana Conservation Project allows tourists hour-long tours. During this, you venture into the enclosed area where juvenile iguanas are raised until they are released into the wild. Touch and hold adult iguanas, and then enjoy dozens of baby iguanas cling to your body!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Dinner at Ko-Ox Han Nah

• Why it’s awesome: Truly authentic meals at reasonable prices
• Cost: Most meals are around 20$ USD or less
• Food nearby: You’re already here!

The best way to end off a day is to enjoy some of the best food at one of the best restaurants in San Ignacio. Some go so far as to call it, THE restaurant. How could we not list it in our expansive Belize Itinerary?

Meaning “Let’s Go Eat” in Maya, this restaurant offers a diverse and incredible range of food from local and authentic Belize food to lamb curry and Mexican doof to American classics. It also offers several vegetarian and vegan options. The word eclectic gets used a lot but in this case, it’s entirely appropriate!

Why an eatery should warrant a stop is a good question but all we can say is give it a try. No one who’s been has regretted it and you’d have to go out of your way to find someone who has had a bad experience!

With excellent service, a cool vibe, great food, an authentic ambiance, and a sense of inherent quality, you should definitely use this opportunity to pass up going back to the hotel and enjoying room service!

Red Hut Inn

Located in a safe and convenient area just outside the city (around 8 miles from the airport) the beach isn’t far away enough for you to not smell the sea breeze.

• Free Parking

Caye Caulker | Truck Stop in San Pedro | Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary | Xunantunich | Placencia

If you’ve got time for more than 2 days in Belize, you’ll definitely want to try and explore each district. Ideally, we suggest you try spending more than 3 days in Belize to maximize the value of your trip as for a small country, there really is a lot to see and do.

If you’re planning on spending at least 5 days in Belize, try to do as much as possible. To help with that here are a few key places to visit in Belize ( in 3 days) !

Unwind in Caye Caulker

• Dive in one of the world’s must-dive sites, the Great Blue Hole!
• Swim with Caribbean Reef Sharks!
• A great way to see and do a little of everything Belize has to offer.

A perfect way to spend a day for anyone who has time for a 3 day itinerary in Belize! A mile away from the famous barrier reef system, the Great Blue Hole, Caye Caulker is a tiny island most popular among budget travelers, backpackers, and those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of a chaotic life back home. The island is a cheaper alternative to the busier San Pedro islands and is often said to be its “little sister”.

Stay in a  Caye Caulker hostel  for a different setting in this stunning area. There are no paved roads and to get around, most people wither make use of a combination of golf carts, bicycles, water taxis and good old fashioned walking!

If windsurfing, snorkeling, and diving are your speed then this is for you. A variety of day tours are also available that include scuba diving, snorkeling, zip-lining, or seeing the local manatees!

Due to its varied geography, Caye Caulker is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic sunset. It’s a nice place to unwind and catch a break from all the adventuring you’ve no doubt been doing since arriving in beautiful Belize.

Eat Out at The Truck Stop in San Pedro

• Experience the unique flavors of South America with travelers from all over the world
• Right on the doorstep of some of the best daytime beach activities
• Enjoy the chance to eat Arepa !

San Pedro, like Belize as a whole, boasts huge amounts of adventure activities to do!

From diving in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley to enjoying sunset cruises. One hidden gem of this golden island is the Truck Stop!

Located 1 mile north of San Pedro Town the Truck Stop is a bunch of shipping containers, converted into delicious eateries with something for everyone! Enjoy the cool breeze of the dock over the lagoon, eat/drink in the beer garden, or chill in the “tree pit”.

With entertainment like tossing cornhole bags, horseshoes, redneck golf, life-size Jenga and more you definitely won’t be bored!

They also sell some of the best tasting South American food in the form of Arepas as well as food from other parts of the world including Malaysian/Asian-style alternatives.

The Truck Stop is the type of hidden gem that really makes you appreciate having done some research beforehand!

Spend time with Jaguars at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

• Visit the world’s only Jaguar Sanctuary
• Get authentic and explore this sanctuary on foot!
• Only 5$ per person!

With several hotels available roughly 30 minutes from the site, it may be best to book a spot there before heading to this one of a kind sanctuary. It’s a nice way to explore Belize’s natural beauty as there are over 14 different hiking trails and very few tourists to compete with.

From hidden waterfalls, rivers and mountain tops with amazing views of the park, it’s a truly surreal way to spend some time in nature.

For birdwatchers, a large array of diversity of tropical birds exists! Tracks of wildcats and other wildlife are often spotted- especially along the bank of South Stann Creek. Plan an extended visit if possible. The park has several cabins as well as campgrounds for anyone looking to spend the night!

An interesting fact about the area is that the area was also designated to protect the upper watersheds of important river systems. Cockscomb has two distinctive basins, which separated by a ridge of land. The East Basin drains into South Stann Creek and the West Basin drains into Swasey River!

Xunantunich Tour

• Makes you feel like a true blue adventurer, you can almost imagine Indiana Jones adjusting his hat next to you!
• Enjoy the stunning view of the Mopan River from 130ft tall El Castillo!
• Admire structures older than many religions

Probably the best Belize walking tour.

This is another ancient Belize site . Xunantunich means “stone woman” in Mayan and these ruins date back to about 200-900 AD. The ruins include over 25 different temples and palaces. One of the most impressive is the domineering El Castillo. It stands 40m (130ft) tall, and from the top, provides an amazing view of the jungle, other ruins, and beyond the Guatemalan border!

Fair warning though, getting to Xunantunich can take a little bit of effort, and as the park closes at 4pm, you’ll want to get an early start. If you’re coming from San Ignacio, you can usually find a bus going to the ruins fairly easily. Most of the main cities in Belize have organized tours that provide transportation daily. When you are dropped off, take a free ride on the hand-cranked ferry to cross the Mopan River, with a short scenic walk to the site!

This is one of the most important Belize attractions so make sure you don’t miss out!

Go Bar Hopping in Placencia

• Home to some of the best beaches and bars in Belize, you may as well combine the two!
• There’s always something to do in this happening nightlife scene
• Safer for going out than Belize City and more entertaining at night than San Ignacia or Caye Caulker

Enjoy live music five nights a week, full-moon parties and fire dancing at the Barefoot Bar. If you prefer coffee or breakfast vibes, then check out Above Grounds or Brewed Awakenings!

For a colorful lounging atmosphere and, Garifuna dancing on Wednesday, give the Tipsy Tuna Sports Bar a look. For nightclub scenes Yoli’s, Street Feet and Sky Deck are all happening places that can get pretty intense on the weekends.

If you’re looking for a more locally popular place check out dockside J-Byrds, especially on a Friday!

So how safe is Belize ? Well, Belize, like many other Central and South American countries has issues with high crime and you need to exercise caution.

Violent crimes against tourists do happen but are fairly rare. The major concerns are be pick-pocketing, muggings and general theft.

To help keep vigilant, there are a few things you might have to be wary of. Firstly, keep your stuff safe: whether it’s on a chicken bus, in a taxi, at your hotel or hostel or even while traveling. It’s not exactly rare to have things stolen from your  accommodation, so chose your stay carefully. Don’t skimp only to get robbed later.

