Complete Guide to Visiting Belize on a Budget

Belize on a budget is more than possible—it’s one of the best destinations to stretch your travel dollars while still having an unforgettable experience. From budget-friendly guesthouses in the jungle to fresh, affordable local food, there are plenty of ways to explore without overspending.

My husband and I spent just $1,900 on our last trip to Belize, thanks to a mix of cheap flights, strategic hotel bookings, and a few key travel hacks. Whether you’re exploring Caye Caulker, visiting San Pedro, or diving into the famous Blue Hole, Belize offers world-class adventure at a price that doesn’t have to break the bank.

The key to saving money in Belize comes down to smart choices—like using travel points for flights and hotels, renting a car instead of paying for expensive transfers, and knowing which activities are worth the splurge versus which you can do yourself. While tours can add up quickly, many of Belize’s best experiences, like exploring Xunantunich or island-hopping between Caye Caulker and San Pedro, can be done affordably.

If you’re looking for a tropical getaway rich in culture, history, and adventure—without spending a fortune—this guide will show you exactly how to plan an incredible trip to Belize for less.

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Estimated Budget to Visit Belize

Travel costs in Belize can vary widely depending on the level of comfort and experience you’re looking for. Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses in the jungle and beachfront huts at reasonable prices. But if that’s not your style, you can stretch your travel budget by using points and miles to offset costs.

On our last all-cash trip to Belize, my husband and I spent about $1,900. This included a discounted airfare deal from Thrifty Traveler and a special rate on our jungle lodge through Booking.com. Thanks to strategic travel hacks, our trip ended up costing significantly less than the typical “average” trip.

Your own trip cost will largely depend on your choice of accommodations, transportation, and activities. Opting for DIY experiences and renting a car instead of booking private transfers can save you hundreds of dollars per person.

My advice? First, determine your maximum trip budget and the type of experience you want. Then, run some initial cost estimates to see how they align. If you need to lower expenses, consider using travel points to cover flights and hotels.

Getting to Belize Cheaply

Most trips to Belize begin with a flight into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. With the country’s growing popularity as a travel destination, major airlines now offer a variety of flight options.

Flight prices fluctuate throughout the year, especially during high season from late December to mid-April when demand peaks. However, deals are available year-round if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

For securing the best airfare, I highly recommend a Thrifty Traveler Premium subscription. I used mine to book $130 roundtrip Delta flights to Belize, making the membership easily worth the annual fee.

How to Fly to Belize Using Points and Miles

One of the best ways to cut costs on a trip to Belize is by using points and miles for airfare. You might be surprised at how far your travel rewards can take you. Transferable points from travel rewards cards like Chase and American Express can help you book flights for significantly fewer miles than expected.

For example, you can use Air Canada Aeroplan miles to book a United flight for just 25,000 miles roundtrip.

If you’re new to booking flights with points, I highly recommend using Point.Me. This tool helps you find the best way to redeem your points for flights worldwide. It’s especially useful for travelers flying from smaller airports since it can help identify better deals by using a positioning flight.

Getting Around Belize

Navigating Belize on a budget is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. Transportation expenses can add up quickly, especially if you rely on private transfers. For example, a roundtrip private transfer from Belize City’s airport to San Ignacio costs between $150-200. Instead, renting a car for about $30 per day not only saves money but also gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

If renting a car isn’t an option, be mindful that transportation from jungle lodges outside San Ignacio to the town center can be costly. Many resorts offer transfers for $10-$25 each way, meaning that just a couple of trips into town could end up costing more than a rental car.

For budget-conscious travelers, I highly recommend renting a car. Not only does it save money on airport transfers and getting around, but it also allows you to book experiences independently rather than relying on pricey guided tours.

Driving in Belize is relatively easy compared to other Central and South American countries. The main roads are well maintained, and traffic is generally light. Just be cautious of rocky conditions on unpaved side roads, especially at night. If you plan to stay in a jungle lodge, renting an AWD or 4WD vehicle is a good idea to avoid any issues on rough terrain.

