Travel Budget for San Ignacio Visit San Ignacio on a Budget or Travel in Style

San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize
Central America / Belize /
Jump to  down-arrow

San Ignacio is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to San Ignacio?

You should plan to spend around $86 (BZ$174) per day on your vacation in San Ignacio. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $36 (BZ$71) on meals
  • $3.11 (BZ$6.25) on local transportation
  • $37 (BZ$75) on hotels

A one week trip to San Ignacio for two people costs, on average, $1,211 (BZ$2,436). 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.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $86
    BZ$174
  • One Week Per person
    $605
    BZ$1,218
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,211
    BZ$2,436
  • One Month Per person
    $2,594
    BZ$5,220
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,211
    BZ$2,436
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $2,421
    BZ$4,872
  • One Month For a couple
    $5,189
    BZ$10,440
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to San Ignacio cost?

A one week trip to San Ignacio usually costs around $605 (BZ$1,218) for one person and $1,211 (BZ$2,436) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to San Ignacio on average costs around $1,211 (BZ$2,436) for one person and $2,421 (BZ$4,872) 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 San Ignacio will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to San Ignacio on average costs around $2,594 (BZ$5,220) for one person and $5,189 (BZ$10,440) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is San Ignacio expensive to visit?

San Ignacio is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

San Ignacio can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $39 (BZ$78) per day, mid-range travelers spend $86 (BZ$174) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $168 (BZ$339) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to San Ignacio.

Within Central America, San Ignacio is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to La Ceiba or Bocas del Toro.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Ignacio Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to San Ignacio?

The average San Ignacio trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Ignacio travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Ignacio cost?

San Ignacio on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$9
(BZ$17) 		$19
(BZ$38) 		$30
(BZ$60)
Local Transportation1 $3
(BZ$6.25) 		$3
(BZ$6.25) 		$3
(BZ$6.25)
Food2 $15
(BZ$30) 		$36
(BZ$71) 		$80
(BZ$161)
Entertainment1 $44
(BZ$89) 		$100
(BZ$200) 		$178
(BZ$358)
Alcohol2 $7-21
(BZ$14-41) 		$9-26
(BZ$17-51) 		$12-35
(BZ$24-71)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to San Ignacio, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $39 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Thankfully, San Ignacio is filled with plenty of hostels, such as The Old House Hostel, Bella's Backpackers, and Yellow Belly Backpackers. Staying in these hostels means you can enjoy low-cost dorm accommodation and a fun social atmosphere, although amenities may be basic.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most tourists in San Ignacio are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $86 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $168 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Tikal Mayan City Tour with Lunch - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in San Ignacio

The cost of hotels in San Ignacio can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $120, but peak season () average prices jump to $224. Overall, prices range from $63 to $446. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in San Ignacio for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $37 (BZ$75). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $19 (BZ$38) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $19
    BZ$38
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $37
    BZ$75

Hotels in San Ignacio

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in San Ignacio

The average hotel room price in San Ignacio based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $120 in the low season and $224 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in San Ignacio include:

  • Ka'ana Resort & Spa starting at $213
  • Mystic River Resort starting at $184
  • San Ignacio Resort Hotel starting at $228
  • Mahogany Hall Luxury Boutique Resort starting at $183
  • The Log Cabinn starting at $86
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in San Ignacio

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in San Ignacio

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $3.11 (BZ$6.25) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Ignacio. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Ignacio is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $3.11
    BZ$6.25

The roads in the town of San Ignacio are completely walker friendly and actually quite enjoyable. If you plan on traveling outside the city, join a tour group, ride a bus or drive your own car. While buses run frequently from San Ignacio, they are not the quickest form of transportation. Take them if you want the true Belizean experience, but otherwise, take a cab.

A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:

  • Transfer from Belize Airport to San Ignacio for $160 details
  • Transfer from San Ignacio to Belize Water Taxi -San Pedro Express for $160 details
  • Belize: Airport to San Ignacio Town Transfer for $75 details

Recommended Services


Flights to San Ignacio
How much does it cost to go to San Ignacio? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in San Ignacio
The price of renting a car in San Ignacio will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in San Ignacio

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in San Ignacio can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Ignacio is $36 (BZ$71) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $36
    BZ$71

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Ignacio is around $35 (BZ$71) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $80. 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 San Ignacio are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $4 to $11
  • Lunch: $5 to $14
  • Dinner: $11 to $25
  • Coffee: $3
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $5

This tourist-popular region offers restaurant serving all tastes. For some local flavors, order dishes influenced by the Mestizo, Mayan or Garifuna cultures. You can also find the tastes of India, China, and America in any of the popular downtown restaurants.

