Belize Packing List: The Ultimate Guide For A Two-Week Adventure

Belize is a small country on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America. It's a great country for independent backpackers to explore as much as possible in a short time.

If you're travelling on a budget, it's worth noting that Belize is more expensive than its neighbouring countries, and you won't receive as much for your money. The country imports the vast majority of its goods, which results in higher prices. Basic infrastructure also makes it hard to get excited about what you're spending your money on.

However, if you're coming from the US or Europe, you can land yourself with some wonderful accommodation without having to pay hundreds of pounds per night.

- Only pack the essentials and focus on covering the basics.

- Roll your clothes to gain more space in your suitcase.

- Buy stuff when you arrive – there will be tons of stores where you can buy what you need.

- Pack clothes for the seasons – it's hot in Belize, so use appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the sun.

- Wear your heavy items during transit to free up space in your luggage.

- Dress casually – it's all about dressing comfortably for hiking and beach lounging.

- Bring a good guidebook for planning specialty trips.

- Take a small traveller's first aid kit.

- Don't drink the tap water – it's not safe.

Clothing

Belize's tropical climate is warm and humid all year round, so lightweight, breathable clothing is essential.

• 3-4 lightweight shirts (tank tops, flowy tops, etc.)
• 2-3 dresses (flowy and breathable)
• 2 pairs of capri leggings or capri yoga pants
• 1 pair of long, breathable pants for hiking or jungle activities
• 1-2 skirts (optional)
• 1 sweater, cardigan, or kimono for layering
• 1 rain jacket or travel umbrella
• 1 pair of pajama bottoms or leggings
• Comfortable walking sandals
• Extra slip-on sandals (e.g. Crocs)
• Flip-flops (especially if staying in hostels)
• Hiking shoes (if planning activities or hiking)
• 7-8 pairs of underwear
• 1 sports bra (if planning a lot of activity)
• 1-2 pairs of earrings (optional)
• Sunglasses (regular or prescription)
• Hair accessories (pins, bobbles, headbands, etc.)
• A hat (optional)
• 4-5 lightweight shirts (tank tops, t-shirts, etc.)
• 1 pair of long, breathable pants for hiking or jungle activities
• 1 t-shirt and shorts for sleeping
• 2 pairs of swim trunks
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes (sneakers, hiking shoes, or boots)
• Comfortable day sandals
• Extra slip-on sandals or flip-flops
• 7-8 pairs of underwear
• Sunglasses (regular or prescription)
• A hat
• Any personal jewellery

General Tips

• Linen clothing is ideal for the climate.
• Dress casually and comfortably—most of the time will be spent hiking and lounging on the beach.
• Avoid heavy fabrics like denim.
• Don't bring nice jewellery or fancy clothes—it's a very casual, laid-back culture.
• Bring at least one swimsuit.
• Pack layers for the evenings, which can be chilly.
• Bring a lightweight rain jacket—rain showers are common.

Toiletries

When packing toiletries for a trip, it's important to consider the essentials and what you can leave behind. Here is a detailed list of toiletries to pack for your two-week trip to Belize:

General Toiletries

• Shampoo and conditioner – transfer these to travel-sized bottles or containers.
• Toothpaste – get a travel-sized toothpaste if you're travelling carry-on only.
• Toothbrush – a folding toothbrush saves space.
• Dental floss – opt for a small, travel-sized floss.
• Deodorant – ensure it's under 3 oz/100 ml if you're carrying it on.
• Facial wipes/cleanser – wipes are less messy than liquid cleansers.
• Facial moisturiser – rosehip oil is a good option as it's small, easy to pack, and long-lasting.
• Body moisturiser – you can skip this if you're staying in hotels, but bring it if you prefer a specific brand.
• Hand cream – great for the flight!
• Lip balm – also great for the flight and sun protection.
• Coconut oil – this is a versatile product that can be used as a moisturiser, after-sun, shaving gel, hair treatment, and makeup remover.
• Razor.
• Shaving gel/oil – shaving oil is more space-efficient.
• Small mirror – a small, magnifying mirror with suction cups is handy for sticking to hotel windows or mirrors.
• Cotton buds/pads.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellent spray.
• After-sun lotion/aloe vera – useful for sunburn relief and moisturising after sun exposure.
• Anti-chafe balm/powder – helpful if you plan to do a lot of walking or hiking.
• Foot powder – a travel-sized foot powder is ideal for hiking or city walking.
• First aid kit – include essentials like painkillers, antacids, and a digital thermometer.
• Dry shampoo – get a travel-sized version.
• Hair styling products – transfer these to travel-sized bottles.
• Shower cap – useful if you're staying in an Airbnb or with friends.
• Eye cream – transfer to a small pot or container.
• Solid perfume – the Pacifica brand offers lovely Hawaiian scents.

