9 top tips for visiting Belize on a budget

29.12.2023 - 18:11 / lonelyplanet.com

Beautiful Belize is becoming ever more popular as a vacation destination. Unfortunately, that popularity means it's more expensive than its Central American neighbors.

But that doesn’t mean all the culture, cuisine and natural beauty Belize has to offer is beyond the reach of budget-conscious travelers. With the right amount of planning, insider advice, and an open mind, this diverse country can be yours to enjoy without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the best ways to enjoy Belize on a budget.

When visiting Belize, accommodation is likely to take up the largest portion of your budget. Choosing the right time to travel can make a huge impact on how much – or how little – you spend. Whilst the low season (June to October) is the cheapest time to visit, there is a risk of hurricanes and heavy rainfall, so numerous tourist spots either close or run a limited operation.

Shoulder season is the ideal time to travel for cheaper prices – up to 50% less than the high season in some cases – without big crowds or heavy rains. The sweet spots fall right after the Easter break (late April or May) until early June, as well as late October to November before the holiday rush at Christmas.

Surprisingly, one of the cheapest ways to get to Belize from the US is by making a stop in Mexico first. Flying to Cancún can cost up to BZ$500 less than flying directly to Belize, and travelers can then catch an overnight ADO bus to Belize City for around BZ$140.

The journey takes approximately eight hours and is cheap, convenient and pretty comfortable. While service was discontinued during the pandemic, the popular route started again in July 2023.

Ambergris Caye and the Placencia Peninsula may be among the best places to visit in Belize, but that also means they come at a high price. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives worthy of attention.

You’ll find quite a few budget and mid-range stays in San Ignacio Town and the surrounding Cayo District. Hotels like Midas Resort (starting at BZ$250) and Cahal Pech Village Resort (starting at BZ$195) are a lot cheaper than high-end resorts, especially during shoulder season. The area is also a great base for exploring caves, national parks and Maya sites. 

If you’re visiting Belize for its amazing beaches, consider staying on Caye Caulker, the smaller of the country’s two northern islands – it's an affordable alternative to Ambergris Caye. Better yet, the Garifuna village at Hopkins has the best of both worlds with a side of immersive cultural experiences to go with glorious stretches of sand.

The often-overlooked Belize District is one of the most budget-friendly and culturally rich areas in the country.

Head to the Belize River valley, where communities like Crooked Tree and Bermudian