If you feel unsafe or unsure about something, ask: The Belizeans are known for their hospitality and will most likely help you if they can. In addition to this, English is the national language so communication shouldn’t be too difficult!

While you’re chatting with the locals, try not to stick out. If you look like tourists, people will assume you’ve got money. Dress like a local, don’t show off and walk like you know where you’re going. Be very careful about flashing jewellerey or electronic gadgets – you never know who may be watching you.

Lastly, stay in public places. I.e don’t duck and dive into alleyways, don’t use dodgy ATMs and if it’s during the night, maybe don’t go to that hole-in-the-wall bar no-one knows about.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Belize

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

The Belize day trips below form a key part of any Belize vacation itinerary or travel guidebook for Belize and so  you definitely don’t want to miss out on any of them!

San Ignacio: Caracol and Rio On Pools with Lunch

Spend the day discovering the wonders of the ancient Mayans!

Head to Caracol, where you’ll stroll through the Maya villages of Cristo Rey and San Antonio, Toledo.

Follow the winding forest trail and listen to the wonderful guides immerse you in stories of old Maya. As they do so you’ll see the grand stone structures and the vast networks of ancient roads!

Walk along the paths the warriors used to take and climb one of the largest man-made structures in Belize (43 meters), the Canna. You’ll get to experience the plentiful tropical rainforests before stopping at the waters of either the Rio On Pools or the Big Rock Falls. After your delicious lunch, you can enjoy a refreshing swim!

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave: Full-Day Tour

Prepare for a long day of adventuring in one of the must see’s during any of your day trips in Belize!

Hike to your starting point, cross a river before hiking some more until you come across one of the most famous caves in the world!

Switch between swimming and walking as you make your way through the cave. To protect the cave, travelers must remove their shoes before entering.

A living museum, most of the cave’s artifacts have been calcified into the ground, unmoved even by archaeologists. Hear stories of rituals, ceremonies, bloodletting, and human offerings. The cave contains a total of 15 human remains!

Climb a ladder to see full skeletal remains before exiting the cave in the same way you came in!

From Belize: Xunantunich, Cave Tubing, and Belize Zoo Tour

Xunantunich is a national treasure that can’t be missed!

Once you arrive, you’ll start off with a 30-minute hike and while it’s mostly on flat ground, you may end up wading through a few knee-deep water streams!

Once you reach the entrance of the cave, it is time for your adventure to begin! Inside, you will see beautiful crystalline formations and eerie rock formations. If you’re lucky your guides may stop at the mini waterfall and swimming area.

Next, arrive at the Belize Zoo – a small zoo with a big heart which will definitely win you over. Every species is placed in habitats based on what their natural surroundings would be.

Caye Caulker: Full-Day Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling

The name means “little channel” in Mayan, and is home to a variety of colorful and intriguing sights, including an enchanting coral reef, seagrass beds, and a mangrove forest. Enjoy exploring these then go snorkeling among sharks, stingrays and a school of bright marine life!

4 great snorkel stops are included. The Hol-Chan Channel, Shark Ray Alley, Shipwreck, and the North Channel. In between stops, you’ll get a chance to visit San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye to enjoy a tasty beachfront lunch.

Belize Cave Tubing and Ziplining

In this Belize Itinerary, there are more than a few adventure activities, and this is one for the highlight reel!

Absorb the vibrant flora and fauna during a 30-minute walk as you make your way to the entrance of the cave. The ancient Maya visited the site to conduct important rituals. You are propelled by the gentle currents as your guide tells you everything you need to know about the natural formations found inside the cave!

The second part of this adventure involves an adrenaline-inducing ride through the forest treetops, giving a bird’s eye view of the emerald forest canopy. The zip line tour involves crossing from one platform to another along with cables 75 feet above the forest floor!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Belize itinerary.

How many days do you need in Belize?

Three to four full days in Belize is plenty of time to explore the charming country. It’ll also give you time to relax at the beach and give your feet a bit of rest. Of course, having more time is always recommended.

What is the best month to go to Belize?

We’d recommend visiting Belize towards the end of dry-season, in March or April. That will promise great weather, still quite a few tourists, but nothing too overwhelming. Prices might start to drop as well.

What should you definitely add to your Belize itinerary?

Scuba diving should not be missing on your Belize itinerary. The crystal blue water is literally made for snorkeling and diving, and the calm sea means even beginners get to have their fun. Exploring Old Belize is pretty fun as well.

What can I do in Belize today?

To find out what’s on the activity menu in Belize today, check out GetYourGuide for awesome tours, attractions and tickets. If you want to have a more local vibe, go with Airbnb experiences instead.

Having finished our Belize Itinerary, you should have an idea of what to expect for your journey into the beautiful Caribbean, jungle hybrid that is Belize! You’ll have tested your Indiana Jones adventuring skills as well as your ability to take in all the natural beauty that lies in Belize.

Make sure you take note of when to go and remember that even in the rainy season, many of the things mentioned here can still be done without too much hassle. In fact, it may even enhance things!

Don’t forget to take a camera and snap up as many photos as you can of one of the world’s most photogenic, naturally beautiful and interesting places anywhere in the world. Try as much as you can, when you can, and you’ll definitely enjoy it all!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Claire Martin

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Belize on a Budget | How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Belize?

Backpacking Belize on a budget? Noo, way … Everyone told us Belize was expensive. More expensive than Costa Rica! Don’t spend too long there if you’re on a budget, a lot of travellers said. We’re not sure it was even worth the journey, others said.

Maybe we should just bypass Belize we said to each other. Don’t you want to go diving there though? I asked Luke. He said that maybe it would be comparable to the diving he’d done in the Corn Islands, but more pricey. Maybe, I said.

We could go around Belize, through Mexico instead, said Luke. What, skip Belize altogether? I said. Well maybe, I said. but we’ve come all this way and might never get the chance to go to Belize again. That’s true, said Luke. So perhaps we should just blitz it, and take the budget hit knowing it’ll be an expensive week for us, said Luke. So that’s what we did.

Our Belize Travel Route

We decided that the best way to get to Belize was to go via boat from Chetumal in Mexico to Caye Caulker. Then we’d hop across to Belize City (people say it’s horrible), pass straight through and get the bus to the border town of San Ignacio. We’d spend some time in San Ignacio then cross straight across the Belize-Guatemala border to Flores and Tikal.

Our Belize travel route meant that we cut out a number of exciting Belizean destinations, including Orange Walk, Hopkins and Placencia. We thought all of those places looked like great destinations but we’d been blinded by rumours of Belize being a budget-breaker and didn’t want to get off track on our travel route towards Tikal.

1 Week is Not Enough Time in Belize

Well, you know what, that’s the last time we listen to other travellers. We spent just 7 days in Belize and it was nowhere near enough. We loved Belize. We loved the laid-back, beachy vibes in Caye Caulker, San Ignacio was the prettiest border town we’ve ever been to, we couldn’t get enough of eating coconut rice and beans, and the Belizean people always had something interesting to say. If you can, spend more time travelling in Belize.

