The Cost Of Paradise: Exploring Belize On A Budget

Belize is a beautiful Central American country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it is an expensive destination to visit, with prices comparable to those in the United States. The cost of a trip to Belize depends on factors such as the time of year, type of traveller, activities, and length of stay.

On average, travellers should budget around $105 (BZ$212) per day for their vacation in Belize, including accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A one-week trip for two people typically costs around $1,475 (BZ$2,966).

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses, with hotel rooms ranging from $93 (BZ$186) per night for a standard double room to $250+ for luxury options. Transportation costs can also add up, with taxi rides priced similarly to the US, and ferry rides between islands costing over €15.

Food in Belize is moderately priced, with street food and local restaurants offering cheaper options, while sit-down meals in tourist areas can be more expensive. Activities and tours, such as diving, sailing, and exploring ancient ruins, can significantly increase the cost of a trip to Belize, with some tours priced at over $100 per person.

Overall, a realistic daily budget for Belize is between €75 and €85 per person, excluding flights and other transportation costs.

Food and drink: $15-20 per meal for two people

Belize is a moderately priced destination for travellers. While the country is known for being expensive compared to its neighbouring countries, it is still about average with most other countries for travel costs.

The average price for a meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is $15-20. For reference, a meal in a cheap restaurant will cost around $7 per person, while a three-course meal for two in an expensive restaurant will cost around $30.

A simple breakfast, such as sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito, will cost around $10. For lunch or dinner, you can expect to pay around $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs and sides.

If you're looking to save money on food, consider eating at street stalls instead of sit-down meals in restaurants. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall will cost around $5-7, while a Mexican-style tamale will cost a couple of dollars.

When dining out, keep in mind that some restaurants may not include prices on the menu. In these cases, you may be charged the market price, which can be higher than expected.

• Cappuccino: BZD 5 ($2.50)
• Bottle of Coca-Cola (0.3L): BZD 1.50 ($0.75)
• Yogurt (500ml): BZD 6 ($3)
• Loaf of bread (2 people): BZD 5 ($2.50)
• Bottle of water (3.3L): BZD 3 ($1.50)
• Glass of wine: BZD 12 ($6)
• Local beer: BZD 7 ($3.50)
• Simple breakfast: BZD 22.80 ($11.40)
• Simple lunch or dinner: BZD 34.20 ($17.10)

Transportation: $66 for a bus from Cancun to Belize City

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable prices for food, accommodation, and transportation. However, within Central America, it is considered very expensive compared to other countries in the region.

If you're looking to travel between Belize and Cancun, Mexico, a bus from Cancun to Belize City will cost you $66. This is a much more affordable option than flying, which will cost you around €95.70 or $109.50.

In Belize, public transportation is inexpensive, and it is recommended to take the local buses over hiring a scooter or car for safety reasons and to save money. The local buses are actually former U.S. school buses, which are well-decorated and fun to ride. You can either buy tickets at any of the bus stations or simply flag a bus down from the side of the road.

• Belize City to San Ignacio: $10
• Return bus trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich: $3
• Return ferry ticket from Belize City to Caye Caulker: $45
• Shuttle from Belize City to the airport: $21
• Shuttle from San Ignacio to the airport: $1.50 - $2 per person
• Shuttle from the airport to San Ignacio: $16 - $20 per person
• Taxi ride within Belize City: $25

Accommodation: $116 per night for a standard double room in Belize City

Belize is a moderately priced destination, with the cost of food, accommodation, and transportation being fairly reasonable. However, it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries.

If you are looking for a hotel in Belize City, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some recommendations for accommodations in Belize City, with a focus on finding a standard double room for around $116 per night:

• Villa Boscardi: Located midway between the airport and Belize City, Villa Boscardi offers a safe and convenient location. It is just steps away from the beach and close to great restaurants. The property features a beautiful jacuzzi/swimming pool and includes a delicious breakfast. The friendly owner can also help with travel arrangements and recommendations. The cost is $116 per night for a standard double room.
• The Red Hut Inn: Located just 328 feet from Belize City's seafront, The Red Hut Inn offers simple accommodations with free Wi-Fi. The average price per night is $60, making it a more affordable option.
• Easy Inn Hotel: Situated 2.4 miles from Belize City Center and 1.9 miles from Belize Municipal Airport, Easy Inn Hotel features a garden, terrace, and business center. Free Wi-Fi is available, and the average price per night is $99.
• Golden Bay Belize Hotel: This hotel offers international cuisine at its restaurant and is located in Belize City. The average price per night is $135.
• Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza: This modern hotel is located in a quiet area of north Belize City. It offers a fitness center, outdoor pool, and rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. The average price per night is $144.

These options provide a range of choices in terms of location, amenities, and price, allowing you to find the accommodation that best suits your needs and budget.

Activities: $120 for a tour of the ATM caves

Belize is a moderately-priced destination, with the cost of food, accommodation, and transportation being fairly reasonable. However, it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries.

One of the more expensive activities in Belize is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour. This full-day experience takes you through the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve jungle, where you will swim through caves, ford a river, and learn about Mayan civilisation.

The tour begins with a 45-minute hike to the cave entrance, including three stream crossings of knee to waist-high depth. At the mouth of the cave, you will swim across a small spring-fed pool into the darkness of the cave. Inside, you will spend several hours climbing, wading through water, and scrambling over rocks, with the help of a guide and a headlamp.

The cave contains four skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware left by the Maya. The most famous skeleton is that of the "Crystal Maiden", a young girl whose bones have been covered by the natural processes of the cave, giving them a sparkling appearance.

The cost of the ATM Cave Tour is $120 per person, and it is recommended that you bring comfortable lightweight long pants and a t-shirt, well-treaded tennis or hiking boots, a thick pair of socks, mosquito repellent, and a full change of clothes. Lunch is included in the price.

Flights: $300-500 per person for a round trip

Flights to Belize can vary in price depending on the time of year and where you are flying from. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 per person for a round trip.

For example, if you are flying from the East Coast of the United States, you can expect to pay around $475 for a round trip. However, if you are flexible with your travel dates and book during the low season, you may be able to find flights for as low as $300.

It is worth noting that the price of flights to Belize can vary depending on the airport you fly into. The two main airports in Belize are Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and John Greif II Airport (CYD). BZE is the larger of the two airports and is located near Belize City. CYD is a smaller airport located on Caye Caulker, one of the islands off the coast of Belize. Flights into CYD tend to be more expensive due to the limited number of flights and the convenience of arriving directly on the island.

When planning your trip to Belize, it is important to consider the additional costs associated with flying, such as baggage fees, airport taxes, and transportation to and from the airport. These costs can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget when planning your trip.

Additionally, keep in mind that Belize has a $55.50 airport departure or exit fee for tourists, which is usually included in the price of your airline ticket. However, it is always good to double-check to avoid any unexpected fees when you are ready to return home.

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