Belize is a diverse destination famed for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Belize?
You should plan to spend around $124 (BZ$249) per day on your vacation in Belize. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $47 (BZ$95) on meals
- $21 (BZ$42) on local transportation
- $93 (BZ$186) on hotels
A one week trip to Belize for two people costs, on average, $1,733 (BZ$3,486). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$867
BZ$1,743
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,733
BZ$3,486
-
One Month
Per person
$3,714
BZ$7,470
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,733
BZ$3,486
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,466
BZ$6,972
-
One Month
For a couple
$7,428
BZ$14,940
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Belize cost?
A one week trip to Belize usually costs around $867 (BZ$1,743) for one person and $1,733 (BZ$3,486) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Belize on average costs around $1,733 (BZ$3,486) for one person and $3,466 (BZ$6,972) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Belize will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Belize on average costs around $3,714 (BZ$7,470) for one person and $7,428 (BZ$14,940) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Belize expensive to visit?
Belize is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Central America, Belize is very expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 10% of countries in Central America for its travel costs. There are only a few countries as expensive or more expensive than Belize in the region.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Belize has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in San Ignacio, San Pedro, and Belize City are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Belize, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $47 (BZ$96) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $124 (BZ$249) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $332 (BZ$669) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Belize.
For more details, see Is Belize Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Belize?
The average Belize trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Belize travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Belize cost?
Belize on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$17
(BZ$35)
|
$46
(BZ$93)
|
$133
(BZ$268)
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7.94
(BZ$16)
|
$21
(BZ$42)
|
$58
(BZ$117)
|
Food 2
|
$19
(BZ$39)
|
$47
(BZ$95)
|
$111
(BZ$224)
|
Entertainment 1
|
$13
(BZ$27)
|
$34
(BZ$69)
|
$90
(BZ$181)
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(BZ$6-19)
|
$7-22
(BZ$15-44)
|
$16-47
(BZ$32-95)
|
Belize City
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Belize for around $47 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Belize has an abundance of hostels, particularly in San Ignacio, San Pedro, and Belize City.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $124 per person, per day.
In Belize, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Ambergris Caye, Belize City, and Caye Caulker offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are Cocotal Inn and Cabanas in Ambergris Caye or Villa Boscardi in Belize City. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Belize here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $332. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Belize City and San Pedro. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Belize Reef & Ruins - offered by Exodus Adventure Travels.
Accommodation Budget in Belize
The range of hotel prices in Belize can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Belize for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $93 (BZ$186). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $46 (BZ$93) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Belize? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Belize
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $21 (BZ$42) per person, per day, on local transportation in Belize. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Belize is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$21
BZ$42
Food Budget in Belize
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Belize can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Belize is $47 (BZ$95) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$47
BZ$95
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Belize is around $47 (BZ$95) per person, with previous travelers spending from $19 to $111. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Belize are as follows:
- Breakfast: $8 to $14
- Lunch: $7 to $24
- Dinner: $16 to $38
- Coffee: $4
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Most dishes in Belize involve red beans and rice. If you eat at local restaurants, which are your cheapest option, then the main meat item available is chicken. In tourist restaurants you will pay substantially more but you will find more seafood dishes and a wider variety of options. Local restaurants can be very delicious however, and whether you are on a budget or not, you should try the local specialties at least once or twice.
Ceviche: Don't mistake this interesting dish for salsa. It's actually a well marinated seafood concoction that is often made from conch and vegetables. It's marinated in citrus which essentially cooks the raw seafood.
Fry jacks: These are a tortilla like product that are most often served with breakfast. They are often accompanied by cheese, refried beans, eggs, or cereal which together make a traditional Belize breakfast. It's a filling option for starting your morning.
Escabeche: This is a traditional Belize soup that is made from chicken, onions, and spices. The onions are often thoroughly marinated in vinegar to create an acidic base before the soup is prepared.
If you're on a trip with children, keep an eye out for restaurants that have a childrens' menu. This can be a great money saver since those dishes are usually priced lower. Some restaurants may not include kids' options on their menus, so it's best to ask the waiter beforehand.
Most hotels include breakfast in their rates, though some add it as an additional cost. The price and quality can differ widely depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you determine if the hotel buffet is worth it or if a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or café is more suitable.
Take a water bottle with you rather than buying drinks everywhere you go. It's also great for the planet.