Our Belize Travel Budget

And what about our budget? Our travel costs were exactly the same as travelling in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The Yucatan is known for being Mexico’s most touristy and expensive region and the cost of travel in Belize wasn’t much different.

Perhaps if we’d travelled the other way round and come to Belize after being in Guatemala, Central Mexico and/or Nicaragua, we’d have felt the prices were high in comparison. Thinking back to our travels in Nicaragua and Guatemala before, there’s no doubt that Belize is more expensive, but budget travel in Belize isn’t impossible.

In Belize they use the Belize dollar, which has our British queen’s face on it! A Belize dollar is double that of a US dollar. So $2 BZD = $1 USD. It makes things pretty easy to work out. The infographic below is all in US dollars .

How to Travel on a Budget in Belize

We thought that our budget was going to be so busted up by travelling in Belize that we were pleasantly surprised by everything. While it’s definitely possible to go over budget in Belize, some careful searching for accommodation and wise food decisions mean you can easily travel in Belize on a budget.

Budget Accommodation in Belize

Our advice on finding budget accommodation in Belize is to look for family-run, economical guesthouses. You can sometimes find out about budget guesthouses online if you do a bit of digging around, though may have more luck asking locals when you arrive in some cases.

Budget Accommodation in Caye Caulker

We left it too late to book our accommodation online for Caye Caulker which was a mistake because the island gets pretty busy. We arrived late in the evening and already most of the accommodation was already booked out or they had closed up their reception / gone to bed. After some traipsing around, we were quoted a dorm bed in a noisy backpacker’s hostel for 30BZD ($15 USD) per bed and a hotel room with air-con and a TV (we never want air-con or a TV in our room) for 120BZD ($60 USD). We saw a tiny yellow-painted alley with an old sign “Jerimiah’s Guesthouse.” Some guests directed me to go up a tiny spiral staircase and knock on their living room door. I called through, got a reply and we got a basic double room for 50BZD ($25 USD) per night.

Budget Accommodation in San Ignacio

We toyed with the idea of booking an Airbnb in San Igancio so we could be sure of some decent wifi to work on during the weekdays, but after a little searching online I found a budget guesthouse in San Ignacio. Other travellers had left reviews saying how excellent the wifi was, so we sent an email and booked for 4 nights.

J&R Guesthouse was a really excellent family-run guesthouse. The wifi was good, we had a kitchen to use, we had a private room with en-suite, the whole place was clean, the family were really friendly and there was a beautiful blossom tree outside with butterflies and honeybee hummingbirds (the world’s smallest bird) around it. We paid just 48BZD ($24 USD) per night.

Budget Eating in Belize

The best and really the only way to eat on a budget in Belize is to eat local food. For breakfast, try fry jacks. These are deep fried dough stuffed with different fillings such as scrambled eggs, beans, cheese, or meat. A fry jack from a local place will usually cost around 3BZD ($1.5 USD) and you will be full all day.

Locals eat a very economical meal rice and beans for lunch and dinner. It usually comes with chicken for 6 or 7BZD ($3-3.5 USD), and the price is annoyingly usually the same without chicken (if you’re vegetarian like us). If you’re drinking, stick to Belikin, the local beer, or rum, which is extremely cheap in Belize.

Budget-Friendly Activities in Belize

Budget-friendly activities really depend on where you are in Belize. If you’re on an island like Caye Caulker, then the best budget activity is to simply spend all day at the beach, enjoying the sunshine and going swimming. Most people – tourists and locals – will hang out all day at the split. You can also go on snorkelling trips but these will set you back around 70BZD ($35 USD).

In San Ignacio, we mostly enjoyed walking around town and buying fruits and food to cook from the local market. You can go walking up to the Cahal Pech ruins, which have a 10BZD ($5 USD) entry fee if you want to go in. We spent 24BZD ($12 USD) on a cacao workshop, learning how to grind cacao into chocolate paste on a traditional Mayan grind stone. We’d highly recommend it if you’re in San Ignacio.

Budget Transport in Belize

We mostly found that transport in Belize wasn’t too bad. In Caye Caulker and San Ignacio, you can get everywhere around town by foot (as both are quite small places). Getting between places was also reasonable. The speed boat from Caye Caulker to Belize City cost only 19BZD ($9.5 USD) and the chicken bus from Belize City to San Ignacio only cost 9BZD ($4.5 USD) .

Be sure to avoid any tourist minibuses or anyone who offers you a ride with air-conditioning. These will definitely be way more expensive and likely even a complete rip-off. The best budget option is to travel on the same buses that the locals take.

Warning: Crossing the Border from Chetumal to Caye Caulker

The speed boat from Chetumal to Caye Caulker was actually a real budget breaker for us. Not only is the boat ride quite expensive, but this particular border crossing is known for the notorious “service fee” scam. The border guard demands that all tourists leaving Mexico pay a “service fee” which, as long as you took an international flight into Mexico, you have already paid in arrival taxes.

The travellers in front of us in the queue had their proof of entry and a receipt of their international flight showing they’d already paid the tax. The guard couldn’t care less and told them they could either pay the 380 Mexican peso charge or they could not get on the boat. We heard the same story from another couple we met in San Ignacio who had been equally well-prepared and suffered the same fate.

Other Resources for Budget Travel in Belize

• What We Spent in Belize by the guys at Along Dusty Roads, another awesome budget travel couple from the UK.
• What Not to Miss in Belize , also from Along Dusty Roads. Definitely don’t miss Marie Sharp’s delicious hot sauce.

Are you travelling to Belize on a budget? Let us know how you get on and how budget-friendly you found Belize.

Charlie Marchant

Isla Holbox Guide – 2 Day Itinerary

Vegetarian cafés for healthy eaters in lake atitlan, guatemala.

I’ve always heard the same, that Belize is beautiful, but expensive.

It’s reassuring to know that I can enjoy some time there and all that it has to offer on a reasonable budget.

Carol Leisch

YES Caulker is great and budget friendly. From there I went solo to Placenica and really enjoyed it. I took a safe/ clean/cheap local bus. I am a retired USA teacher who enjoys seeing new places on a retirees budget. Go for It!

Charlie on Travel

That sounds really cool, Carol!

Hi Charlie, great info for Belize, I just wanted to ask if you guys went in a snorkelling tour on Caye Caulker and if you have any advise/recommendations for the most environmentally and wildlife responsible day trips? Thanks

Hey Ju. Yes, we did. We went snorkelling to see the nurse sharks with Captain Amado at Reef Friendly Tours. He’s the only tour operator in town that DOESN’T feed the nurse sharks. It’s a bit of a difficult one still though because all of the other tour boats around (not too many, but there are some) will be feeding the nurse sharks.

Here’s a photo of his place from the outside: https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_Q8d4AVxA/?taken-by=charlieontravel

Thank you so much for your reply! We had heard many stories about feeding which we aren’t comfortable with and wondered if you guys had found a trip. Brilliant, we have made a note and will check them out. Happy travels in Guatemala, we are making out way there next!

