Belize Vacation Costs: Affordable Or Expensive?

Belize is a beautiful Central American country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it is not a budget-friendly destination. As a small country that imports most of its goods, prices tend to be high, and basic infrastructure means you may feel like you're not getting good value for your money.

A realistic daily budget for Belize is between 75 and 85 euros per person per day, not including flights. This includes public transportation, local restaurants, and activities. For accommodation, a couple of hostels are $12 a night in places like Caye Caulker and San Ignacio, but prices for budget hotels shoot up to $40 a night.

Food is also expensive, with meals costing around $15-20 for two people. A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend approximately $160 per day or $1,120 for one week of travel in Belize, excluding flights.

So, if you're planning a trip to Belize, be prepared to spend a little extra. It's a beautiful country, but it will cost you!

Food and drink: Belize's food and drink prices are high compared to neighbouring countries

Belize is a moderately priced destination for a vacation. However, compared to its neighbouring countries, it is considered expensive. Belize is a small country that imports most of its goods, which results in higher prices. The cost of food and drink in Belize is comparable to prices in the US and is more expensive than in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala.

A meal in a cheap restaurant in Belize costs around $6.80, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant with three courses costs around $30. A fast-food meal is around $7.40, and a cheeseburger is $2.20. A cappuccino is $3.20, and an espresso is $1.10.

For groceries, a litre of milk is $2.80, a loaf of bread is $1.30, a bottle of wine is $7.40, a domestic beer is $2.50, and a bottle of water is $1.10.

Compared to its neighbouring countries, Belize's food and drink prices are high. However, it is possible to find cheaper options, such as street food, which can cost as little as $5-7 for a simple meal of rice, beans, and protein.

Transportation: Getting to the islands is expensive, with flights costing at least $100

Transportation Costs in Belize

Belize is a small country, so you won't have to travel far to see a lot of the country. However, getting to the islands can be expensive, with flights costing at least $100. The ferry between the islands and the mainland is also relatively expensive, with tickets costing over €15 per person for the ferry from San Pedro to Caye Caulker (a 30-minute journey). Taxis are also costly, with prices similar to those in the US.

Public transport is much cheaper, with local buses costing around $10 from Belize City to San Ignacio, and $3 for a return bus trip from San Ignacio to Xunantunich.

If you're looking for a cheaper way to get around, consider taking the water taxi. The main company is the San Pedro Belize Express, and you can pick it up from the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City.

If you're planning on doing a lot of travelling around Belize, be sure to budget accordingly. The more places you visit, the higher your daily price will be due to increased transportation costs.

Budget accommodation: Limited budget-friendly accommodation is available in tourist areas

Budget Accommodation in Belize

Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit, with prices for food, accommodation, and transportation being fairly reasonable. However, it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries. The small population of Belize—approximately 390,000 people—means that most goods are imported, resulting in higher prices.

• Tobacco Caye Paradise in Tobacco Caye: This property offers six private "over-the-water" beach cabanas with decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. Accommodations are clean, comfortable, and rustic. Contact them directly for budget accommodation options, such as their guest rooms located within walking distance from the water, with shared bathrooms.
• San Pedro - Ruby's Hotel in San Pedro: One of the best-value cheap hotels in Belize, according to TripAdvisor.
• De Real Macaw in Caye Caulker: Another highly-ranked budget hotel in Caye Caulker.
• Martha's Guesthouse in San Ignacio: A budget-friendly option in the Cayo District, known for its ecotourism offerings.
• Miramar Apartments in Placencia: A cheap hotel option in Placencia, a vibrant town with a predominantly Creole culture.
• Harry's Cozy Cabanas in Placencia: Affordable seaside cabins in Placencia.
• The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel in Hopkins: A budget-friendly hostel option in Hopkins.
• Cahal Pech Village Resort in San Ignacio: A cheap hotel option in San Ignacio.
• Rainbow Hotel in Caye Caulker: An affordable hotel on Caye Caulker, a popular island for backpackers.
• Colinda Cabanas in Caye Caulker: Well-rated seaside cabins with beach views, balconies, air conditioning, free drinking water, and consistently hot water showers.
• Yumas House in Caye Caulker: A cheap hostel option on Caye Caulker.
• DreamCabanas in Caye Caulker: A more affordable alternative to Colinda Cabanas, at $92 per night.
• Bella’s Backpackers in San Ignacio: A cheap hostel option in San Ignacio.
• Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza: Well-rated for its friendly staff, clean rooms, and good food.
• Ocean Tide Beach Resort: Centrally located with the beach across the road.
• Barefoot Beach Belize: Affordable, clean, and right on the beach.
• Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge, a Muy'Ono Resort: Black Friday discounts are sometimes available.
• Island Magic Beach Resort: Easy to book and affordable.
• Cassia Hill Resort Belize: Located 20 minutes from the town, with clean individual cabanas, air conditioning, and WiFi.
• Mayan Princess Hotel: Friendly and safe, according to reviews.
• Anchorage Resort: An affordable and quiet place to stay.
• Banana's On The Beach: A lovely hotel, about a 30-minute walk to downtown.
• Caye Caulker Condos: A wonderful place to stay if you want to be in the middle of the action.
• Ramada By Wyndham Belize City Princess Hotel: Good food, friendly staff, clean rooms, and fabulous views.