Food & Dining Tips

Lots of hotels throw breakfast into the room rate, but some will charge for it. The quality and price can differ by hotel. Understanding this in advance can help you figure out if you'll need to spend extra money. It may be worth splurging on the hotel buffet, or you could find a less expensive option at a nearby bakery or cafe.

Keep a water bottle with you to cut down on drink purchases. It's also better for the environment.

Before booking a tour, make a point of knowing which meals are part of the package. You may be responsible for some of your food costs, which can increase your overall budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in San Ignacio, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Maya Fish Cooking Experience for $75 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Ignacio

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Ignacio typically cost an average of $100 (BZ$200) 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.
    $100
    BZ$200

With sprawling jungles and miles of coastline there is never a shortage of things to see in San Ignacio.

One of the most popular attractions is the ancient Mayan town of Xunantunich. This 9th century Mayan ruin is set on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River. Be sure to wear good shoes as you tour the 25 temples and palaces. Also, keep your eyes out for the elusive howler monkeys.

Another main Mayan attraction is Cahal Pech. Meaning "Place of the ticks," these ruins were abandoned around 800 AD. While there, visit the indoor museum to see ancient artifacts, a map of the area and an overview of the history of the ruins. Unlike Xunantunich, Cahal Pech is relatively flat, but reaching the site requires travelling up a steep hill. If you are not in good shape, you will want to drive. Be sure to admire the stunning view of San Ignacio while up there.

The largest ruin in Belize is also the most unexcavated. Caracol often feels more like a national park than a ruin. Stroll the lands and be sure to stop in at Ca'ana, the place of the sky. This is the biggest and most massive temple in the Mayan world. This is definitely worth a visit.

One of San Ignacio's rarest delicacies is their "bamboo chicken." You may know it as iguana. Yes, in Belize they eat their iguanas at certain times of the month. No, this is not a recommendation to try iguana. Because of this rare treat, iguanas in this area are endangered. This has lead to great conservation efforts including the family-friendly Green Iguana Hatchery. Here you can watch the lifecycle of the iguana and learn more about the continuation iguana protection.

For more fun with wildlife, make a stop at the Tropical Wings Nature Center. This eco-center features interactive exhibits about birds, ants, plants and the Ancient Maya. Outdoors there is an area where butterflies are raised from eggs to pupae. There is also a medicinal plant garden with natural remedies used by the locals.



San Ignacio is an outdoor-lover's dream come true. With activities like horseback riding, bicycling, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching and more available to visitors, there's no chance you'll get bored here. Many tours will cover whatever you're looking for.

The entirety of Belize is known for its caves. No Belizean vacation adventure would be complete without a caving expedition. Barton Creek Cave is a single-passage stream cave meaning you explore it from a canoe. Expect to spend an hour or so paddling along this ancient Mayan waterway. As you travel inside this mountain, tour guides will point out skulls and artifacts, and the high ceilings and cathedral chambers are the perfect spot for stunning photographs.

The Macal River is ideal spot for a relaxing endeavor. Grab a canoe and leisurely paddle down the river as you spot wildlife and escape civilization. Stay out for the evening to experience true peace and quiet.

Another popular vacation activity is shopping. The San Ignacio's Farmers Market is a great spot to pick up anything from fruits and vegetables to jewelry and clothes. Take a moment to look around and witness the locals interacting and appreciate this true melting pot.

A nice way to explore destinations in San Ignacio is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. 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:

  • Xunantunich Maya Temple and Jungle River Cave Tubing Combo Tour for $155 details
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw for $125 details
  • Horseback Riding and Waterfall Tour from San Ignacio for $170 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in San Ignacio

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $17 (BZ$34) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in San Ignacio per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $17
    BZ$34
Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.



Travel cost data last updated: Apr 27, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for San Ignacio

  • Peak season brings higher prices and more people to the destination. To avoid the chaos and save some money, consider a trip during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • San Ignacio offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • If you're thinking San Ignacio will have plenty of hostel options, you might be in for a surprise. Instead of relying on cheap dorms, it's better to seek out an inexpensive hotel or an apartment rental.
Related Articles
The Best Hostels in San Ignacio, Belize, for Solo Travellers and GroupsBelize CitySan PedroThe Best Hostels in Belize for Backpackers and Budget Travellers
Traveling in San Ignacio
San Ignacio The Jungles of Belize

So you want a tropical getaway, but also don't want to lay around with nothing to do. You want an adventure! You want relaxation and exploration.

You want to visit the small town of San Ignacio, Belize.

This section of the Cayo region is really more of a jungle than a typical Belize beach getaway. Located close the ancient Mayan ruins on the western and inland side of Belize, this town is most popular for its many outdoor adventures including hiking, climbing, and caving!



Related:

Looking for a party hostel in Costa Rica or Cancun? Looking for a budget hostel in Mexico or Costa Rica?

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.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.