Absolutely. We read a lot of stories about that particular issue before too. It’s a very difficult situation. The nurse sharks are meant to be nocturnal and are only awake during the day because the know the tour boats will feed them. They automatically swim towards the boats because the expect food. The best thing you can do is to go with a tour provider who doesn’t feed the nurse sharks and is respectful of the coral (avoiding trampling etc).

Hey Charlie! Love your blog! I would love to share a link to your post about Belize on a new website I am getting ready to launch – is that something you would be interested in?

Hey Katie, thanks so much. And sure, go ahead :)

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About charlie & luke.

We’re Charlie and Luke — UK travel bloggers, adventurers and storytellers. We travel slow and write about sustainable travel . We want to make responsible travel choices and help you do the same. Get to know us .

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The Best of Belize on a Budget

Belize has its share of trendy resorts and exclusive retreats, but you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy its lush jungles, Mayan ruins, and Caribbean coastline. With a little planning, you can afford to snorkel, dive, and explore this exotic locale on any budget.

What to Do: Belize is for the active vacationer, there's no doubt about that. Snorkel off the world’s second largest barrier reef, dive into the depths of the Blue Hole , and deep-sea fish. Inland, climb to the top of Mayan temples, hike through the jungle to waterfalls, and explore caves filled with broken pottery and artifacts.

To make the most of your vacation dollars, take advantage of the complimentary bicycles, kayaks, catamarans, and golf carts available at your hotel or resort, as well as any free activities offered. (For example, Ian Anderson’s Caves Branch Adventure Company & Jungle Lodge offers free cheese tastings while Hickatee Cottages in southern Belize hosts weekly Garifuna drumming lessons.) Also, don't miss out on Belize’s national parks, like Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary  (entrance is about $5), and archaeological sites, such as Altun Ha  (entrance is about $5).

You can also save money on tours by shopping around or waiting until the day-of for last minute deals. A word of caution, though: When it comes to active adventures like caving, horseback riding, or snorkeling, don’t sacrifice safety to save a few dollars. Before you go out, make sure your guide is certified, has substantial experience, and can provide medical assistance for injuries, if necessary.

Where to Eat: You won’t have any trouble finding good food at a reasonable price in Belize. Watch for Belikin beer signs hanging outside small restaurants or jerk chicken sizzling on outdoor grills for the best deals (and often the best meals). Typical roadside fare consists of rice, beans, coleslaw, chicken, and a fried plantain – all for just $3. Add a Belikin for a dollar or two more.

In coastal areas, treat yourself to seafood. A lobster pulled from the ocean just hours before can be had for as little as $15. You’ll also find garlic shrimp, conch ceviche, and grilled grouper on the menu at exceptional prices.

Location matters when it comes to food, too. You’ll pay more for a meal in popular tourist destinations like Ambergris Caye than you will in harder-to-reach communities like Punta Gorda . To save money, don’t eat like a tourist, even if you are surrounded by them. Seek out the restaurants where locals, tour guides, store owners, and hotel staff dine – just ask them about their favorites.

How to Get Around: If you plan to stay put in one destination, transportation is simple. You can take a water taxi to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker , and Tropic Air flies to regional airports throughout Belize. Most lodges and resorts will drive you to and from the regional airport, for a fee.

If you're feeling intrepid, a rental car can actually make sense despite the high rental rates ($75/day, on average) and high gas prices (up to $6/gallon). Without one, you might be limited to taking excursions offered by tour companies, which can really add up. When I was recently in Belize, I noticed several companies offering a $90/person tour to a Mayan site that I had visited in my rental car for a few dollars of gas and the $5 admission fee.

If you decide on a rental car, make sure to go with a company that offers newer models with reasonable mileage - not all do. I recommend  Crystal Auto Rental .

Where to Stay: Lodging in Belize ranges from backpackers’ bunkhouses to luxury resorts. The golden rule? The cheapest nightly rate isn’t always the best deal. Some lodges and resorts are so secluded that your meals are limited to on-site dining ($20 per person, per meal, excluding beverages). Others charge hefty fees for transfers to and from the airport or for golf cart and bicycle rentals. Before you make a reservation, also consider the additional expense of paying for tours and other activities. Sometimes an all-inclusive or a package deal offered by the resort or lodge makes the most sense on a budget.

For even greater savings, consider vacationing off the beaten path. If you’re looking for a diving or snorkeling experience, check out Placencia or Punta Gorda. If you want an inland adventure, think about heading north to Orange Walk .

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Belize on a Budget | Tips to save money in Belize

Traveling is something sacred, an experience many avid wanderlusters claim adds purpose to their life. Which is why it is unfortunate when such experience may be limited by financial matters. However, there are still ways to experience the amazing Belize rainforest and breathtaking barrier reef with a few money-saving tips. 

• Prioritize spend. Are you a foodie or a luxe island hopper? Can you sleep anywhere but want to be blown away by your time in Belize? When planning your trip, divide what you would like to skimp on, and what you would like to spend on. For instance, street food in Belize is a great option to pocket some change while also seeing where the locals eat every day . Grab some cheap yet delicious panades for lunch from a food stand and you’ll have extra for that horseback-riding tour. Or if you’d rather your accommodation be an experience in itself, book a beachfront cabana where no tours will be needed as you explore the island and relax by the beach. 
• Low season. This is an obvious tip, but in Belize tours and hotels go as low as 50% off from August to March-ish. This time might be considered the “rainy” season but it isn’t raining consistently to the point of you having to cancel any tours or not enjoy your vacation. Besides, activities like chocolate making, drumming school and cooking classes are all indoors! 
• Join a group tour. Many island expeditions, like snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley or cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en require a minimum number of persons. If you’re really eyeing a certain tour, check to see if there are spots available on their scheduled tours for the day. This can save you a fortune when instead you’d be paying for basically a private tour.  

These tips can go a long way when planning how to experience your Belize vacation. For more information on things to do in Belize, feel free to call us toll-free at 1-800-6240686 or email us at   [email protected] . 

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Where to Stay in Belize for an Unforgettable Exotic Escape

F rom the beaches on Ambergris Caye to the Mayan ruins in San Ignacio, Belize is packed with adventurous and dreamy travel destinations. Located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, this small country borders Guatemala and Mexico . Belize is known for its lush jungles, peaceful islands and vibrant coral reefs. Particularly impressive is the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef in the world, and the Great Blue Hole, a giant underwater sinkhole.

Drink a piña colada on the beach or go hiking in the mountains. Tour Mayan ruins or see lots of underwater wildlife on a snorkeling expedition. Belize appeals to all kinds of travels, from beach bums to outdoor adventure-seekers. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly beach cabanas to romantic bungalows to dreamy island resorts. Plan your Belize getaway now with our list of the best places to stay in Belize.

1. San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

If a Caribbean vacation is your goal, San Pedro is a great place to start. Located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, San Pedro is a quick 15-minute flight from Belize City. Or you can go the slower route and travel by ferry, which takes about 90 minutes. 