Activities: Many of Belize's attractions require a guide and can cost over $100 for a full-day tour

Activities in Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America, filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. It is also the only English-speaking country in the region. The official currency is the Belize dollar, which is worth half of a US dollar.

Belize is known for its beautiful beaches and marine life, and many of its attractions are water-based. However, many of these attractions require a guide and can be costly. Here is a list of some popular activities in Belize and their approximate costs:

• Scuba diving: Belize is a popular destination for scuba diving, and there are many vendors offering dives along Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. A typical dive costs around US$35, but a dive to the famous Blue Hole will cost substantially more.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This is a popular snorkelling and diving area accessible by chartered boat or dive trips.
• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: This is a fascinating ceremonial and burial site housing ceramics and skeleton remains. A tour to the ATM Cave costs around $120 and includes transportation, equipment, and a guide.
• Caracol: The largest Mayan archaeological site in Belize, featuring pyramids to climb and explore.
• Shark Ray Alley: A popular spot to swim with harmless nurse sharks and stingrays.
• Caye Caulker: A small island known for its laid-back atmosphere and snorkelling opportunities. You can take a water taxi from San Pedro to Caye Caulker and spend the day exploring.
• The Great Blue Hole: A famous natural wonder located at Lighthouse Reef.
• Zip-lining: An adrenaline-pumping way to experience the jungle canopy. This activity can be expensive, but it offers a thrilling experience.

In addition to these water-based activities, Belize also offers land-based adventures such as exploring Mayan ruins, hiking in the jungle, and visiting wildlife sanctuaries.

While Belize offers a range of exciting activities, it is important to note that the country is relatively expensive compared to its neighbouring countries in Central America. The cost of food, accommodation, and transportation can add up quickly, especially on the islands. However, with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to have a memorable vacation in Belize without breaking the bank.

Cash: It's good to carry around $20-$30 of cash per day

Belize is a moderately-priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable prices for food, accommodation, and transportation. However, it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries. While you can use U.S. dollars in Belize, it's a good idea to carry some local currency. The Belize dollar is pegged at 2:1 to the U.S. dollar, so if a price is given in Belize dollars, you can double it to get the U.S. dollar amount.

• Most local buses are former U.S. school buses, and they are a fun and cheap way to get around the country. A bus ticket from Belize City to San Ignacio costs BZ$7, and from Belmopan to San Ignacio costs BZ$3.
• You can buy delicious, cheap meals from street stalls and food vendors. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and protein will cost you around $5-7, and a Mexican-style tamale will cost a couple of dollars.
• Taxis are affordable and easy to flag down in Belize City and San Pedro. A taxi from the airport to Belize City costs around BZ$50, and within the city, the rate is usually fixed at BZ$5-10. However, regular taxis don't have a fixed meter rate, so it's a good idea to agree on a price before getting in.
• In Belize City, you can try the local specialty of rice n' beans with stewed chicken, the national dish of Belize. You can also sample unique drinks like a Belizean seaweed shake, with or without rum!
• In San Pedro, you can try the local specialty of panades, as well as ceviche and conch fritters.
• In Caye Caulker, you'll find amazing barbecue and local eats, especially during lobster season in mid-June.
• In Belize, you can also buy delicious homemade tamales and cashew wine from roadside stands.

So, carrying around some cash will allow you to take advantage of these affordable options and have a more flexible and enjoyable vacation in Belize.

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