Belizean Getaway: The True Cost Of A Week-Long Vacation

Belize is a beautiful Central American country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it is an expensive destination, with prices comparable to those in the US. A one-week trip for two people costs, on average, $1,474, including accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. This amounts to a daily budget of around $105 per person.

Accommodation is typically the greatest expense, with hotel rooms ranging from $102 to $250+ per night. Food is also relatively expensive, with a simple meal of rice, beans, and protein costing around $5-7 from a street stall, and a sit-down restaurant meal costing upwards of $10. Local transportation is more affordable, with bus trips costing around $10-45, depending on the distance.

For a couple on a budget, a week in Belize can be expected to cost around $737 for one person and $1,474 for two people. This includes basic expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, and sightseeing. However, it is important to note that prices can vary depending on travel style, speed, and other factors.

Flights and accommodation

Flights to Belize vary in price depending on where you are flying from. Flights from Newark (EWR) to Belize City (BZE) can cost around $1,444 per person for a round trip, whereas flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Belize City (BZE) can cost around $1,883 per person for a round trip. Flights from New York (JFK) to Belize City (BZE) can be as low as $836 per person for a round trip.

There are over 2,300 hotels in Belize, with prices starting at $102 a night. For example, the Golden Bay Belize Hotel in Belize City costs $102 per night, while the Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, is rated 9.4/10 and costs $144 per night.

You can also find all-inclusive resorts in Belize, such as the Turtle Inn in the resort of Placencia, which offers amenities like a spa, a diving centre, and movie screenings.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are hostels in Belize with prices starting at $29 per night.

When it comes to booking your flights and accommodation, it is generally recommended to book as early as possible to get the best prices. However, if you are planning a last-minute trip, you can still find great deals on Expedia and other travel websites.

Transportation

Public transportation in Belize is inexpensive, and it is recommended to take the local buses instead of hiring a scooter or car for both safety and financial reasons. The local buses are former U.S. school buses that are well-decorated and fun to ride. They are also the best and cheapest way to get around. You can buy tickets at bus stations or flag a bus down on the side of the road. There is usually a driver and a conductor on the bus, and the conductor will collect your ticket money once you are seated.

The water taxi is another fun and affordable way to travel between cities. The main company is the San Pedro Belize Express, which can be picked up at the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City.

If you are looking for more freedom in your travels, you can rent a car. However, be aware that rental cars are expensive, costing over $100 per day.

• Bus from Cancun to Belize City: $66
• 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

Food and drink

Belize is a moderately priced destination for food and drink. 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's not impossible to save money by eating at street stalls rather than having a sit-down meal in a restaurant.

In terms of price, expect to pay around $5-7 for a simple but filling meal of rice, beans and some kind of protein from a street stall, or a couple of dollars for a Mexican-style tamale. A seafood BBQ will set you back $15-20.

In a sit-down restaurant, prices go up, often substantially depending on how fancy it is and what you order. Expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. Be sure to try stuffed fryjacks if you see them on the menu: this local speciality of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat is delicious, if not necessarily very healthy! Prices are usually $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 and sides. Be careful if a price isn’t listed on the menu (or there is no menu): it often means you’ll be charged whatever the market price is, which may be more than you expect!

• $1.50 for a cheesy quesadilla from a street stall
• $10 for standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito
• $15-20 for a seafood BBQ
• $8-10 for stuffed fryjacks
• $10 for jerk chicken
• $15 for a burger
• $20 for a shrimp curry
• $25 for a rack of ribs and sides

For a one-week trip to Belize for two people, the average cost of food is $144. This includes an average of $29 per day, per person, on meals.

Activities

Belize is a small country that packs a punch with its epic adventures, ancient Mayan sites, incredible animals, delicious food, and more. Here are some activities to keep you busy during your week-long vacation:

Day 1 – Arrival Day: Where to Go in Belize

Decide where to go in Belize. If you don't want to spend much time in Belize City, you can head straight to your accommodation. Consider staying at a place that offers easy access to nature and incredible animal sightings, such as The Lodge at Chaa Creek, located on the edge of the Macal River.

