A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Ignacio vs. La Ceiba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit San Ignacio or La Ceiba?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Ignacio or La Ceiba, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: San Ignacio or La Ceiba?

San Ignacio

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!

La Ceiba

La Ceiba is the third largest city in Honduras, situated on the north Caribbean coast. The city has a population of about a quarter million people. Many people who visit this city do so before heading into Pico Bonito National Park. It hasn't had the best infrastructure for tourists in the past but is developing fast. It is about 200 kilometers from San Pedro Sula, another large city in Honduras.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Belize, The Best G Adventures Tours to Belize, The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras, and The Best Adventure Tours to Honduras.


Which place is cheaper, La Ceiba or San Ignacio?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in San Ignacio is $72, while the average daily cost in La Ceiba is $65. 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 San Ignacio and La Ceiba in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    San Ignacio $19
    La Ceiba $24
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    San Ignacio $38
    La Ceiba $48
Compare Hotels in San Ignacio and La Ceiba

Looking for a hotel in San Ignacio or La Ceiba? 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 San Ignacio


Hotels in La Ceiba


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: San Ignacio Hotel Prices and La Ceiba Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    San Ignacio $3.11
    La Ceiba $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Ignacio

Some specific examples of transportation prices in San Ignacio:

  • From Van Transfer To Flores Peten in Guatemala: $20
  • San Ignacio Hotel to Belize City Transfer: $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Ceiba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in La Ceiba:

  • Ferry Transfer between La Ceiba and Roatán Island: $35
  • Private Transfer from Goloson Airport (LCE) to Banana Coast Port: $80
  • Private Transfer from La Ceiba hotels to Banana Coast Cruise Port: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into San Ignacio or La Ceiba?

Prices for flights to both La Ceiba and San Ignacio 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
    San Ignacio $21
    La Ceiba $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Ignacio

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in San Ignacio.

  • Xunantunich & Food Tour with local chocolate tasting experience: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    San Ignacio $100
    La Ceiba $22

Tours and Activities in San Ignacio

Here are a few actual costs in San Ignacio for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Xunantunich Maya Site with Local Tour guide: $65
  • Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour from San Ignacio: $75
  • From Xunantunich Mayan Tour & Optional Combos: $75
  • Xunantunich & Adventure Horse Ride: $75
  • Belize Cave Tubing Adventure from San Ignacio: $90
  • Cave Tubing with local tour Guide and Belizean Lunch: $90
  • Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure: $95
  • Barton Creek Tour: $98
  • Mountain Pine Ridge Tour: $110
  • Cave Tubing Adventure at Nohoch Che'en and Jaguar Paw : $115
  • Xunantunich horseback riding tour: $120
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal with Local Tour guide & Belizean Lunch: $120

Tours and Activities in La Ceiba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for La Ceiba are as follows:

  • ATV Tour : $110

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    San Ignacio $17
    La Ceiba $5.15


When comparing the travel costs between San Ignacio and La Ceiba, we can see that San Ignacio is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Central America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is San Ignacio Expensive? and Is La Ceiba Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, San Ignacio or La Ceiba?

La Ceiba has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of San Ignacio. When comparing the sizes of San Ignacio and La Ceiba, 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.