If you’re traveling between major destinations without a car, consider taking local buses. These are an affordable alternative, costing just a few dollars per ride. For trips to the Ambergris Caye, opt for a water taxi instead of a domestic flight to save significantly on transportation costs.

Where to Stay In Belize on a Budget

Compared to other Central American countries, accommodations in Belize tend to be more expensive. Mid-range hotels along the coast typically range from $150-$250 per night, while jungle lodges near San Ignacio usually cost $100-$200 per night.

One way to save on accommodations is by staying in local guesthouses, which are often more affordable. However, unless you’re on a strict backpacker budget, you may prefer something with more amenities.

That said, staying in Belize doesn’t have to break the bank. The cost of your trip will depend on how much luxury you want, but there are ways to keep expenses down.

A great way to stretch your hotel budget is by booking through a Booking.com Genius Discount. These exclusive deals can save you hundreds of dollars over a weeklong stay.

Another way to visit Belize on a budget is to travel during shoulder season. From mid-April to May and again from November to mid-December, hotel prices drop significantly while the weather remains excellent.

Using Points for Hotels in Belize

One of the best ways to save thousands on accommodations is by using points for your hotel stays. I recommend using the Awayz tool to find award hotels. You can input your credit card programs and hotel loyalty points, along with your destination and dates, to see all available award options and maximize your value.

Belize doesn’t have an extensive selection of hotels bookable with points, but there are a few resorts along the coast and some jungle lodges that participate in major loyalty programs.

While international chains are limited, independent resorts and boutique hotels may still allow you to redeem points through flexible travel portals like Chase Travel or Capital One Travel.

If you’re starting from scratch, consider opening a travel rewards credit card with a generous sign-up bonus. Many cards offer welcome bonuses after meeting a minimum spend within the first few months. These bonuses can often cover several free nights, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

Saving Money on Top Belize Experiences

Outside of accommodations, one of the biggest expenses when visiting Belize is booking guided experiences. Tours can range from $50-$150 per person, and costs can add up quickly.

While some activities, like the ATM Cave tour or a dive on the Belize Barrier Reef, require a guide, many others can be done independently to save money. For example, instead of booking a guided Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Tour for $85 per person, you can drive yourself or take a local bus and pay just $5 for admission.

If you plan to book guided activities, be sure to compare prices. While booking through your hotel or resort is convenient, it often comes with an extra fee. Instead, check platforms like GetYourGuide for better rates, or contact individual tour operators directly via their website or WhatsApp. Booking directly can take more effort, but it usually results in the best price.

Additionally, some tour companies offer discounts for group bookings or cash payments, so it’s worth asking if there are ways to lower your total cost. Booking in advance during peak season can also help secure the best deals before prices rise.

Eating in Belize on a Budget

Mid-range travelers can expect to spend $20-$40 per person per day on food by dining at local, budget-friendly restaurants and choosing accommodations that offer complimentary breakfast.

Local menu choices like pibil (slow-roasted pork) or chicken with rice and beans are often much cheaper than meals at restaurants geared toward tourists. However, many small local eateries only operate during lunch hours, as most Belizean families eat dinner at home. This means budget-friendly dining options can be more limited in the evenings.

One of the biggest challenges to saving money on food in Belize comes when staying at a jungle lodge in San Ignacio. These lodges are often 15-30 minutes from town, down dark and bumpy roads.

After a long day of exploring, most travelers opt to eat at the lodge rather than venture back into town. While meals at jungle lodges are typically high quality, they are also significantly more expensive than local restaurants. If you’re on a budget, consider bringing snacks or easy meals to supplement your lodge dining.

Another great way to save is by taking advantage of happy hours, which are common in tourist areas, including at many resorts and hotels. These specials often feature half-price drinks and discounted appetizers, making them an affordable way to enjoy a meal while keeping costs down.

More Belize Tips + Recommendations

• I’ve got you covered with a helpful guide on how to get from Caye Caulker to San Ignacio
• Don’t miss my complete 7-day Belize itinerary
• Spending time in Caye Caulker? Here is a complete list of things to do.