Discover How to Explore Belize on a Budget

Beautiful Belize is becoming increasingly popular as a vacation destination. However, that rising fame also means that it’s often more expensive than its Central American neighbors.

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that the vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and stunning natural beauty Belize has to offer are unreachable for budget-conscious travelers. With careful planning, insider knowledge, and an open mind, this diverse country can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.

Daily Costs in Belize

• Hostel room for two: BZ$110
• Basic en-suite room for two (shoulder season): Starting at BZ$180
• Public bus fare: BZ$10 to $40
• Coffee: BZ$6 (Americano)
• Sandwich: BZ$4
• Dinner for two: BZ$50
• A bottle of Belikin beer: BZ$2.50 at a store ($5 at a bar)
• Local mixed drinks: BZ$5 to $12
• Average daily cost: BZ$200 to $280

1. Visit During the Shoulder Season for Affordable Accommodation

When traveling to Belize, accommodation is likely to take up the largest portion of your budget. Choosing the right time to travel can significantly impact your expenses. The low season (June to October) is typically cheaper; however, there is a risk of hurricanes and heavy rainfall, which can affect tourist operations.

Instead, consider traveling during the shoulder season. Prices can be up to 50% less than during peak times, allowing you to enjoy the destination without large crowds or excessive rainfall. Ideal travel windows are right after Easter (late April or May) and late October to November before the holiday rush.

2. Fly to Cancún First and Then Travel Overland to Belize

Surprisingly, one of the most cost-effective routes to Belize from the US is by first flying into Mexico. For instance, booking a flight to Cancún can cost up to BZ$500 less than flying directly to Belize. From Cancún, travelers can take an overnight ADO bus to Belize City for approximately BZ$140.

This journey takes about eight hours and is not only economical but also convenient and fairly comfortable. After a hiatus during the pandemic, this popular route resumed operations in July 2023.

3. Seek Out Lesser-Known Destinations

While Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula are acknowledged as some of the best destinations in Belize, they often come with high price tags. Fortunately, there are numerous budget-friendly alternatives worth considering.

Neighborhoods such as San Ignacio Town and the surrounding Cayo District offer several affordable lodging options. Hotels like Midas Resort (starting at BZ$250) and Cahal Pech Village Resort (starting at BZ$195) are significantly cheaper than high-end resorts, particularly during the shoulder season. The area is also an excellent base for exploring caves, national parks, and Maya sites.

If you’re in Belize for its stunning beaches, staying on Caye Caulker provides an affordable alternative to Ambergris Caye. Additionally, the Garifuna village at Hopkins presents an opportunity for immersive cultural experiences along with exquisite stretches of sand.

4. Delve into the Belize District for Rich Cultural Experiences

The often-overlooked Belize District is one of the most budget-friendly and culturally rich areas in the country. Visit the Belize River Valley, where communities like Crooked Tree and Bermudian Landing provide experiences ranging from wildlife encounters to cooking lessons, making them ideal spots to engage with Belize’s Afro-Caribbean culture.

5. Eat Like a Local

Dining at local restaurants or food trucks is a classic strategy for saving money. Mom-and-pop eateries serve diverse dishes, including rice and beans, tamales, soups, stews, curries, and traditional sweets, all typically under BZ$20.

Popular cheap eats, such as panades (deep-fried cornflour crescents filled with fish or beans) and tostadas (tortillas), offer tasty and filling options at even lower prices. You might also find food trucks selling affordable burgers and tacos scattered throughout the area.

6. Enjoy Local Drinks to Save Money

Whether it’s happy hour or not, local drinks are often much cheaper than imported options, with surprisingly varied choices. For about BZ$4 at a local bar, you can savor an ice-cold Belikin beer (available in seasonal flavors), a rum and coke, or a refreshing coconut rum and pineapple juice cocktail.

7. Take the Scenic Route with Public Transport

Utilizing public transport in Belize can greatly reduce travel costs while providing beautiful scenery. A roundtrip water taxi ticket to Caye Caulker from Belize City costs approximately BZ$75 with local operators.

This picturesque 45-minute journey grants views of the open sea and tiny islands. Alternatively, the country’s bus system covers all major highways, but note that you’ll need to arrange a shuttle from the airport to the bus terminal upon arrival. For maximum comfort, find an express bus, with fares ranging from BZ$10 to BZ$40.

8. Explore National Parks and Protected Areas

Belize boasts 17 national parks and over 100 protected areas, offering a myriad of activities for travelers, often for as little as BZ$10. Enjoy caving, hiking, birdwatching, and snorkeling among the country’s rich biodiversity.

For an adventure on the mainland, visit St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park for hiking or swimming in a cenote, easily accessible via public transport. Cahal Pech in San Ignacio Town serves as a more budget-friendly Maya site, and while self-exploration is encouraged, local guides are available for around BZ$40.

To experience Belize’s diverse marine life, consider a snorkeling tour of the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve costing approximately BZ$80 per person.

9. Don’t Rush; Embrace the Journey

Try not to cram every activity into a single trip. Avoid the stress of endless “must-do” lists and instead immerse yourself in the local vibe and culture of each area you visit. This approach will help lower your costs related to transportation and tours.

This article was last updated December 28, 2023.