The island is close to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, making it a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you want to explore this underwater UNESCO World Heritage Site, be sure to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected zone that is home to more than 160 different fish species. You can get there by boat in about 10 minutes. 

Not all of the resorts on Ambergris Caye have swimmable beaches, making pools their main attraction. For an off-resort experience where you can enjoy drinks in the water, many make the trek to Secret Beach. It’s slow-going to get there by golf cart, so you may want to take a minivan taxi. This will cost you about $100 round-trip, but your driver will wait and return you to your resort.    

Many of Belize’s most popular resorts are just a short golf cart drive from San Pedro. If you’re looking to book a stay on points, SheBuysTravel writer Heidi Gollub recommends Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection — this Marriott property opened in 2021 and has the most incredible oceanview suites. Use Alaia’s Adventure Concierge to book fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions that leave from the resort’s Five Star PADI Dive Center. 

Gollub also recommends getting an oceanside aromatherapy massage from Victoria House Resort & Spa , no matter where you’re staying on Ambergris Caye. If you stick around for dinner at the resort’s Palmilla Restaurant, ask for the chef’s special. 

2. Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is the perfect spot for a slower, more relaxing beach vacation. This island is particularly popular among backpackers, who are attracted to its affordable prices and laid-back atmosphere. Caye Calker is also easy to get to, as it is only a 45-minute water taxi ride from Belize City.

Visitors can sample fresh seafood, meet the locals or try out a variety of water activities, including snorkeling, diving, scuba diving and kayaking. There is a seahorse reserve, a mangrove forest and lots of boat trips that depart from the island. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is also accessible from Caye Caulker.

You won’t find expensive luxury resorts on this island. Accommodations options include boutique hotels and cozy cabanas, all reasonably priced. If you’re traveling with family, Caye Reef Condos  is a great option. These beachfront apartments can sleep up to six people and are equipped with kitchens. Backpackers can opt for one of the island’s popular hostels, such as Blue Fin Cabanas  and Sophies Guest Rooms .

3. Placencia

Placencia sits on the southern tip of a peninsula in southeastern Belize. This charming fishing village is known for its beautiful sand beaches, which stretch for miles. Adventure-seekers can use Placencia as a home-base while heading off on exciting day trips, while those looking to relax can sunbathe on the beaches or explore the lively downtown area. When you’re not relaxing or exploring the jungle, hike to the nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and see jaguars.

The town is home to many luxury beach resorts, many of which have their own dive centers. One popular luxury option is Turtle Inn , a charming beachfront restaurant seated between the Placencia lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The Turtle Inn boasts an on-site spa, three restaurants, two bars and a pool area.

There are also more affordable hotels for those on a tighter budget. On such option, Miramar Suites , is a popular beachfront hotel located in downtown Placencia. This is a great option for families, as there as an outdoor pool area and many rooms come equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes.

4. San Ignacio

Ready to dive into Mayan history? Travel to San Ignacio. This town is located in the Cayo District, only 20 minutes from the Guatemalan border. Travelers here have easy access to ancient Maya ruins, like Xunantunich and Caracol. The town is surrounded by nature reserves, national parks, waterfalls and caves.

Downtown San Ignacio is full of colorful murals, local markets and locally-owned restaurants. Travelers can stay in jungle lodges or charming boutique hotels. Learn about Iguanas at the Green Iguana Conservation Project or take a Mayan chocolate making tour. To get your adrenaline pumping, take an ATV tour cave tour.

Hotel options in San Ignacio include the  Chaa Creek , a luxury resort dedicated to eco-tourism. Guests can opt to stay in suites, cottages, villas or guest rooms. Some of the upscale villas come with jacuzzis, private verandas and private infinity pools. Maya Mountain Lodge  is a more affordable option just a short walk from the city center.

Hopkins is a small village on the coast of the Stann Creek. The village is home to a community of Garifuna people, a mix of African and Indigenous Americans who live in small towns along the Caribbean. Enjoy delicious Garifuna cuisine, such as bundiga or cassava bread. The Garifuna people are also known for the lively music, which can be heard at local restaurants and bars. For an even more immersive experience, take a drumming or dancing lesson.

Travelers can also visit an overwater bar, go scuba diving, explore a wildlife sanctuary or rent a bike and explore the village. Accommodation options range from modest guest houses to oceanfront luxury hotels. Particularly popular resorts include Belizean Dreams Resort  and Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort .

6. Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in the country, and likely the start of your Belize adventure, as it houses the country’s only international airport. Most travelers fly into Belize City and spend a couple days here before heading off to one of the islands or other vacation destinations.

Although Belize City isn’t known for its beaches, it is home to colonial architecture, historic landmarks and museums. Learn a little history at the Museum of Belize or check out the architecture in St. John’s Cathedral. There’s also a popular zoo and lots of guided nature tours that depart from the city. Some popular accommodation options in Belize City include Villa Boscardi  and Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat .

7. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is the perfect base for nature-lovers. Here, you’ll find waterfalls, caves, natural waterslides, pools and pine forests. Travelers can spend the day hiking, biking or horseback riding through the forests while enjoying breathtaking scenery and spotting a variety of wildlife.

For affordable accommodation options, stay in a rustic cottage, such as Kane Villas vacation rentals . These rental apartments include a kitchen and a private balcony with views of the mountains. If you’re looking to splurge, consider a luxurious forest lodge, such as the Blancaneaux Lodge , operated by the Family Coppola Hideaways. This resort features an outdoor swimming pool, an organic garden and two on-site restaurants.

The post Where to Stay in Belize for an Unforgettable Exotic Escape appeared first on She Buys Travel .

I used credit card rewards to take a dream vacation to Belize for just over $1,000

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

• I traveled to Belize with friends recently and had a great time for under $1,000.
• By traveling during the low season, I was able to get a cheaper room, and cheaper flights.
• I cashed in points from my travel rewards credit card, which makes it easy to save hundreds.

Every summer, my friends and I like to vacation together. We try to find affordable locations that offer beaches, nice accommodations, and good food. Since summer is the low season in most of Central America, we decided to plan a trip to Belize, which is known for its affordability.

Belize is a popular vacation destination because of its warm weather, beaches, and great exchange rate. We knew a large part of our budget would go toward our hotel. We wanted a beachfront apartment at an adults-only property. After researching, we found an ideal property in Placencia, a sleepy beach town south of Belize City, and split the cost of the room.

Traveling during Belize's low season means experiencing high temperatures and a few rain showers. However, low-season travel has some advantages, such as uncrowded beaches and restaurants and deals on flights and hotels. I used points from my travel rewards credit card and spent just over $1,000 in total.

I spent $628 on accommodations

Our biggest expense was our accommodations. We stayed at Caribbean Beach Cabanas, which offers a sliding-scale discounted rate for booking during the low season, depending on the room level. We booked a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa with a fully equipped kitchen, living room, and an oversized deck that overlooked the hotel pool.

Our total cost for the villa for five nights was $1885, which we split three ways. We did take advantage of the hotel's low season rates (though it only saved us about $30 a night since the villa is their largest unit), but we felt like we got our money's worth.

