Belize On A Budget: Daily Spending Guide

Belize is a moderately priced travel destination. The average daily cost per person is around $105. Compared to other countries in Central America, Belize is more expensive. It is ranked in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its travel prices and is comparable to places like Panama and Costa Rica.

The average daily cost of food in Belize is $28 per person, while the average cost of a meal at a nice restaurant is $15-20. The cost of food and drinks can vary depending on the type of restaurant you visit and the location. For instance, dining at resort restaurants or high-end tourist places can be more expensive than eating Belizean food such as rice and beans, stew chicken or pork, or barbecue stands.

Accommodation is easily going to be your greatest expense. Properties in this country are far pricier than they are in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala. You can expect to pay around $20 to $40 per night for budget accommodations such as hostels and guesthouses. If you're looking for more comfort and amenities, mid-range hotels are available at prices ranging from $50 to $100 per night.

Local transportation is cheap in Belize. On average, past travellers have spent $5.82 to $21 per person, per day, on local transportation.

Food: $28-37 per day

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with the average daily cost per person being around $105.00. However, it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries. The price of food in Belize is fairly steep and more in line with what you would pay in the U.S. rather than neighbouring Mexico or Guatemala.

The average daily cost of food in Belize is $28.00 per person, while the average cost of a meal at a nice restaurant is $15.00-20.00. The cost of food and drinks can vary depending on the type of restaurant you visit and the location. For instance, dining at resort restaurants or high-end tourist places can be more expensive than eating Belizean food such as rice and beans, stew chicken or pork, or barbecue stands.

• A simple but filling meal of rice, beans and some kind of protein from a street stall will cost you around $5-7.
• A Mexican-style tamale will cost a couple of dollars.
• A seafood BBQ will set you back $15-20.
• In a sit-down restaurant, expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfast options like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito.
• A local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat called stuffed fryjacks will cost you $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.

If you're looking to save money on food, it's a good idea to eat at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants. Some delicious meals can be found at street stalls, including seafood BBQs.

It's also worth noting that Belize has a 2:1 currency rate with the US dollar, so if you want the price in local currency, just double it!

Transportation: $11-21 per day

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
• Shuttle bus from Belize City to San Ignacio: $20
• Water taxi tickets: $20
• Bus tickets: $0.50-$2
• Taxi ride: $5.82-$21
• Flight from Philip Goldson International Airport to San Pedro: $90

Accommodation: $46-98 per day

When it comes to accommodation in Belize, there is a range of options to suit different budgets. The cost of accommodation will depend on factors such as location, season, and the level of luxury. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for accommodation in Belize:

Budget-Friendly Options:

• Hostels and Guesthouses: For budget-conscious travellers, hostels and guesthouses are a great option. Prices typically range from $20 to $40 per night. These accommodations provide a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
• Private Rooms in Hostels: If you want a little more privacy, you can opt for a private room in a hostel. In Placencia, for example, private rooms can be found for around $54.50 per night.

Mid-Range Options:

• Mid-Range Hotels: If you're looking for more comfort and amenities, mid-range hotels are available at prices ranging from $50 to $100 per night. These hotels offer a good balance between affordability and additional comforts.
• Budget Hotels with Amenities: Some budget hotels may offer rooms with air conditioning and private bathrooms at a slightly higher price point. For example, in San Ignacio, you can find rooms with these amenities for around $34.58 per night.

Luxury Options:

• Luxury Resorts: For those seeking a more luxurious experience, resorts in popular tourist destinations such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye can be quite expensive, with prices starting at $250+ per night.
• High-End Hotels: In Belize City, high-end hotels can cost around $116 per night for a standard double room. These hotels often offer additional amenities such as swimming pools, beach access, and breakfast.

When planning your trip to Belize, it's important to consider the seasonal price differences. During the high season, prices for accommodations and activities tend to skyrocket in tourist hotspots. Travelling during the off-peak season (usually from May to November) can help you find lower prices and enjoy a more peaceful and less crowded experience. Additionally, the off-peak season gives you a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the friendly locals.

Activities: $1-43% of your budget

Activities in Belize can be quite expensive, so it's important to plan and budget accordingly. The cost of activities can vary depending on your interests and preferences. Here are some examples of activity costs to help you plan your trip:

• A day trip to the Tikal ruins in Guatemala costs around $150.
• The ATM Cave tour, a full-day experience that includes jungle trekking, cave swimming, and learning about Mayan civilisation, costs about $120.
• Snorkelling on the Belize Barrier Reef will set you back about $95.
• Entrance fees to ruins like Xunantunich and Cahal Pech are typically around $5.
• A three-day sailing trip can cost around $800.
• Diving is an expensive activity, with three dives costing approximately $334.
• A zip-lining tour through the jungle can be costly, but it offers a thrilling experience.
• A water taxi ride between the mainland and islands such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye costs about $20.
• The Green Iguana Conservation Project in San Ignacio has an entry fee.

When planning your budget, keep in mind that activities can range from $1 per day to $270 or 43% of your total budget, depending on your choices. Prioritise the experiences that are most important to you, and consider booking in advance or looking for online discounts to save money.

Diving: $300+

Belize is a scuba diving haven, with its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine ecosystem. The country's commitment to conservation and sustainability has helped preserve its underwater treasures, making it a must-visit destination for any scuba diver.

Diving in Belize can be an expensive affair, with costs adding up to $300 and above per day. The country is known for its luxurious diving resorts, with prices ranging from $97 to $169 per night. These resorts often include the cost of diving trips and equipment rental in their packages, making them a convenient but costly option.

One of the most famous dive sites in Belize is the Great Blue Hole, an underwater sinkhole over 300 meters wide and 125 meters deep. Formed during the last ice age, the Blue Hole is known for its unique geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites. Diving here requires an advanced certification due to the depth, and it is best attempted during calm weather conditions.

Another popular diving spot is Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected area with a diverse underwater ecosystem. Here, divers can observe stingrays, nurse sharks, and green sea turtles in their natural habitat. Hol Chan is divided into four zones with different depths, making it accessible to divers of all levels.

For those seeking a unique diving experience, Gladden Spit, located off the coast of Placencia, is a spectacular dive site. It is known for its diverse marine life, including the elusive whale shark, which visits the area from March to June during the full moon.

Belize also offers liveaboard diving experiences, with boats departing from nearby countries like Mexico and Honduras. These liveaboards typically offer 7- to 10-night packages, providing divers with the opportunity to visit remote dive sites that are inaccessible by day boats.

With its stunning natural beauty, both above and below the water, Belize truly is a one-of-a-kind destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. The diverse marine life and range of diving spots cater to divers of all levels, making it an ideal location for a memorable underwater adventure.

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