Belize's Best Lodging Options

Belize is a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, amazing water sports, a rich history, and diverse culture. The country is small, but the range of attractions and amenities varies vastly from one location to another.

Belize City, the largest city in the country, is a great place to start your journey. It offers a mix of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, as well as a vibrant food scene and lively nightlife. Caye Caulker, a small island located off the coast, is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, with the Belize Barrier Reef just a stone's throw away.

For those seeking luxury and upscale accommodations, San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, offers a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and a vibrant food and nightlife scene. The island boasts some of the best beach resorts in the country. Placencia, located on a peninsula in southeastern Belize, is another popular coastal destination known for its palm-lined beaches and excellent marine life.

If you're interested in exploring Mayan ruins and immersing yourself in history, San Ignacio is the place to go. This small town, located near the Guatemalan border, offers easy access to renowned Mayan ruins and is a hub for outdoor adventurers. Corozal, situated near the Mexican border, is a friendly town with plenty of attractions, including Mayan ruins and golden sand beaches.

With its mix of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and outdoor adventures, Belize has something for every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo trip, this Central American gem is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Belize City – for first-timers

Belize City is the largest city in the country and is a great place to stay for first-time visitors to Belize. Located on a small peninsula surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Belize City offers a wide range of historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, as well as great food and a vibrant nightlife.

Getting Around

Belize City is well-connected, with a robust network of planes, buses, and cars, making it easy to explore the rest of the country. The public transport system is reliable and affordable, with buses costing as little as $1-2 USD per hour and taxis around $5 USD for a short trip in the city centre.

Where to Stay

For first-timers, it is recommended to stay central and choose accommodation based on your budget. Belize City offers a range of options, from hostels to hotels and Airbnbs. Here are some recommended places to stay:

• The Great House Inn: A centrally-located four-star hotel close to restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. It offers spacious rooms, a terrace, a BBQ area, and an on-site Caribbean restaurant.
• The Red Hut Inn: A short ride from the city centre, this hostel is located in a safe and quiet neighbourhood, with the beach nearby. It provides comfortable and spacious rooms with A/C, a common area, and clean cooking facilities.
• Sir Angel's Guesthouse: An affordable and comfortable vacation rental on a quiet street, just a short walk from the city centre.

Things to See and Do

• Explore the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich.
• Go cave tubing at Jaguar Paw, a tropical stream in the Branch River.
• Learn about Mayan history at the Museum of Belize.
• Go snorkelling over The Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole off Belize's Caribbean coastline.
• Visit the Belize Zoo and see local wildlife.
• Check out the former government house, now the House of Culture Museum, and the Museum of Belize, which is housed in a former prison.
• Stroll along the beach and enjoy the lively yet laid-back Caribbean culture.

Food and Drinks

Belize City offers a variety of dining options, from local restaurants serving dishes such as rice and beans, stew chicken, and salbutes (fried tortillas with vegetables and chicken) to vibrant bars and beachside eateries serving cocktails and local drinks like Rum Punch.

Caye Caulker – for budget-friendly stays

Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, with a length of just 8.2 kilometres and a population of 1,300. It is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers, with its proximity to the incredible Blue Hole, where you can spot various fish, sharks and coral. It is also a popular destination for budget backpackers and cost-conscious travellers, with a plethora of outdoor activities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Go Slow Guesthouse

Go Slow Guesthouse is a clean, safe and comfortable hostel, with a quiet and laid-back vibe. It is located in the heart of Caye Caulker, just behind Front Beach and the main road. It offers both private and dorm rooms, with a well-equipped kitchen and outdoor hang-out areas with hammocks. The staff are friendly, and the guesthouse is cleaned to a high standard. The average price per night starts from $20 USD.

Sophie's Guest Rooms

Sophie's Guest Rooms is a highly-rated budget accommodation, offering private rooms with shared bathrooms. There are five rooms available, each accommodating up to three guests with one double and one single bed. It is located on the west side of the island, near The Split, and has incredible sunset views. It also offers free morning coffee for guests. The average price per night starts from $50 USD.

Bella's Backpackers

Bella's Backpackers is another budget option, with dorms starting from under $15 USD per night. It is located on the west side of the island, just steps from the water, and has a private dock with sunset views. However, it does not receive great reviews for cleanliness and comfort.

Tropical Paradise Caye Caulker

Tropical Paradise Caye Caulker is a colourful, comfortable and clean resort located in the heart of the island. It is within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the beach. It offers free wifi, a ticket service and a cosy lounge bar.

Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel

Travellers Palm Backpackers Hostel is conveniently located within walking distance of shops and the ocean. It offers well-stocked rooms with fridge/freezer, free tea/coffee, wifi and purified water. There is also a rooftop terrace with beautiful views.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye – for water sports

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is the perfect destination for anyone passionate about water sports and exploring the ocean. Located on the island of Ambergris Caye, it is known as 'Isla Bonita' thanks to Madonna's famous song filmed on this island. San Pedro is a former fishing village that has now become a major tourist destination. It boasts pristine beaches and a wide range of hotels and bars, catering to all types of travellers.