We felt comfortable splurging on the villa because the hotel was right on the beach and within walking distance of Placencia's main street. This meant we didn't have to budget for taxis to get around all week, and the hotel also offered complimentary round-trip transportation from the local airport. Although there were less expensive accommodations in Placencia, we wanted to stay at an adults-only property, and we enjoyed having a full kitchen and living room.

My flights were just over $100 

After we booked the villa, I set a tracker for flights, and I found a good deal on my flight. I booked an American Airlines flight from Miami to Belize City and spent $272 on a roundtrip flight, hundreds below peak prices. I'm an American Airlines AAdvantage member, so I also used the flight to accumulate frequent flyer miles, which I can eventually cash out on future flights.

Once we arrived in Belize City, we had two options for getting to Placencia: rent a car and drive for two to three hours or take a "puddle jumper" plane that would get us to our destination in about 15 minutes. We opted for the plane and purchased the additional flights from Belize City to Placencia on Tropic Air, which cost $129 each way, or an additional $258 round trip.

I'm a Bank of America Travel Rewards credit cardholder, and I cashed in $425 worth of travel credits (which were applied to my next billing cycle) to bring the cost of my flights down to just over $100. I use my Bank of America Travel Rewards card for nearly all of my everyday spending. The card doesn't have an annual fee, and I earn 1.5 points on all purchases. A few times a year, I cash out my points to cover flights or hotels.

Our food and activities were very affordable

Food was the least expensive part of our trip — in total, I spent around $350 on food and activities. Our hotel offered complimentary coffee and pastries every morning for breakfast, and we ate at local restaurants for lunch and dinner. Most of our meals were under $20, and instead of ordering drinks at each meal, we picked up a bottle of wine to enjoy back at our villa.

Plencencia is a very low-key vacation spot, perfect for lying out on the beach, which is what we did most of the day. We alternated between hanging out by the pool and the beach, and the hotel also had a few complimentary kayaks, inner tubes, and snorkel gear.

We also explored Placencia by walking and using the hotel's complimentary bikes to get around town. We skipped the expensive excursions and rented a golf cart for one day, which cost $50, which we split three ways.

I came in just over my $1,000 budget, but I don't regret splurging on the villa — especially because I was able to accumulate points for my flight and food purchases I charged to my credit card.

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Travel Insurance for a Belize Vacation (2024)

with our partner, Faye

Kristin Peters is a writer with over seven years of experience researching and writing about various consumer-focused topics such as home warranties, insurance and pest control.

Veronika Jelenik is an editor with a background in journalism. She previously has had her work published in the New York Daily News and the Hartford Courant, and she has covered many disparate topics. Veronika has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and social and cultural analysis. When not immersed in home services content, Veronika enjoys spending time with her friends and her Chihuahua, Beanie.

Here’s a breakdown of how we reviewed and rated the best travel insurance companies

Despite having fewer than 9,000 square miles of land, Belize offers an abundance of tourist attractions, from majestic Mayan ruins to crystal-clear Caribbean beaches. Whether you’re planning a vacation to relax or explore the country, you may be wondering about Belize travel insurance options.

While the government doesn’t list travel insurance on its entry requirements, you may still be interested in protecting your transportation and lodging expenses should your trip fall through for any reason. We at the Guides Home Team rounded up everything you need to know about basic Belize travel insurance plans , add-ons and upgrades to help you decide on the right coverage for your trip.

Do I Need Travel Insurance in Belize?

Before July 12, 2022, Belize required all foreign tourists to purchase Belize travel insurance — offered through a partnership between the Belize Tourism Board, the Belize government and the Insurance Corporation of Belize — or personal travel insurance.

While no longer mandatory, this insurance is still available through the Belize Tourism Board. The plan only costs $18 per person for 21 days of coverage, but it offers limited protection. You can also purchase more comprehensive Belize travel insurance through independent companies such as Trawick or Seven Corners.

When you plan an international trip, it’s important to understand what travel insurance entails and whether you need it.

Some auto, home and health insurance policies may also provide protection while you travel, and many credit cards offer travel insurance perks, so be sure to review your existing plans and benefits before purchasing extra coverage. Then, research the types of travel insurance available and shop for a plan that meets your needs.

Here’s a rundown of a few popular types of coverage available for a trip to Belize.

Cancel for Any Reason Coverage

As you might guess, cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) allows you to cancel your trip without explanation or justification. You could cancel because the weather looks bad or because of an uptick in COVID-19 cases or crime — or because you simply changed your mind. This coverage may be included in premium plans or available as an upgrade to basic plans.

Before paying extra for this coverage, consider what might cause you to cancel your trip to Belize and how much money you stand to lose. This upgrade may be worthwhile if you purchased nonrefundable tickets or had to make a large deposit to book your hotel stay, for instance. You might also invest in CFAR coverage if you think you may need to reschedule due to an upcoming family event or a new job.

Gear Theft Protection

Unless you are sure your renters or homeowners insurance will cover your personal belongings throughout your trip, it may be wise to purchase gear theft protection or baggage insurance. Many travel insurance plans include some type of coverage for your personal items. This coverage will help you replace stolen travel documents or lost luggage and repair broken gear.

From dense inland jungles to the Belize barrier reef, the country is a hotspot for travelers with gear-intensive hobbies like photography and scuba diving. Obtaining gear theft protection is especially important if you plan to travel with expensive camera equipment or other electronics. With it, you should be able to replace lost, damaged or stolen items that you need to fully enjoy your trip.

Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation

Belize’s natural wonders make it not only an exciting place to visit, but also a potentially dangerous one.

If you plan to do any exploring or adventuring during your time in Belize, make sure your travel insurance plan includes travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation . These coverages will help with medical expenses related to any illnesses or injuries you experience while visiting Belize. This includes the cost of emergency medical care, emergency air evacuation and repatriation if your condition warrants you to return to the U.S.

Rental Car Protection

You might rent a car in Belize to take a drive down Hummingbird Highway, a scenic road that runs from the capital city of Belmopan to Dangriga, or to San Ignacio Town to see Maya ruins near the border of Guatemala. If your car gets damaged along the way, rental car protection will save you from footing a large expense.

While your U.S. car insurance may cover you for accidents that occur in Canada and Mexico, it typically won’t extend to Central America. So if you plan to drive in Belize, you may need to purchase rental car protection. You can purchase car protection through your car rental company or as an add-on to a more comprehensive travel insurance plan.

Trip Cancellation Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance includes trip cancellation coverage . You can also purchase standalone protection for specific aspects of your trip. For instance, you might pay extra for a refundable airline ticket or the ability to cancel your hotel or cruise reservation without penalty. In those cases, you would pay for coverage through the airline, cruise line or hotel.

Unless you upgrade to CFAR coverage, certain exclusions may apply. Standard cancellation insurance typically only covers unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, jury duty or the death of a family member. It would also kick in if a recent or expected hurricane made traveling to Belize unsafe.

How Much Does Belize Travel Insurance Cost?

Several factors affect the cost of travel insurance. When you request a quote, you will provide your age, travel dates, trip cost and state of residence. Your age and trip cost have the biggest impact on insurance rates. When we pulled quotes from five top companies, the most affordable plans fell between $70 and $120 for a 30-year-old traveler taking a weeklong trip.

