The Central American Airfare Conundrum: Belize Or Guatemala?

Belize or Guatemala: which is cheaper to fly to?

It's a common question for travellers wanting to visit Central America: is it cheaper to fly to Belize or Guatemala? The answer depends on a few factors, but generally, it is cheaper to fly to Guatemala than Belize.

Flight costs

Prices for flights to both countries change regularly, but it's possible to find cheaper flights to Guatemala. For example, flights from Guatemala City to Belize City can be as low as $146 for a one-way trip, while the cheapest flights in the opposite direction are around $172. Return flights between the two cities can be as low as $383.

On the ground costs

When it comes to costs on the ground, Guatemala is also cheaper. The average daily cost per person in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in Guatemala City is $44. These costs include accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.

So, if you're looking for a more affordable destination, Guatemala is the better choice. However, be sure to do your research as prices can vary depending on your specific travel needs and preferences.

Average daily costs

The average daily cost for a tourist in Belize is around $105 (BZ$212) per day. This includes $29 (BZ$57) on meals, $21 (BZ$42) on local transportation, and $93 (BZ$186) on hotels. A one-week trip to Belize for two people costs, on average, $1,475 (BZ$2,966).

For Guatemala, the average daily cost is $44 per person. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.

Therefore, Guatemala is the cheaper option for flights and daily costs.

Flight prices

The price of flights between Guatemala City and Belize City can vary depending on the time of year, the day of the week, and the airline. Generally, flights between these two destinations can range from $146 to $461 for a one-way trip, and $383 to $461 for a round trip.

One-Way Flights

According to Cheapflights, the cheapest one-way flight from Guatemala City to Belize City was $146, offered by Copa Airlines. However, Cheapflights also mentions that TAG Airlines offers non-stop flights starting at $264 one-way, and Alaska Airlines offers one-way flights for $529. Orbitz and Expedia both offer one-way flights for $172, although it is not clear which airline these are with. Trip.com also offers one-way flights starting at $172.

Round-Trip Flights

Cheapflights mentions that Copa Airlines offers round-trip flights for $329, although it is not clear whether this is the cheapest option. Orbitz and Expedia both offer round-trip flights for $383, although the price can go up to $461 depending on the dates and demand.

Seasonal Variation

Cheapflights mentions that flights in May can be cheaper, with an average of $431, whereas flights booked in December may be more expensive.

Day of the Week

According to Orbitz, Monday and Tuesday are the cheapest days to fly, with Saturday being the most expensive.

Airlines

A variety of airlines fly this route, including Copa Airlines, TAG Airlines, Tropic Air Limited, Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos, Avianca, JetBlue Airways, and Alaska Airlines.

Transportation costs

The cost of transportation is an important consideration when planning a trip to Belize or Guatemala. Here is a breakdown of the transportation costs for both destinations to help you decide which one fits your budget better.

Belize Transportation Costs

Flights to Belize

The cost of flights to Belize can vary depending on the time of year and demand. However, it is possible to find cheap flights, with prices starting as low as $146 for a one-way trip from Guatemala City to Belize. The cheapest month to fly to Belize is usually May, while December tends to be more expensive.

Local Transportation in Belize

Once you arrive in Belize, there are various options for local transportation, including taxis, local buses, and private transfers. Here are some example prices for transportation in Belize:

• Belize City to Philip S.W. Belize Airport (BZE) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
• Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $61
• Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150

Activities and Tours in Belize

In addition to transportation costs, it is worth considering the cost of activities and tours in Belize. Here are some examples of tour prices:

• Belize City Tour: $34
• Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour: $50
• Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80
• Cave Tubing Experience from Belize City: $85
• Turtle Garden Snorkeling Tour and Island Break: $90

Guatemala Transportation Costs

Flights to Guatemala

Similar to Belize, flight prices to Guatemala can fluctuate based on demand and the time of year. Generally, it is recommended to book flights in advance to find the best deals. Here are some example prices for flights to Guatemala:

• One-way flight from Guatemala City to Belize City: $172
• Round-trip flight from Guatemala City to Belize City: $383-$461

Local Transportation in Guatemala

Guatemala City offers various options for local transportation, and the cost can depend on the type of transport and distance travelled. Here are some example prices:

• Transfer from Guatemala City to El Paredon Beach: $240
• Transfer from Guatemala City hotel to INTL Airport La Aurora: $75
• Shared Arrival Transfer from Guatemala City Airport to Hotels: $43
• Private Transfer from La Aurora Airport to Antigua Guatemala: $120

Activities and Tours in Guatemala

When planning your trip to Guatemala, it is worth considering the cost of activities and tours. Here are some examples of tour prices in Guatemala:

• 2-Hour Culture and Historical Tour: $29
• Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour: $90
• Chichicastenango Market Tour: $124
• Climb Active Pacaya Volcano: $75
• Antigua Market, Cooking Class and Choco Museum: $178

Both Belize and Guatemala offer a range of transportation options, and the cost can vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. When planning your trip, it is essential to consider not only the cost of flights but also the local transportation and activity costs at your destination. By comparing the transportation costs for both destinations, you can make a more informed decision about which one fits your budget and travel plans better.

Food and dining

Belize

Belize City is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this diversity. The city's restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, including Caribbean, Central American, Mediterranean, and Asian.

For those looking for a taste of traditional Belizean cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from. Celebrity Restaurant, Midtown Restaurant & Bar, and St. George's Restaurant serve up classic Belizean dishes with a twist. The former two are known for their seafood offerings, while the latter is a great choice for those seeking affordable local fare.

If you're feeling adventurous, Smokeez Seaside Restaurant offers unique dishes like ceviche and tostones, while The Little Boar House specializes in barbecue. For a fine dining experience, Vino Tinto Restaurant Bar & Grill and Bistro at Maya Beach Hotel are excellent choices, with the latter being a particular favorite for its passion fruit and snapper ceviche, and lobster bread pudding.

Guatemala

Guatemala City's food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Mayan dishes, colorful stews, and modern fine dining. The city's culinary offerings reflect its diverse population, which includes 22 Maya language groups and people of Spanish, Garifuna, and Xinca descent.

For a true taste of Guatemala, head to the street food stalls and markets. La Esquina del Sabor, a popular chicharronera (a stand that fries up crispy pork rinds and carnitas), offers delicious, orange-dyed chicharrones with all the traditional fixings. Mercado 24, one of the city's 23 municipal markets, is another great option, with chef Pablo Diaz creating innovative dishes from local ingredients.

When it comes to sit-down restaurants, there are plenty of choices. La Cocina de la Señora Pu, run by Indigenous K'iché Maya chef Rosa Pu, serves haute cuisine inspired by her cultural heritage. For a more casual dining experience, San Martín Centro Histórico offers a variety of Guatemalan egg dishes and breakfast plates from around the world, all accompanied by a cup of Guatemalan coffee.

If you're craving international flavors, Guatemala City has you covered. Las Carnes de Rodrigo, a popular steakhouse, offers a fusion of steak and seafood dishes. El Arte Steak House is another excellent choice for meat lovers, with their popular Puyazo steak. For Italian fare, Il Vino Miraflores and Carpaccio Restaurant are great options. Hibiscus Restaurante provides a unique blend of Latin and Mediterranean cuisine.

Finally, for those with a sweet tooth, Tutti Frutti in the Placencia Peninsula serves up some of the best Italian gelato between New York and Buenos Aires.

Entertainment

Belize

Belize City offers a range of entertainment options, including nature and wildlife tours, underground tours, archaeology tours, and historical tours. The Altun Ha Mayan Site and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve are popular attractions, as is the Great Blue Hole, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for scuba diving. The Belize Zoo, though small, is also worth a visit.

For those interested in Mayan history, there are several sites to explore, including Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Caracol. These sites feature ancient temples, pyramids, and plazas, providing insight into the Mayan Empire's Classic Period.

Guatemala

Guatemala City boasts a vibrant entertainment scene, including plays, concerts, and dance performances and nightlife options. La Bodeguita del Centro is a large, bohemian hangout that showcases the local creative scene. Quetzaltenango's grand neoclassical theatre is the main venue for performing arts, while the Centro Cultural de España hosts a range of events, from live music to film nights and art exhibitions, often with free admission.

Guatemala also offers outdoor recreational activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking, spelunking, and volcano climbing. Football (soccer) is the country's most popular sport, and Guatemalan athletes have participated in the Olympic Games and other international competitions.

Frequently asked questions