One of the main attractions of San Pedro is the world-class snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities it offers. It is home to the incredible Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef on the planet. With its small population, relaxed atmosphere, and affordable accommodations, San Pedro suits travellers seeking a blend of beach relaxation and water sports adventures.

For those interested in scuba diving, Sea Sports Belize is a great option. They offer trips for diving, snorkelling, fishing, and wildlife encounter tours featuring the endangered manatee. They also provide scuba instruction and equipment sales and services by qualified technicians. With over 25 years of experience, they specialise in working with small groups and can accommodate larger groups upon request.

In addition to scuba diving and snorkelling, San Pedro offers a variety of other water sports activities. You can try windsurfing, kayaking, or even explore the unexplored Cayes of Belize on a jet ski. The calm sailing conditions, palm tree-covered cayes, and clear waters will delight sailing enthusiasts from around the world. Catamaran tours are ideal for beginners, while overnight sailing trips along the cayes offer access to remote Caribbean waters.

Transportation in San Pedro is convenient, with many hotels providing free bicycles for guests to get around the island. Taxis are also readily available. So whether you're a water sports enthusiast, a beachgoer, or a nature lover, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, has something for everyone.

San Ignacio – for Mayan culture

San Ignacio is a small town in the Cayo District of Belize, close to the Guatemalan border. It is the second-largest town in Belize and, together with its sister town, Santa Elena, forms the country's second-largest urban area. The town is an excellent base for outdoor adventurers and those looking to explore the country's Mayan ruins and is often recommended as the best neighbourhood in Belize for families.

The town of San Ignacio is ethnically diverse, with Creoles, Maya Indians, mestizos, a substantial number of Mennonites, and other small immigrant groups calling the town home. It is a hub for ecotourism and outdoor activities, with hiking, caving, and nature-based activities being particularly popular in the area.

The town's main thoroughfare, Burns Avenue, is a great place to start exploring San Ignacio, with its bars and restaurants. There is also a lively local market, San Ignacio Market, where you can shop for souvenirs. The town is famous for its proximity to renowned Mayan ruins, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Cahal Pech, located on a hilltop overlooking the town, and the magnificent ruins of Xunantunich. Cahal Pech is one of the oldest Mayan sites in Belize, with ruins you can climb, while Xunantunich, which means "Stone Woman" in Mayan, was a Maya civic ceremonial centre and is home to El Castillo, the second-largest structure in the country. There are also the Actun Tunichil Muknal caves, which house the crystallised skeletal remains of a teenage sacrifice victim.

There are a variety of accommodation options in San Ignacio, from budget and mid-range hotels in the town to more secluded, retreat-style 4- and 5-star hotels out of town. The Lodge at Chaa Creek, a half-hour away from San Ignacio, is one of the oldest jungle lodges in Belize and has won many international awards for its eco-friendly status. The San Ignacio Resort, founded in 1976, is one of the oldest hotels in Belize and was the only "upscale" hotel in San Ignacio when Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1994. It has a private 17-acre estate with a green iguana hatchery on-site.

Placencia – for families

Placencia is a charming seaside town found at the tip of a peninsula off Belize's mainland. It is often referred to as the "caye you can drive to", offering the same beauty and activities as other Belize islands but at a more relaxed pace. The palm tree-lined beaches are exquisite, and the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches are a paradise for families.

Placencia has a laid-back, Caribbean ambience and is a great spot for families to enjoy a combination of relaxation and adventure. The pedestrianised Placencia sidewalk is a charming, funky stretch lined with coffee shops, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. There are also plenty of activities for families, from experiencing a National Geographic-worthy outing to Monkey River to hiking in the tropical forest at the Jaguar Preserve, and snorkelling with sharks.

Placencia is also a great base for fly fishing, with nearby reefs and offshore cayes offering fishermen the chance to catch permit, tarpon, and bonefish. The village has a lively atmosphere, with its main thoroughfare, Burns Avenue, offering bars and restaurants. There are also several luxury beach resorts, world-class restaurants, and lively beach bars.

For families on a budget, there are a number of affordable options, such as Miramar Apartments or Harry's Cozy Cabanas. Families often prefer to rent one of the many upscale vacation villas with kitchens or opt for all-inclusive packages to save money on food.

Placencia is also a great place for families to experience the local culture. The village is home to a diverse range of residents and expats, with a rich history that includes English Puritan settlers in the 17th century and Mayan inhabitants prior to European colonisation. The area also offers a taste of Caribbean food and entertainment, with beaches, seafood, and authentic Italian gelato.

The best time to visit Placencia is during the dry season from December to April, which coincides with the peak tourism season. This is also when Whale Sharks visit the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes, with April and May being the best months to see them.

Frequently asked questions