The Cost Of Paradise: Exploring Belize On A Budget

Belize is a beautiful country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, pretty beaches, and friendly locals. However, it can be an expensive place to visit. The cost of a trip to Belize depends on your travel style, but it is generally considered a mid-range destination.

For a one-week trip to Belize, you can expect to pay around $738 for one person and $1,475 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. The average daily cost per person is around $105.

- Accommodation: $46 for one person, $93 for two people per day

- Local transportation: $21 per person per day

- Food: $29 per person per day

- Entertainment: $34 per person per day

- Alcohol: $15 per person per day

There are ways to save money, such as eating at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants, taking local buses instead of renting a car, and visiting during the low season (June-November).

Overall, Belize is a wonderful place to visit, but it is important to plan and budget accordingly.

Flights

The cost of flights to Belize varies depending on the departure airport and the time of booking. Flying is the easiest way to get to Belize, with several airlines offering flights, including Delta, United, American, Alaska, Southwest, Maya Island Air, and Tropic Air.

From a mid-sized city, flights typically range from $450-600 per person for a round trip. For larger cities, such as New York, prices can be as low as $370-450 per person for a round trip. It is also possible to find deals using reward points; for example, flights can be booked using American Airlines points for as low as 20,000 points per person, round trip, plus taxes and fees (around $80 per person).

One-way flights to Belize City can be found for as low as $86, while round-trip flights typically range from $126 to $302.

It is worth noting that the currency exchange rate may impact the cost of flights, as the Belizean dollar is pegged to the USD at a 2:1 ratio.

Hotels

The cost of hotels in Belize varies depending on location, date, season, and level of luxury.

Budget-friendly accommodations

For budget-conscious travellers, there are affordable options such as hostels and guesthouses, with prices ranging from $15 to $45 per person per night for dorms and private rooms. Some recommended budget-friendly accommodations include:

• Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel in Hopkins: $16 per person per night for dorms, and $45 for a private room
• Yellow Belly Backpackers Hostel in San Ignacio: $25 per person for dorms, and $70 for a private room
• Drift Inn in San Pedro: $15 per person for dorms, and $75 for a private room

Mid-range accommodations

For those seeking more comfort and amenities, mid-range hotels are available for $50 to $250+ per night. Some recommended mid-range accommodations include:

• Hopkins Bay Resort in Hopkins: Starts at $175-250 per night for a 1-bedroom villa
• San Ignacio Resort Hotel in San Ignacio: $260-300 per night for a deluxe room
• SunBreeze Hotel in San Pedro: $209+ per night for a standard room

Luxury accommodations

For honeymooners or luxury travellers, there are also fancy hotels and all-inclusive resorts, with prices starting from $324 per night and going up to $674-700 per night for all-inclusive stays. Some recommended luxury accommodations include:

• Belizean Dreams in Hopkins: Starts at $674-700 per night (4-night minimum stay and all-inclusive)
• Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge in San Ignacio: $370-625 per night for a treehouse
• Pelican Reef Villas in San Pedro: $324-389 per night for a 2-bedroom suite

The average price paid for accommodation in Belize is $46 (BZ$93) per person for one person, and $93 (BZ$186) per night for a typical double-occupancy hotel room.

Tips for finding affordable accommodations

• Prioritize your expenses and decide what is most important to you, whether it's luxurious accommodations, nice dinners, or extravagant tours.
• Book cheap flights and accommodations in advance to save money.
• Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or vacation rentals.
• Take advantage of deals and discounts by booking activities and tours in advance online.
• Look for accommodations that offer free activities or amenities, such as access to the beach or a swimming pool.

Transportation

The best ways to get around Belize are by car, water taxi, and plane. Taxis and rental cars are the most hassle-free modes of transportation around Belize City. Cabs and cars are also the easiest way to get to and from Belize City's airports. Water taxis are the best mode of transportation to access Belize's numerous cayes (small, low-lying coral islands). Attractions on the mainland are relatively spread out, but Belize itself is a compact country, equipped with commuter buses that transport passengers to popular attractions. However, these buses are typically run-down and routes can be difficult to navigate.

You can access water taxis in Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. Tiny atolls and cayes that are not frequently visited by tourists tend to require a smaller water taxi operation or a private boat charter. There are multiple water taxi services, including the San Pedro Belize Express, which operates daily shuttle services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye. One-way tickets cost between $21 and $31.

