Some people wonder if Belize is affordable. Here are some great ways to enjoy all the wonder, adventure, and beauty of Belize even if you’re on a budget.
Travel During the Slow Season
Relax poolside at Naia Resort & Spa.
Winter and spring are the busiest times to travel to Belize. As people escape the bad winter weather up north, they head to sunny destinations like Belize. Belize gets most of its visitors from December through January and during Easter. If you can wait until summer to travel, you’ll score great deals on travel, lodging, and food.
Stay in a Belize-Owned Hotel
Jan’s Hotel is a budget-friendly option on Caye Caulker.
Instead of a full-service, luxury resort, stay at a locally owned motel, guest house, or bed-and-breakfast. You’ll pay less money and still get clean, comfortable accommodations. They often have their gardens and landscaped areas. Some provide their own tours, guides, and shuttles. You can support a local business while saving money.
Eat Like a Local
Have you tried panades in Belize? Image courtesy The Belize Collection
Food in Belize can be expensive if it’s imported. If you want to eat your favorite brands, you’re going to pay the price. Why not enjoy delicious, freshly cooked local food? Locally owned diners serve stewed chicken with rice, beans, and tortillas for about $6 a plate. Try a taco or fried conch fritters from a street vendor. Visit one of the many farmer’s markets for fresh food of all kinds. Instead of imported beers and spirits, drink locally made Belikin beer and Belizean rum.
Try Low-Cost Travel
Get around with Captain Jak’s rentals.
Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars can be expensive in Belize. If you have more time than money, get to know the local bus system. You can travel around the whole country for just a few dollars a day. You’ll need schedules and routes ahead of time. You’ll also need a lot of patience, but it can be done.
Enjoy Affordable Excursions
-
- Verdant vistas await at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by Kevin Quischan Photography
-
- Xunantunich Maya Site. Just 20mins away from San Ignacio. Image courtesy Dylan Hetelle
Some Belize adventures require a professional tour guide with a government-issued license. These rules exist to protect endangered animals and ecologically sensitive areas. These tours can be expensive, but there are plenty of low-cost alternatives.
Visit Maya ruins: Visiting the Maya ruins generally costs only a small entrance fee. You can learn their history from the onsite museum or by doing a self-guided tour.
Explore wildlife sanctuaries: Most of Belize’s stunningly scenic wildlife sanctuaries and nature preserves charge only a small entrance fee. Several have low-cost camping sites, guided walkways, and inexpensive kayak or canoe rentals.
-
- Photo by Museum of Belize
-
- Enjoying island life in Belize. Image via Meritt Thomas/Unsplash
Visit museums: Spend a fascinating morning learning about Belize’s history and environment. Visit the Natural History Museum and Butterfly Park at Chaa Creek in Cayo District or the Museum of Belize in Belize City. Head to Dangriga for the Garifuna Gulisi Museum and the Maya Center Mayan Museum.
Travel to the islands: A water taxi ride to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker will set you back around $20. In exchange, you get an enjoyable, scenic boat ride to a beautiful island where you can stroll, have lunch and hang out on the beach.
You Can Enjoy Belize on a Budget!
It’s easy to have a great time in Belize. Our sunny weather, beaches, and gorgeous scenery are free, and you can find fun on a budget of any size.
