Is La Ceiba expensive to visit?
La Ceiba is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
La Ceiba has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $32 (L826) per day, mid-range travelers spend $76 (L1,941) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $173 (L4,422) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to La Ceiba.
Within Central America, La Ceiba is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Antigua Guatemala or San Ignacio.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is La Ceiba Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to La Ceiba?
The average La Ceiba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these La Ceiba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to La Ceiba cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit La Ceiba on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
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 $32 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, La Ceiba is home to plenty of hostels, including Jungle River Lodge. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Many visitors to La Ceiba are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $76 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $173 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private Transfer from Goloson Airport to Banana Coast Port - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in La Ceiba
In La Ceiba, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $102, but during peak season they jump to an average of $190. You can find budget options starting at $63 up to luxury rates at $405. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in La Ceiba for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (L1,164). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (L582) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in La Ceiba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in La Ceiba include:
- La Villa de Soledad starting at $67
- Hotel Palma Real La Ceiba starting at $164
- Hotel Las Hamacas starting at $76
- Hotel Rio La Ceiba starting at $89
Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.
Transportation Budget in La Ceiba
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $31 (L792) per person, per day, on local transportation in La Ceiba. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in La Ceiba is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$31
L792
If you are flying in from the U.S., it is best to fly into Roatan and catch a ferry to La Ceiba. The ferry only runs twice daily, so be sure to make sure your times align. The ferry is called Galaxy Wave. You can also take a bus to La Ceiba from Guatemala City. You will need to change in San Pedro Sula or Copan. This is an inexpensive option, however, it is a very long journey. There are flights to La Ceiba on Air Viva; however, this is a more expensive option.
Once in the city, you can get around mostly by taxi. This is an inexpensive option to get you around the city and to and from the airport or ferry port. Negotiate a price before getting in a taxi. Drivers charge per person in La Ceiba; it should be around 25 Lempira per person within the city and to the airport. It gets a bit more expensive at night. Traveling to the ferry port is usually around 50 Lempira per person. Sometimes the driver will stop to pick up additional passengers. If you wish to take the bus around the city, it costs 8 Lempira and you just flag one down when you see it. The bus will pick passengers up until it reaches capacity, so if it does not stop you can assume that it is full. As stated above, take caution when walking the city, especially after dark.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from Goloson Airport (LCE) to Banana Coast Port for $177 details
- Private Transfer from La Ceiba hotels to Banana Coast Cruise Port for $177 details
- From Copan: One Way Shared Transfer to La Ceiba for $29 details
How much does it cost to go to La Ceiba? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in La Ceiba 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 La Ceiba
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in La Ceiba can vary significantly, the average cost of food in La Ceiba is $30 (L778) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$30
L778
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in La Ceiba is around $30 (L778) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $76. 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 La Ceiba are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $5 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.
Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.
Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in La Ceiba
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in La Ceiba typically cost an average of $21 (L540) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
L540
The Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful place to see. You begin by taking a scenic train ride through pineapple fields all the way to a lagoon where you get off the train and onto a boat. The boat tour takes you around the lagoon, where you are sure to see different types of wildlife. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen, as it gets pretty hot on the boat ride.
Check out The Lodge at Pico Bonito, where you can swim, hike, and explore the beautiful surrounding nature. El Porvenir is a beautiful beach to see while in La Ceiba. A river flows into the sea and you can rent tubes to ride down the river into the sea. There is a restaurant at the beach as well for a light snack and refreshing drink.
La Ceiba Carnival is a lively activity that takes place on the third Saturday in May. It is the largest carnival in all of Central America. Leading up to the main carnival, there are many smaller carnivals and street festivals in surrounding neighborhoods. This event has been known to be well-policed and peaceful in the past.
Go watch an authentic Central American football (soccer) match. The Municiple Stadium is very nearby to Parque Central. For a more authentic experience, sit on the east side of the stadium. The west side of the stadium is more of a family friendly area.
Villas Pico Bonito is a resort in the jungle of the national park where you can part take in activities like hiking, mountain biking, and white water rafting. There is a beautiful infinity pool here with clear views of the jungle and waterfalls.
Raft on the Cangrejal River in thrilling class three and four rapids. The Cangrejal Rafting Company has a two and a half hour tour that includes instruction, safety equipment, and a picnic at the end of the tour. This costs about $35 per person. If you would rather do an activity high above ground, Honduras Canopy Tours have a great zip line course with beautiful views. They will pick you up from your hotel and it even includes time to spend in hot springs and mud baths. This tour costs about $45 per person.
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.