We requested quotes from ten travel insurance companies for their most affordable plan for a trip to Belize. The below quotes are for a 30-year-old traveler from Florida, traveling to Belize for ten days in September 2024, with a total trip cost of $4,000. Policies include coverage for cancellations, interruptions, delays, medical care and evacuation.

These quotes were collected in April 2024 for a trip in September 2024.

Plans from Belize Travel Insurance — a collaboration between the Government of Belize, the Belize Tourism Board and the Insurance Corporation of Belize — cost $18 per person for a 21-day stay and provide up to $500,000 of coverage.

How Do I Get Travel Insurance for a Belize Vacation?

You can purchase affordable travel insurance for a Belize vacation from one of several companies. Another option is to buy Belize Travel Insurance , which consists of a single plan providing 21 days of coverage with a $50,000 limit for a flat fee of $18 per person.

Before purchasing travel insurance, check to see what coverage you already have. Your credit card may provide complimentary trip cancellation insurance or rental car protection, provided you use your card to pay for those travel costs. Find out what your health insurance plan will or will not cover if you become sick or injured while abroad. You should also see whether your luggage and gear will be covered by your home or renters insurance during your trip.

Once you know what your existing policies cover, you can purchase travel insurance to fill in any gaps. You can either purchase insurance through your airline or cruise line or use the form below to request quotes from trusted independent companies.

Flying to Belize

The most popular way to get to Belize is probably by airplane. The country’s only international airport is Philip Goldson International Airport. Located 10 miles outside Belize City, this airport is serviced by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, Southwest and United.

If you plan to fly to Belize, consider purchasing flight insurance or a comprehensive travel insurance plan that covers airfare reimbursement if necessary.

You can typically purchase flight insurance directly from your airline, which may be the cheapest option. However, because flight insurance only covers the cost of airfare, you might still be on the hook for other costs if you have to cancel or delay your trip.

Cruising to Belize

Belize is also a popular destination for cruise ships, with several on-shore excursions offered in and around Belize City. Anchoring at this port of call allows passengers to explore Maya ruins, sample local cuisine, shop in the tourist village or go scuba diving at nearby destinations like Ambergris Caye or the Great Blue Hole. Several tourist attractions are even within walking distance of the port.

If you plan to travel to Belize by sea, consider purchasing cruise insurance . You can typically purchase coverage through your cruise line or directly from a third-party company. Many companies offer travel insurance plans designed specifically for cruise passengers, though some standard plans also include cruise coverage.

Make sure whatever plan you purchase will cover any excursions you plan to take in Belize.

Compare Belize Travel Insurance Companies

Choosing a travel insurance plan is an important decision for an international trip, especially when visiting areas where the U.S. Department of State estimates a higher likelihood of injury or incident. After reviewing dozens of travel insurance providers and comparing rates and coverages included for travelers heading to Belize, we recommend the following insurance providers.

Belize Safety Tips

The best way to stay safe in Belize is to do plenty of research beforehand. The U.S. Department of State, the Belize Tourism Board, the U.S. Embassy in Belize and the Belizean embassy in Washington, D.C., all publish helpful and reliable information for travelers. In particular, make sure to research COVID-19 protocols and official travel advisories that might affect your trip.

In July 2022, the Government of Belize removed all public health measures at its ports of entry. Visitors no longer have to present a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination when they enter Belize. U.S. citizens do not have to undergo any health screening procedures, nor are they required to quarantine. However, the country does have several testing facilities available should you need a PCR test during your stay.

If you develop any COVID-like symptoms while in Belize, you should notify the front desk of the hotel if you are staying at one. The hotel will then implement its COVID Response Plan in accordance with the country’s current requirements.

According to the Belize Tourism Board , you will need to quarantine at your own expense if you test positive. Because the quarantine will be at your own expense, the country recommends purchasing travel insurance that will cover the cost of an extended stay if necessary.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rescinded its requirement that air passengers present a negative COVID-19 test when entering the U.S. from another country. However, it is still wise to take precautions during your trip to avoid contracting COVID. The Belize Tourism Board recommends sticking to accommodations, attractions, restaurants and tour operators certified by the country’s Tourism Gold Standard Recognition Program .

Crime and Safety

The State Department is responsible for advising U.S. citizens about the safety of international travel destinations. It ranks each destination on a scale from 1 to 4. Countries with a danger rating of 1 represent minimal health and safety hazards and geopolitical risks, while those with a rating of 4 represent a significant threat to U.S. travelers.

As of November 2023, the State Department rates Belize a 2 , indicating travelers should exercise enhanced caution. According to the State Department, the primary concern in Belize is crime and potential assault. The warning applies to daylight and nighttime hours and for areas where tourists congregate.

The State Department specifically warns against traveling to Belize City, urging travelers to reconsider such a visit because of higher levels of gang-related violence. Historically, a large percentage of violent crime occurring in Belize is located in the Southside of Belize City, especially south of Haulover Creek. However, these areas do not overlap with standard tourist areas.

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

According to the U.S. State Department, the tourism industry in Belize is unevenly regulated. As a result, it is important to book any activities, tours or excursions through a reputable source. Belize has a list of Gold Standard entities on its official tourism website. You can also ask for recommendations from whatever travel insurance provider you choose.

Finally, we recommend taking advantage of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before your trip. This service makes it easier for the local U.S. Embassy, friends and family to contact you in an emergency. STEP will also send you safety alerts specific to Belize if you register your trip.

Is Travel Insurance for a Trip to Belize Worth It?

When considering travel insurance, it is important to think about the value of your trip and the likelihood you will need medical care or emergency services abroad. Travel insurance for a trip to Belize is worth the cost because these trips tend to be more expensive, from pricey flights to costly excursions. If you must cancel your trip for a covered reason, your travel insurance can help you recover a portion of your lost expenses.

If you’re traveling to Belize City or a more remote part of the country, consider buying travel insurance that includes comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage in case of an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Belize Travel Insurance

Does belize still require travel insurance.

No, Belize does not still require travel insurance. As of July 12, 2022, foreign tourists to Belize are no longer required to purchase travel insurance or travel health insurance. However, the Belize Tourism Board still highly recommends purchasing travel insurance. You can read more on the FAQ page of the country’s tourism website.

What documents do U.S. citizens need to travel to Belize?

U.S. citizens traveling to Belize must have a valid U.S. passport that will not expire during the extent of their stay. Tourists staying in Belize for 30 days or less do not require a visa but must have proof of intent to return home in less than 30 days, such as a pre-purchased flight ticket. If you plan to stay more than 30 days, you must obtain a visa before traveling to Belize.

Where can I purchase travel insurance for Belize?

You can purchase travel insurance for Belize through the Belize Travel Insurance website. You can also buy a policy through an independent provider, such as Allianz or Generali. Dozens of companies offer travel insurance for Belize. We recommend gathering quotes from at least three providers before making a selection so that you can compare prices and coverage.

Is health insurance required for Belize?