If you're planning to join a tour, check in advance about which meals are included. You may have to cover some food expenses on your own, which can stretch your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Belize. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Authentic Garifuna Cooking Class in Hopkins Village Belize for $99 details
- Drumming Dancing and Dinner Indigenous Garifuna Style for $65 details
- Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour - fish farm & restaurant for $80 details
- The Maya Dinner Experience for $66 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Belize
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Belize typically cost an average of $34 (BZ$69) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$34
BZ$69
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Belize. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half Day Snorkeling Tour Caye Caulker for $80 details
- Shark & Ray Afternoon Swim Tiki Bar Cruise for $60 details
- Guided Lamanai Mayan Ruins Belize Tours with Lunch for $140 details
Nightlife Budget in Belize
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $15 (BZ$30) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Belize per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
BZ$30
While partying at night is exciting, cutting down on alcohol can really reduce your travel expenses.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Dec 27, 2024
Traveling in Belize
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Located beside Guatemala and Mexico, this Central American country is a popular travel destination for it's beautiful beaches, wonderful snorkeling, and fascinating culture. It's the only English speaking country in the region so it is a popular first time destination for travelers to the area. Most visitors head to the long Caribbean coastline. This part of the country has a similar feel to many of Britain's former West Indian island colonies and there is a substantial Afro-Caribbean population. In the more inland areas the population is mainly made up of native Mayan groups. Spanish is the most frequently spoken language in these inland areas. In addition to the appeal of its beaches, many people head to Belize so they can explore its jungles, see wildlife, and visit the Mayan ruins.
Because Belize is such a small country, it is fairly easy to explore it by public transportation. Most of your trips will be fairly short and pain free. Buses are the best and cheapest way to get around. Most of the public buses are actually former U.S. school buses that are well decorated and fun to ride. Riding a local bus here can be an experience in and of itself.
Belize is a popular destination for adventure sport enthusiasts. You can enjoy any number of activities ranging from zip lining to scuba diving, kayaking, or cave exploration. Whatever your style, you're likely to find something that appeals to you during your time in this beautiful country.
It's a relatively cheap travel destination, although, due to its popularity, prices are higher than some nearby countries such as Guatemala or Honduras. The currency is locked firmly to the U.S. dollar and is consistently worth exactly half of its value. Because of this, many places do accept U.S. dollars as a form of payment.
In the more touristy areas you're likely to pay a little more for food, but you can usually get a simple rice and beans dish for a reasonable price. If you're on a particularly tight budget try to stay away from the restaurants frequented by tourists. There are always some local options nearby where you're sure to save some money.
At A Glance
- Belize has a tropical climate with its rainy season coming between May and November. Hurricane season is between June and November as well, so if possible, this time is best avoided. If you do plan a trip to the area during these months, make sure you have good travel insurance. The dry season in the country is between February and May.
- Buses are a fun way to travel around Belize. You can buy tickets at any of the bus stations around the towns, or you can stand on the side of the road and wave a bus down. There is usually both a driver and conductor on the bus. The conductor will collect your ticket money once you are seated.
- The water taxi is another fun way to travel around the country. It travels between a handful of different cities. The main company is the San Pedro Belize Express and the easiest place to pick up the water taxi is the Brown Sugar Terminal in Belize City.
- Scuba diving is a very popular activity in this country. If you're looking for affordable diving options you can go through one of the vendors that are found along Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. The most popular excursions go to Hol Chan Marine Reserve as well as Shark Ray Alley. These dives typically cost about US$35. You can book a dive to the Blue Hole but you will pay substantially more for it.
- When quoted a price for an item, always assume you are being given the price in Belize dollars, which are half of the value of the U.S. dollar. If you assume the price has been given in U.S. dollars then the vendors will jump on the opportunity to charge you twice as much. Always assume the lowest cost and begin negotiating from there.
Related:
Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Zip line Tours: Zip lining is a popular activity in the area. Many people choose to experience the jungle areas by participating in a zip line tour. It allows you to fly through the canopy at fast speeds. You're unlikely to really see wildlife, but it does offer a rush for adrenaline junkies. It can be an expensive activity, but is a fun thrill that you should try at least once.
Old Belize: Located in Belize City, this attraction offers you a unique opportunity to step back in time and see what life may have once been like in the area. The exhibit offers a great perspective on the area and is a good way to learn more about the culture. It highlights artifacts and culture from historical periods of time throughout Belize.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This is a popular snorkeling and diving area that is accessible by chartered boat or during many dive trips through the area. It's a great place to see the area's beautiful coral and undersea wildlife.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.