Exploring Belize: Unveiling The Costs Of Traveling From Texas

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Belize from Texas?

Belize is a beautiful Central American country, full of adventure and natural wonders. From its pristine beaches to its lush rainforests, Belize offers a unique and memorable travel experience. But how much does it cost to get there?

The cost of travelling to Belize from Texas depends on several factors, including your choice of transportation, accommodation, and activities. Here's a breakdown of the expenses you can expect:

Transportation

Flying is the most convenient way to get to Belize, with round-trip flights from Texas ranging from $450 to $600 per person. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive to the border and then cross into Belize by land. The cost of bus tickets or car rental will depend on your specific location in Texas.

Accommodation

Belize offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. For budget-conscious travellers, hostels and guesthouses are available for as low as $15 to $25 per night. Mid-range hotels typically range from $100 to $300 per night, while luxury resorts can cost upwards of $500 per night.

Food

Eating local food is the best way to save money on dining in Belize. Try delicious fry jacks for breakfast, which usually cost around $1.50. For lunch and dinner, opt for the local speciality of rice and beans, often served with chicken, for $3 to $7. Drinking the local beer, Belikin, is also a budget-friendly option.

Activities

Belize offers a plethora of activities to suit all interests and budgets. For beachgoers, spending the day at the beach is completely free! Other budget-friendly activities include exploring local markets, hiking in national parks, and visiting ancient Mayan ruins, with entrance fees typically ranging from $5 to $15. More expensive activities include snorkelling trips ($35 and up) and zip-lining ($75 to $200).

So, how much does it cost to travel to Belize from Texas? The total cost depends on your travel style and preferences. For a week-long trip, budget travellers can expect to spend around $737, while mid-range travellers may spend upwards of $1,500. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. With careful planning, you can explore the beauty and culture of Belize without breaking the bank!

Flights: $300-$800

The cost of flying from Texas to Belize can vary depending on the time of year, the airport you fly from, and the number of stops. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 for a one-way flight.

For example, a one-way flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Belize City typically costs between $316 and $460. If you're flying from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, you can expect to pay a little more, with prices ranging from $380 to $586 for a one-way ticket. And, if you're flying from a smaller airport, such as Corpus Christi or Harlingen, you'll likely pay a premium for the convenience, with one-way flights costing upwards of $700.

Keep in mind that these prices are just for the flight and don't include any additional fees for checked baggage, seat selection, or other add-ons.

When it comes to finding the best deals on flights, it's a good idea to be flexible with your travel dates and airports. Prices can vary significantly from day to day, and you may find that flying from a different airport or on a different date can save you a considerable amount of money. It's also worth considering booking with a budget airline, as they often offer lower fares than the larger carriers. However, be sure to read the fine print, as budget airlines sometimes charge extra for things like baggage and seat selection, which can quickly add up and erase any potential savings.

In addition to the cost of the flight itself, there are a few other things to keep in mind when budgeting for your trip. First, you'll need to arrange transportation to and from the airport, which can add to your overall travel costs. Additionally, if you're not a citizen of Belize, you may need to pay for a visa or other entry fees, so be sure to research the requirements before you book your trip. Finally, don't forget to budget for travel insurance, especially if you're booking a non-refundable flight or travelling during hurricane season (June through November).

Budget hotels: $30-$100

Budget Hotels in Belize: $30-$100

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit. While it is about average with most other countries for travel costs, within Central America, Belize is one of the most expensive countries in the region. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Tobacco Caye Paradise, Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye Paradise offers rustic over-the-water bungalows painted in bright Caribbean colours. This hotel provides seclusion and, on any given day, the small island has a population of about 25 people, plus travellers.

Blue Tang Inn, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Blue Tang Inn is one of the cheapest beach hotels in Ambergris Caye. It is located in the Boca del Rio area of downtown San Pedro, near many excellent dive shops and popular beach bars. The hotel has several comfortable suites with modern amenities, as well as a private beach and pool.

Belize Rainforest Retreat, San Ignacio, Cayo

Located near San Ignacio, the Belize Rainforest Retreat offers an affordable glamping experience in the Belizean jungle, with access to many of Chaa Creek Resort’s complimentary luxury resort amenities. Lodging options include 10 Eco-Pods located within a secluded area of the 400-acre Chaa Creek Nature Reserve.

Colinda Cabanas, Caye Caulker

Colinda Cabanas is a great affordable place to stay in Caye Caulker. Their beachfront cabanas are centrally located and provide basic, comfortable accommodations. Several amenities are included in your stay, such as the free use of bicycles, kayaks, and snorkel gear.

Belizean Nirvana, Placencia Village

Belizean Nirvana offers affordable, simple, elegant, and comfortable beachfront accommodations in the heart of Placencia. Visitors are within walking distance of all the amenities of downtown Placencia. Belizean Nirvana is often rated as one of the best-located cheap hotels in Placencia.

Food: $10-$70

Food in Belize can cost anywhere between $10 and $70 per day, depending on your budget and preferences. The price of food in Belize is fairly steep and more in line with what you'd pay in the US, rather than neighbouring Mexico or Guatemala. That said, it is possible to save money by eating at street stalls instead of sit-down meals in restaurants.

A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein from a street stall will cost you around $5-7, while a Mexican-style tamale will set you back a couple of dollars. If you're craving seafood, there are delicious seafood BBQs in Caye Caulker for $15-20.

For sit-down meals in restaurants, expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfast options like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. A local specialty, stuffed fryjacks (deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat), usually costs $8-10 for a plateful.

Later in the day, you'll pay around $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs with sides. Be careful if a price isn't listed on the menu, as it often means you'll be charged the market price, which may be higher than you expect.

For reference, one traveller spent $481 on food for 13 days in Belize, averaging $37 per day.

Transportation: $1-$5

Public transportation in Belize is inexpensive, and it is recommended to take the local buses over hiring a scooter or car, both for safety reasons and to save money. The country is small, so distances are short, but travel days can still be long and sweaty.

• Bus from 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
• Water taxi to Caye Caulker: $37-57
• Local bus ticket: $1-10
• Taxi ride: $10-30
• Rental car: $50-60 per day

Activities: $50-$150

Belize is a small country in Central America with a diverse range of activities to offer. Here is a list of activities you can do for $50-$150:

• Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, Caracol, and Cahal Pech. These sites offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Maya people, featuring impressive pyramids, plazas, and temples.
• Visit the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a ceremonial and burial site for the Mayans. This challenging excursion involves hiking and wading through tunnels, with the reward of seeing ancient artifacts and human skeletons.
• Discover the diverse marine life at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots in Belize. Explore the coral-filled gap in the barrier reef, and observe stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks up close.
• Take a day trip to Tikal, a magnificent ancient Mayan city in nearby Guatemala.
• Experience the beauty of the Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plunge into the deep blue waters to discover ancient stalactites and coral reefs.
• Visit the Belize Zoo, a wildlife rescue and conservation center with over 150 native species, including jaguars, toucans, and howler monkeys.
• Explore the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch, home to thousands of live butterflies and a variety of plant species.
• Go cave tubing in the Nohoch Che'en caves, an adventurous and educational experience that combines hiking and floating through the largest cave system in Belize.
• Take a relaxing sail and snorkel tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where you can observe nurse sharks, stingrays, and other marine life.
• Enjoy a day of fishing, snorkeling, and a beach cookout with Wicked Adventures of Belize, a premium tour company.
• Indulge in an authentic Garifuna cooking class in Hopkins Village, where you can learn about the local cuisine and culture.

These activities offer a range of options to suit your interests, whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or adventure-seeker.

Frequently asked questions