Taxis are affordable and easy to flag down in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro. Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). However, regular taxis have no fixed meter rate or consistent look. You'll want to agree on a price before getting into the taxi. On Caye Caulker, chauffeured golf carts replace taxis. You can rent a golf cart for daily or weekly fees.

Belize City's four primary roads – the Northern (officially Philip SW Goldson Highway), Western (officially George Price Highway), Southern, and Hummingbird highways – are all easy to navigate, making driving the ideal mode of transportation for visiting the outlying Maya sites. Rental cars are easy to come by near the city's two major airports, however, you'll need to acquire an international driving permit to drive here. Consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as some roads leading up to the major Maya sites are rustic, and rainy weather can make for challenging driving conditions.

Dozens of bus companies offer services along Belize's Northern, Western, Hummingbird, and Southern highways. However, there is no standard bus system in Belize City. Prices vary depending on distance, company, and service type. Autotransportes De Oriente (ADO) provides transport from Belize City to nearby Mexican destinations, including Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Another reliable bus service, James Bus, offers daily transportation between Belize City and Dangriga and Punta Gorda in Southern Belize.

Commuter airlines make travelling throughout Belize hassle-free. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air provide daily transport from Belize City Municipal Airport or Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to popular destinations. Prices vary depending on the route, airline, and season.

If you're flying into Belize, you can expect to pay around $450-600 per person for a round trip from a mid-sized city. For larger cities, like NYC, you can pay as low as $370-450 per person round trip.

Once in Belize, you can get between destinations via plane, shuttle, rental car, or ferry. To give you an idea, a round trip plane ticket between your destination and Belize City typically costs around $100 per person. A shuttle service can cost $60-200 per person, each way. A rental car will cost around $50-60 per day, plus gas and parking. A ferry ride will cost between $37-57 per person, round trip, depending on your destination.

Food

However, it is possible to eat cheaply in Belize. Street food is widely available, with Mexican-style tamales costing a couple of dollars, and a simple meal of rice, beans, and protein costing around $5-7. Beers bought from a store are usually only $1-2, but cocktails in bars will cost around $5-7.

For breakfast, expect to pay around $10 for standard options like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. Be sure to try the local specialty of stuffed fryjacks, deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat, which usually cost $8-10. 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 are staying somewhere with cooking facilities, you can buy fresh produce at a supermarket or grocery store. Food is much more expensive than in the USA, often two to three times the price.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to do in Belize, from exploring ancient ruins to snorkelling and scuba diving. Here are some of the top activities to consider when planning your trip:

• Exploring Ancient Ruins: Belize is home to several ancient Mayan ruins that you can explore, including Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Caracol. These ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilisation. The entrance fee for Xunantunich is $195 per person, while Cahal Pech costs only $5.
• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Belize is known for its stunning barrier reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular activities, with Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley being favourite spots. A snorkelling tour of the Belize Barrier Reef typically costs around $100 per person. Scuba diving is also a popular activity, with vendors along Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker offering affordable options. A dive to the Blue Hole will be substantially more expensive.
• Ziplining and Cave Tubing: For adrenaline junkies, ziplining through the jungle canopy is a must-do activity. It can be expensive, but it offers a thrilling experience. River and cave tubing are also popular activities, often combined with ziplining in tour packages.
• The Great Blue Hole: This iconic natural wonder is a giant marine sinkhole located near Lighthouse Reef. While it is a popular site for scuba divers, it can also be viewed from above by plane or helicopter.
• The Belize Zoo: Located in Belize City, the Belize Zoo is home to over 45 species native to Belize, including jaguars, tapirs, and the fer-de-lance snake.
• Cultural Experiences: Belize has a rich cultural heritage with influences from Mayan, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, and Chinese cultures. Exploring local markets, trying traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural tours can provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Belizean culture.
• Water Sports and Beach Activities: Beyond snorkelling and scuba diving, Belize offers a range of other water sports and beach activities. Kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular, as are beach activities such as sunbathing and beach volleyball.
• Nature and Wildlife Experiences: Belize is home to diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, jungles, and wildlife reserves. Birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife tours are popular ways to explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife that Belize has to offer.
• Fishing and Boating: Fishing is a popular activity in Belize, with options for deep-sea fishing, fly fishing, and reef fishing. Boat tours and cruises are also available, offering a relaxing way to explore the coastline and nearby islands.

When planning your trip to Belize, consider booking tours and activities in advance to secure your spot and take advantage of potential discounts. Additionally, some activities may be seasonal, so check availability before finalising your itinerary.

Frequently asked questions