A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belize City vs. Valdivia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Belize City or Valdivia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Belize City or Valdivia? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Belize City or Valdivia?

Belize City

Belize City is the largest city in Belize. It was once the capital of the country, but due to massive hurricane damage in 1961, the country decided to relocate it capital. With a population of 57,000 people, Belize City is located right at the mouth of the Haulover Creek.

This gorgeous tropical city experiences a monsoon climate – meaning there are warm and humid conditions throughout the course of the year. There is a wet season from May to January, so plan for a little bit of rain in that time.

Valdivia

Valdivia is a vibrant university city situated in southern Chile. It sits at the meeting point of three rivers in the aptly named Region de Los Rios (The Rivers Region) and is approximately 200 kilometers from both Temuco and Puerto Montt. Due to a large student population, Valdivia boasts a youthful and energetic vibe that is visible in its many bars, cafes and restaurants. The city is also known for having one of Chile's best craft beer cultures, which had its early beginnings when German settlers arrived in the 1840s. The rivers, nearby Pacific coastline and wetlands offer plenty for lovers of the outdoors, too.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belize, The Best 10-Day Tours in Chile, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Chile.


Which place is cheaper, Valdivia or Belize City?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belize City is $88, while the average daily cost in Valdivia is $69. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Belize City and Valdivia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belize City $49
    Valdivia $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belize City $98
    Valdivia $80
Compare Hotels in Belize City and Valdivia

Looking for a hotel in Belize City or Valdivia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Belize City


Hotels in Valdivia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belize City Hotel Prices and Valdivia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belize City $5.82
    Valdivia $8.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belize City

Also for Belize City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Belize City and Airport to Placencia: $150
  • Belize City to/from Placencia/Hopkins Shuttle Transfer: $113
  • Belize: Belize City to/from San Ignacio Shuttle Transfer: $68
  • Private Transfer from Belize City Port to Belize Airport (BZE): $60
  • Transfer Belize city to bacalar: $50
  • We do transfers from airport to any where in Belize.: $49
  • Belize city water taxi terminal to Airport transfer: $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Valdivia

Also for Valdivia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Valdivia Airport Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Belize City or Valdivia?

Prices for flights to both Valdivia and Belize City change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Belize City $27
    Valdivia $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belize City

For Belize City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belize City $29
    Valdivia $13

Tours and Activities in Belize City

For Belize City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City: $167
  • Altun Ha Cave Tubing and Zip line Tours from Belize City: $208
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Zipline Tour from Belize City All Inclusive: $170
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and Belize City tour: $100
  • Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour: $85
  • Altun Ha Mayan Site tour from Belize City: $85
  • Altun Ha, Monkey Sanctuary and Rum Factory Tour from Belize City: $170
  • Belize City Tour: $40
  • Belize City Tour Shore Excursion: $100
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Full Day Tour: $190
  • Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour: $110
  • Guided Cave Kayaking Tour with Pickup: $77

Tours and Activities in Valdivia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Valdivia.

  • Sightseeing Tour in Valdivia : $76
  • Valdivia SUP Cruises for 6 People with Transportation Included: $35
  • Private City Tour: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belize City $12
    Valdivia $4.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Belize City

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Belize City:

  • Belize: City Highlights Tour with Rum Distillery Visit: $49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belize City and Valdivia, we can see that Belize City is more expensive. And not only is Valdivia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Belize City is in Central America and Valdivia is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Valdivia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Valdivia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Belize City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belize City than you might in Valdivia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belize City Expensive? and Is Valdivia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belize City or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Belize City. When comparing the sizes of Belize City and Valdivia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Belize City or Valdivia?

Valdivia has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Belize City experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Belize City or Valdivia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belize City and Valdivia. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Belize City year-round.

In the summer, Belize City is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belize City in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Valdivia averages at about 16°C (61°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valdivia this time of the year. In Belize City, it's very sunny this time of the year. Belize City usually receives less sunshine than Valdivia during summer. Belize City gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 296 hours of full sun in the summer.

Belize City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Belize City usually receives more rain than Valdiviain January. Belize City gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Belize City 28°C (82°F) 
    Valdivia 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Valdivia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belize City as well as Valdivia. Belize City attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Belize City is generally much warmer than Valdiviain April. Daily temperatures in Belize City average around 26°C (80°F), and Valdivia fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain April. Belize City gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 132 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Valdivia. Belize City receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Belize City usually gets more rain in October than Valdiviain April. Belize City gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Belize City 26°C (80°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Valdivia in the Winter?

Both Valdivia and Belize City are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Belize City throughout the year.

Belize City is much warmer than Valdivia in the winter. The daily temperature in Belize City averages around 24°C (74°F) in January, and Valdivia fluctuates around 7°C (45°F)in July.

Belize City usually receives more sunshine than Valdivia during winter. Belize City gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Valdivia receives 66 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Valdivia. It's quite rainy in Belize City. In January, Belize City usually receives less rain than Valdiviain July. Belize City gets 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 312 mm (12.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Belize City 24°C (74°F) 
    Valdivia 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Belize City or Valdivia in the Spring?

Both Valdivia and Belize City during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Belize City because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the spring, Belize City is much warmer than Valdivia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belize City in April average around 27°C (80°F), and Valdivia averages at about 11°C (52°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Belize City. In the spring, Belize City often gets more sunshine than Valdiviain October. Belize City gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valdivia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Valdivia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Belize City usually gets less rain in April than Valdiviain October. Belize City gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Valdivia receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Belize City 27°C (80°F) 
    Valdivia 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Valdivia and Belize City

Belize City Valdivia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 24°C (74°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 24°C (76°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 26°C (78°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 27°C (80°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 295 mm (11.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 297 mm (11.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 243 mm (9.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 187 mm (7.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 247 mm (9.7 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 287 mm (11.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Oct 26°C (80°F) 255 mm (10 in) 11°C (52°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 25°C (77°F) 183 mm (7.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 25°C (76°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)