Cost To Visit Belize: Complete Travel Budget Guide
Explore the true cost to visit Belize in this travel budget guide. Includes lodging, food, tours & more for every budget and season.
💡 Is Belize Expensive to Visit?
Compared to neighboring Central American countries like Guatemala or Honduras, Belize is relatively expensive, largely due to its reliance on U.S. tourism and imported goods. However, compared to U.S. cities, it can still be a great value—especially when it comes to local food, beaches, and excursions.
In this guide, we’ll break down how much it costs to visit Belize by season, budget type, and travel style—whether you're island-hopping on a shoestring or enjoying jungle lodges in luxury. We’ll also cover food, transportation, and where your money goes the furthest.
🗓️ Seasonal Cost
When you travel in Belize has a huge impact on the overall cost. Peak months can nearly double hotel prices, especially in beach areas like Ambergris Caye or Placencia. On the other hand, visiting during the rainy season can mean big savings.
🔥 Peak Season (Mid-December – April)
- Why it's expensive: Dry, sunny weather draws snowbirds and tourists.
- What to expect: Highest hotel and tour prices.
- Book ahead: Resorts and flights can sell out months in advance.
🌿 Shoulder Season (May – Early June, November)
- Why it’s ideal: Fewer tourists, good weather, and lower rates.
- Perks: Best value for your money, fewer crowds.
🌧️ Off-Season (June – October)
- Why it’s cheapest: Rainy season and hurricane risk.
- Best for: Budget travelers, diving, and quiet beaches.
- Warning: Some island resorts close for renovations or weather.
💸 Most Expensive Times to Visit Belize
- Christmas & New Year's (Dec 20 – Jan 5): Island hotels often double prices.
- Easter Week (varies each year): Locals and international visitors flood beach towns.
- Lobster Festivals (June – July): Prices rise in Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.
💰 Cheapest Times to Visit Belize
- September and October: Deep discounts on lodging, flights, and excursions.
- Late May – Early June: Still decent weather, but with off-season rates.
- Note: August can be cheap too, but is hot and humid.
🛏️ Where You Stay
Accommodation prices vary drastically by location. A beachfront cabana in Caye Caulker may cost less than a jungle lodge in the interior, depending on the season.
Most Expensive Areas to Stay
- Ambergris Caye
- Belize’s most developed island.
- Pros: High-end beach resorts, great dining, and nightlife.
- Cons: High prices and tourist crowds.
- Nearby attractions:
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Secret Beach
- Great Blue Hole day trips
- Placencia
- A laid-back peninsula with luxury beachfront villas.
- Pros: Gorgeous beaches, upscale resorts.
- Cons: Expensive tours and dining.
- Nearby attractions:
- Silk Caye snorkeling
- Monkey River tour
- Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve
Affordable Areas to Stay
- Caye Caulker
- Chill backpacker-friendly island.
- Pros: Budget hotels, hostels, and local eateries.
- Cons: Limited luxury options.
- San Ignacio
- Inland town near Mayan ruins and caves.
- Pros: Cheap guesthouses, great tours, local food.
- Cons: No beaches; transportation required for most activities.
Cheapest Areas to Stay
- Belmopan
- The inland capital with low tourism.
- Pros: Cheap stays, fewer crowds.
- Cons: Less to do; better for passing through.
- Corozal
- Northern border town near Mexico.
- Pros: Great for long stays or border-hopping.
- Cons: Less tourist infrastructure.
Belize Vacation Costs
🏠 Average Accommodation Costs
| Traveler Type | Dry Season (USD) | Rainy Season (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $35–$60/night | $25–$45/night |
| Mid-range | $90–$150/night | $70–$120/night |
| Luxury | $250–$500+/night | $180–$400+/night |
🍽️ Food Cost in Belize
| Meal | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $3–$6 | $6–$12 | $15+ |
| Lunch | $5–$10 | $10–$18 | $25+ |
| Dinner | $7–$15 | $20–$35 | $50+ |
Pro tip: Local spots like fry jack shacks or BBQ stalls offer full meals for under $5 USD.
🚕 Transportation Cost
- Water Taxi (Belize City to Caye Caulker): $18–$25 USD round-trip
- Domestic Flights (Tropic Air): $75–$150 USD each way
- Bus (Belize City to San Ignacio): $5–$10 USD
- Rental Car (Daily): $65–$90 USD + insurance
- Taxis: $5–$15 USD (no meters—negotiate)
🏝️ Attraction Prices in Belize
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling: $50–$75 USD
- ATM Cave Tour: $90–$120 USD
- Caracol Ruins: $15–$20 USD entry, +$60–$80 for tour
- Great Blue Hole Dive: $250–$300 USD
- Cave Tubing: $45–$65 USD
- Belize Zoo: $15 USD
🌄 Popular Day Trips from Belize City
| Destination | Distance | Transport Cost (RT) | Highlights | Attraction Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Ignacio | 2 hours | $10 bus / $80 rental | ATM Cave, Xunantunich | $90–$120 |
| Caye Caulker | 45 min by boat | $25 RT | Snorkeling, beaches | $30–$75 |
| Altun Ha Ruins | 1 hour | $60 taxi / tour | Ancient Maya site | $10–$15 |
| Community Baboon Sanctuary | 1 hour | $40 taxi | Howler monkeys | $7–$10 |
| Lamanai Ruins | 2.5 hrs (boat + van) | $85+ tour | Maya pyramids | Included in tour |
💵 Daily Budget for Belize (All Seasons)
| Budget Type | Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | $55–$80 USD/day |
| Mid-Range | $150–$230 USD/day |
| Luxury | $350–$600+ USD/day |
📅 Weekly Budget Estimate
| Traveler Type | Lodging | Food | Transport & Attractions | Total (7 Days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $280 | $120 | $100 | $500–$600 |
| Mid-Range | $900 | $200 | $250 | $1,300–$1,500 |
| Luxury | $2,800 | $400 | $500 | $3,500–$4,000+ |
✈️ Average Flight Costs to Belize
| Season | Round-Trip (USD) |
|---|---|
| Peak Season | $600–$850 |
| Shoulder | $475–$650 |
| Off-Season | $400–$575 |
Save hundreds on airfare by signing up for flight alerts with Jetsetter Alerts.
Is Belize ok to visit in the summer?
Yes — summer (June through August) is a budget-friendly time to visit Belize, though it comes with trade-offs.
- Hotels often offer 30–50% discounts compared to high season.
- Round-trip flights from the U.S. are frequently $450–$600 USD.
- Daily spending for mid-range travelers averages $140–$170 USD.
Is $2,000 enough to visit Belize?
Yes — $2,000 USD is enough for a 7–10 day Belize trip for most mid-range travelers.
- Accommodation: $600–$1,000
- Food: $200–$300
- Activities & transport: $300–$500
What is the cheapest area of Belize to stay in?
The most affordable areas to stay in Belize include:
These areas are quiet and budget-friendly but lack the beach resort vibe or tourist amenities of places like Placencia or Ambergris Caye.
What is the average daily cost to visit Belize?
The average daily cost in Belize depends on your travel style:
- Budget: $55–$80 USD/day
- Mid-range: $150–$230 USD/day
- Luxury: $350–$600+ USD/day