Day 2 – Water Adventure

Spend the day on the water by tubing or canoeing down the Macal River. You can even paddle into town if you're feeling adventurous. In the afternoon, explore the opposite direction by canoeing upstream.

Day 3 – Visit the ATM Cave in Belize

The ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal) is a must-see site in Belize. This vast underground labyrinth was used by the Mayans as a sacrificial chamber. Wear good water shoes, socks, a bathing suit, and waterproof shorts or board shorts for this adventure.

Day 4 – Visit the Mayan Ruins

Explore the three main Mayan ruins in Belize in the San Ignacio region: Cahal Pech, Caracol, and Xunantunich. Alternatively, take a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala to discover one of the largest Mayan sites in Central America.

Day 5 – Flight to Ambergris Caye

Head to the beach for relaxation and adventure. Take a short flight or ferry ride to San Pedro town in Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island. Here, you'll have access to the Belize Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel or dive alongside nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley.

Day 6 – Snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located off the southeast coast of Ambergris Caye, is one of the best places to snorkel in the world. You'll feel like you're swimming through a private aquarium with colourful fish, eels, stingrays, and turtles.

Day 7 – Explore Ambergris Caye and Visit Secret Beach

Rent a golf cart to explore Ambergris Caye and visit Secret Beach, located about a 45-minute golf cart drive from the main town. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, shallow waters, and the variety of restaurants and bars along the beach.

With its mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures, Belize offers a range of activities to suit different interests. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or water sports lover, there's something for everyone in this Central American gem.

Extras

When budgeting for a trip to Belize, it's important to consider the various expenses that may arise in addition to the usual costs of accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment. Here are some extra costs that you may need to factor into your travel plans:

• Flights and Airport Transfers: The cost of flights to Belize will depend on your departure location and the time of year. However, you can find flights starting at around €350 if you're flexible with your travel dates. Additionally, if you're travelling from the airport to your accommodation, you may need to budget for a taxi or airport shuttle service.
• Activities and Tours: Belize offers a range of activities and tours that can enhance your trip. These can include diving, sailing, visiting ancient ruins, exploring caves, snorkelling, and more. The prices for these activities vary, with some costing around BZD 5-10 for entrance fees to places like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, while others like the ATM Cave tour can cost upwards of BZD 668.
• Dining Out: While eating at local restaurants or street food stalls can be more affordable, dining at tourist-oriented restaurants can be significantly more expensive. A simple meal of rice, beans, and protein from a street stall might cost around BZD 5-7, while a sit-down restaurant meal could be priced at BZD 10-25 or more, depending on the establishment and the dish.
• Groceries and Drinks: If you plan to prepare your own meals or stock up on snacks, budget for grocery expenses. Prices can vary, but here are some examples: a kilo of bananas for BZD 3, a kilo of apples for BZD 7, avocado for BZD 1.50, a bottle of Coca-Cola (300ml) for BZD 1.50, yoghurt (500ml) for BZD 6, and a bottle of water (3.3L) for BZD 3. Alcoholic beverages can also add to your budget, with a glass of wine in a wine bar costing around BZD 12 and a local beer in a bar costing around BZD 7.
• Tips and Handouts: In Belize, it is customary to give tips for various services. The average cost for tips and handouts is around BZD 4.12 (BZ$8.29) per day, and the typical tip amount ranges from 5% to 15%.
• Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, purchasing travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. The cost of travel insurance can vary depending on the coverage and the provider.
• Miscellaneous Expenses: There may be other small expenses that come up during your trip, such as souvenirs, personal items, or minor repairs. It's always a good idea to have a buffer in your budget to accommodate these unexpected costs.

Remember that these extra costs can vary depending on your personal preferences, travel style, and the specific activities you choose to participate in. It's always a good idea to research the latest prices and plan your budget accordingly.

Frequently asked questions