Makeup

• Multipurpose lipstick and blush.
• Eyeshadow – opt for a neutral hue that can double as eyebrow powder.
• Foundation or BB/CC cream – a BB cream with SPF is a good option for wearing makeup in hot climates.
• Loose powder – transfer to a small, travel-sized container.
• Makeup remover – coconut oil or makeup remover wipes are good options.
• Makeup brushes – consider double-sided brushes to save space.
• Mascara.
• Brow liner.
• Eyeliner.
• Blush.
• Lip colour.

Other Essentials

• Feminine hygiene products – tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup.
• Contact lenses and solution.
• Laundry detergent – consider detergent sheets for convenience.
• Quick-drying, microfiber towels – these are easy to pack and don't take up much space.

Food

Belize is a small country that imports most of its goods, which results in higher prices. The cost 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. However, it is possible to save money by eating at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants.

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 specialty 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!

One traveller spent $481 on food for their 13 days in the country, which worked out at $37 a day.

• Ceviche: a well-marinated seafood concoction that is often made from conch and vegetables. It's marinated in citrus which essentially cooks the raw seafood.
• Fry jacks: a tortilla-like product that is most often served with breakfast. They are often accompanied by cheese, refried beans, eggs, or cereal.
• Escabeche: a traditional Belize soup that is made from chicken, onions, and spices. The onions are often thoroughly marinated in vinegar to create an acidic base before the soup is prepared.

Money

The Belize dollar (BZD) is the official currency of Belize, with an exchange rate permanently set at 2 BZD to 1 USD. While US dollars are accepted everywhere in the country, it's worth noting that the Belize dollar can only be exchanged within Belize and at border towns in Mexico and Guatemala.

Cash is still king in Belize, although Visa is accepted at most large businesses. ATMs can be unreliable and expensive, and official exchanges seem to be non-existent, so local vendors on the street are often the only available means to change money.

• Taxi from the airport to Belize City: $50 BZD
• Budget hotel in Belize City: $50 BZD per night
• Bus from Belize City to Belize City Zoo: $3 BZD each way
• Water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker: $29 BZD return
• Budget accommodation on Caye Caulker: from $22 BZD per person per night
• Seafood BBQ in Caye Caulker: $15-20
• Rice, beans and protein from a street stall: $5-7
• Breakfast in a sit-down restaurant: $10
• Jerk chicken: $10
• Burger: $15
• Shrimp curry: $20
• Rack of ribs and sides: $25
• Tour of the ATM caves: $120
• Snorkelling on the Belize Barrier Reef: $95
• Day trip to Tikal ruins in Guatemala: $150

As a rough guide, you should plan to spend around $105 (BZ$212) per day on your vacation in Belize. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A one-week trip to Belize for two people costs, on average, $1,474 (BZ$2,966).

Transport

Getting around Belize is easy, with several transport options available to visitors. The country has a good network of roads, making it possible to drive or take a bus to most tourist destinations. Here are some tips and advice for transportation when visiting Belize:

If you plan to drive in Belize, be aware that driving is on the right-hand side, and you will need a valid driver's license from your home country. You can rent a car at the airport or in major towns and cities. Driving can give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, but be prepared for some challenging road conditions, including unpaved or potholed roads, especially in more remote areas. Always check the condition of the car carefully before renting and ensure you have the necessary insurance.

Taking the bus is a cheap and efficient way to get around Belize. Buses are a common mode of transport for locals and tourists alike. There are two types of bus services: those that stick to set routes with scheduled stops, and "express" buses that will stop anywhere along the route to pick up or drop off passengers. The former is more comfortable and faster, while the latter is useful if you're heading to a more remote location.

For shorter distances, taxis are readily available in towns and tourist areas. They don't tend to use meters, so agree on a price before getting into the taxi. Water taxis are also a fun and unique way to get around, especially if you're heading to one of Belize's islands, like Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. These boats will transport you quickly and comfortably to your island destination.

Finally, internal flights within Belize can be a great way to save time and get a bird's-eye view of the country's beautiful landscapes. These flights are often used to connect Belize City with some of the more remote destinations, such as the southern town of Placencia or the island of San Pedro.

Frequently asked questions