No, health insurance is not required to visit Belize. However, purchasing Belize travel health insurance is highly recommended — especially if you plan to participate in any water-based activities or jungle excursions.

Find out what your existing health insurance does and does not cover while traveling. Even if you have a great plan, a robust travel insurance plan that includes emergency medical and evacuation coverage may be worthwhile.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides. com .

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• Type 2 Diabetes

5 Tips for Traveling With Type 2 Diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes is an everyday job. That means that even as you travel, you have to take steps to keep your blood sugar under control. Health’s Type 2 Diabetes Advocate Alysse Dalessandro is an expert traveler. She explains what she does to manage her diabetes even when she is away from home.

I’m sitting in a chair with the wooden arms squeezing my thighs. There’s a smell of antiseptic in the air. My nerves are completely wrecked. I should be at home packing for my first cruise, but instead, I am at the doctor’s office waiting to pee in a cup. I came in just the day before for a full physical, but only so my insurance would completely cover the visit. I just needed a prescription for motion sickness patches—I feel fine.

“You have diabetes,” the doctor tells me. An A1C over 10 confirms the diagnosis, and a urine test will confirm which type of diabetes I have. The frequent trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night, the way my mouth feels painfully dry when I wake up, the sudden unexplained weight loss—it turns out those were all symptoms of diabetes .

“Can I still go on the cruise tomorrow?” is among the first questions I ask the doctor. He looks back at me, shocked. He explains that if it’s type 2 diabetes , I can go on the cruise armed with new medications, a blood glucose meter, and a strict order to not drink any alcohol or touch a dessert.

At that moment, managing type 2 diabetes may have been completely foreign to me, but with the diagnosis came a realization: Your life can change at any moment. I decided in that doctor’s office I would not let diabetes rule my life. I left that office with a renewed sense of purpose. I was determined to make memories and challenge myself with new experiences while I still could.

On that cruise, I explored the ocean floor in a submarine, went cave tubing, and ziplined, all for the first time. As I was soaring through the jungle in Belize, I couldn’t help but wonder if my fear would’ve held me back from this experience just a week earlier. Traveling with diabetes on that first trip after my diagnosis had its complications, but it also fueled me.

More than eight years later, I am a content creator sharing my experiences as a plus-size queer person traveling with type 2 diabetes to thousands of folks across social media. I don’t take vacations as a break from a desk job—it’s my job to travel and explore new places. One week I am hiking Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and the next week I am looking up at Juliet’s balcony in Verona, Italy.

I don’t have all the answers, but having visited nearly 30 countries in the past eight years, I have learned some things along the way that I hope will help others with diabetes who want to travel.

1. Consider Wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor 

Before that first cruise, my doctor handed me a paper schedule of when I should check my blood glucose levels . I had to bring my blood glucose meter, needles, test strips, and sharps container with me to every meal as I tracked the numbers on that paper schedule. While I was armed with more information than before my diagnosis, this was certainly not the best way for me to monitor my blood glucose levels. I realized I wanted something more efficient.

For the past four years, I have been wearing a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This has absolutely transformed my experience traveling with diabetes. My CGM tracks my blood glucose levels by using a sensor attached to my arm and sends the readings to an app on my phone via Bluetooth.

Dylan Furlano / Photo courtesy Alysse Dalessandro

Using a CGM takes the guesswork out of traveling with diabetes. Instead of getting a snapshot of my numbers a few times throughout the day with finger pricks, I am able to see what my numbers are at any time, even what they were when I was sleeping. Data are power when you have diabetes. I use this information to look for trends.

I love that at 30,000 feet in the air, I can still get a reading and make an informed decision when the flight attendant says, “Chicken or pasta?”

2. Pack Extras 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned while traveling over the past four years, it’s to expect the unexpected: Always buy the travel insurance, and pack extra! Now, by pack extra, I don’t mean pack three pairs of jeans for a weekend trip to Mexico “just in case.” I am referring specifically to the supplies you use to manage your diabetes.

I got my first CGM in early 2020, and a few months later, with travel still mostly shut down, I decided to go on a 50+ hour road trip to Yellowstone National Park. I left with a fresh CGM on my arm that would last me the next 14 days. Although this was a lot of driving, we planned to do most of it over the course of a week, and it did not even occur to me to pack an extra CGM in my bag just in case.

Well, luck would have it that as I pulled into a parking spot in Cheyenne, Wyoming, more than 1,200 miles from home, I accidentally caught my CGM on my seatbelt, and it fell off. I spent the next few hours on the phone trying to get my prescription transferred to the one pharmacy in the entire state of Wyoming that had my CGM in stock. This whole snafu added hours to an already long day of driving.

If your insurance or budget allows it, make sure you have devices and medications beyond the length of your trip. Better safe than stranded in Wyoming, unable to track your blood glucose levels.

3. Maintain Your Medication Schedule 

If you have traveled between Asia and the United States, then you already know what it feels like to switch your days and nights. My recent trip had me leaving my hometown in Cleveland on a Friday morning and arriving in Bali on a Monday morning. By the time I finally arrived, I didn’t know what time or day it was.

I did not want to take more than or less than my recommended daily and nightly medications during this cross-continent flight. I set alarms for the length of time between what would be my “breakfast” and “dinner” medications rather than basing it off the time at home or the time at my destination.

I also decided to bring protein-dense snacks that didn’t require refrigeration so that if the inflight meals did not align with the time I needed to take my medications with food, I could still stay on schedule.

4. Be Mindful of Your Meals

Speaking of meals, traveling makes it a lot more challenging to plan your meals. I personally love the spontaneity of travel meals, but my diabetes isn’t always on board. It’s also not as easy to plan when your next meal might be, especially if you are traveling with a guide or group.

Even as a seasoned traveler, I can still mess up the timing of my meals . Before a recent evening transatlantic flight, I ate a snack at the airport and took my dinner medications. I figured that, as with most transatlantic flights, the dinner service would occur as soon as the flight reached a cruising altitude.

Over three hours later, it was almost midnight, and the dinner cart still loomed far down the aisle. My CGM alarms rang out loudly and flashed red as my blood glucose levels dipped into dangerous territory. I rang my flight attendant call button and asked for two emergency glasses of orange juice. That flight was a scary reminder to always keep my snacks for lows close by and ask about meal times rather than assume.

5. Drink Water

Access to clean drinking water should be a basic human right, but traveling to certain parts of the world will show you how inaccessible this vital resource can be. I have seen how quickly my body and blood glucose levels react when I don’t drink enough water.

Places with higher elevations or hotter temperatures require an even greater water intake . This is even more important for people with diabetes, who can become dehydrated more quickly.

Some people with diabetes also cannot cool their bodies as quickly, and being in places near the Equator like Colombia, I was absolutely feeling these side effects.  

Final Thoughts

Going on a cruise just one day after receiving my diagnosis has set the tone for my current life traveling with diabetes. There are certainly times when I am scared or uncertain, but I have learned to be more aware of what’s going on in my body. I have also learned to better advocate for myself and educate others about diabetes management while traveling.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Managing Diabetes in the Heat .

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