Belize is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Central America and one of my favorite countries in the region.

Backpacking in Belize was an incredible experience. The country is popular with backpackers, vacationers, diving enthusiasts and honeymooners. It is a small country and easy to navigate, so you don’t need much time to visit it. English is the main language here since the country was annexed by the British in 1840 (it was called British Honduras at the time). The diving here is world-class, and the resorts on the islands attract the high-end crowd. Belize really has something for everyone.

Explore the Mayan ruins and relax on the picturesque beaches. Walkthrough the jungles of the interior and enjoy a vibrant and diverse culture.

And be sure to explore below the surface too. The Belize Barrier Reef attracts diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from around the world.

For wildlife enthusiasts, many of the country’s national parks are a paradise for birdwatchers. And those who are interested in archeology will find the Mayan sites of Altun Ha, Lamanai and Caracol fascinating, I certainly did!

I loved visiting Belize. It may not be the cheapest Central American destination, but it is one of the easiest and most relaxing places to travel in the region.

I have included my best tips in this travel guide to help you travel cheaper, better and smarter during your next visit!

Although this small Central American nation covers less than 9,000 square miles, approximately the size of the state of Massachusetts, few places on Earth can match Belize’s diverse natural beauty. The turquoise and coral tones of the coral reef contrast with the amazing Mayan ruins scattered throughout the lush rainforests of the country. Also, it’s not just about the landscape, the history, the culture and the people of Belize mix.

Belize has spent years hidden under the shadows of its Mexican neighbors: Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum. But today, this Central American country attracts visitors with its thatched jungle huts, impressive Mayan ruins, isolated snorkeling and diving shelters and a relaxed atmosphere. Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, the eastern coast of Belize flanks the Caribbean Sea, while its continent extends into a myriad of wild rainforests to the north, west and south. In front of the continental coast bathed by the sun, there are hundreds of small islands known as cays and atolls. These islets attract travelers with palm trees and cerulean waters.

Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, attracts most visitors. Stroll through the Ambergris Caye during the day and you will find a relaxed beach full of spectacular oceanfront sites; At dusk, you will delight yourself with its vibrant nightlife. Just be sure to save time on the continent to unravel the subtle charms of Belize. From its lush Mayan sites to its crystal clear waters, there is much to explore in this charming coastal country.

Belize is compact, occupies about 9,000 square miles. But don’t let its size put you off. Swimmers, divers and divers will discover paradisiacal places along the barrier reef such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole. Wildlife lovers will marvel at the magnificent jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, parakeets and keel-billed toucans at the Belize Zoo. And cultured dogs will reach new heights by exploring impressive Mayan archeological sites such as Corozal, Altun Ha and Lamanai. With so many things to do, it is difficult to decide where to start in Belize. But the logical first step is to take your swimsuit and savor a tropical papaya or carambola (star fruit) along the beach.

With its abundant outdoor activities, this 25-mile-long island off the coast of northern Belize caters for snorkeling and diving. The island was originally inhabited by the Maya to serve as a large commercial route, spanning from present-day Mexico to southern Honduras. Today, Ambergris Caye welcomes thousands of visitors looking for easy access to the coral reef that surrounds the island. Scuba divers and intrepid divers will want to explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Most of the dive and snorkeling shops and instructors are located in San Pedro, including the Belize Pro Dive Center, Tuff E Nuff Tours and Scuba School Belize, which offer a variety of daily excursions. Prices vary according to the type and duration of the tours, in addition to the certification fees for diving.

When you’re not underwater, explore San Pedro, the main city of Ambergris. Here you will find restaurants next to the beach, lounges, shops and luxury hotels. You will notice the difference between this tourist center and the more suburban city of Belize, complete with golf carts and bikes instead of cars, on the road.
It’s easy to get around Ambergris Caye in a golf cart. There are several rental companies in San Pedro and rates range between $ 65 USD per day and around $ 200 USD per week.

You can use the Ambergris B boat and its plane from Belize City.

Immerse yourself in this deep blue hole and you will discover imposing ancient stalactites (calcium deposits that resemble icicles) and coral strips. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, along with six other areas surrounding the Belize Barrier Reef, the Great Blue Hole remains one of the most distinguished dive sites in the world. Created approximately 10,000 years ago after the cave roof collapsed, this blue channel contains underwater tunnels, caverns and rock formations.

You are likely to see marine life lining the coral wall on the surface of the hole. As you descend about 410 feet below sea level, you will discover the stalactites, but you are unlikely to find many underwater creatures (except the occasional shark!). Even if you’re not a diver, recent visitors recommended diving around the hole and nearby reefs. Be sure to visit in the dry season, with ideal weather conditions, probably in April and May.

The Great Blue Hole is located about 43 kilometers off the coast of Belize along the Lighthouse Reef atoll. You can visit the Great Blue Hole with a series of diving services that operate from the city of Belize, San Pedro and Caye Caulker. In addition to operator fees, be prepared to pay an additional $ 40 to dive and snorkel in the Great Blue Hole.

Facing the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is the oldest reserve in Belize. Its name translates as “Little Channel”, referring to a gap full of corals in the vast barrier reef of Belize. Spanning 3 square miles, this densely populated aquatic area is a sanctuary for rays, eels and sharks, among other creatures.

The reserve is divided into four parts: mangroves, the reef, seaweed beds and the most recently added Shark Ray alley. Due to its diversity, the reserve has flourished as a hot spot for divers and divers. Recent travelers said that the crystal clear waters of Hol Chan Marine and the abundant marine life make it a privileged place for snorkeling and diving.

The reserve is about 4 miles southeast of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. To get here, you must book a boat and a Caye Caulker guide. A visitor center, which can provide more information about the reserve and its inhabitants, is located on Caribena Street in San Pedro and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About 20 miles north of Belize City is Caye Caulker, a 4 mile long sun-drenched island that has great places to dive and dive and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Although the island is mostly uninhabited by locals, visitors flock to restaurants, shops, and hotels located in the far north near Split (the area where Hurricane Hattie separated Caye Caulker into two halves in 1960).

Like Ambergris Caye, this remote island offers a wide range of snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking and fishing services to nearby sites located along the surrounding barrier reef. There are also some unique attractions such as the manatee preservation site, Swallow Caye.

Even if exploring under the turquoise waters is not for you, those who visit the key say it is the perfect place to leave your watch behind, walk barefoot and dine in fresh seafood.

You can reach Caye Caulker by water taxi or by plane from Belize City.

Travel west of Belize City and discover a group of ancient Mayan sites, rolling hills, beautiful sunsets, tranquil butterfly gardens and green jungles. In the heart of the Cayo district is San Ignacio, a small town that has traditional culinary dishes and affordable hotels.

Start your tour just 6 miles south of the city in the ancient Mayan ruin of Xunantunich. Located along the Mopan River and less than a mile from the border with Guatemala, the Xunantunich Temple was once a civic ceremonial center for the Mayan people.

From there, you probably want to drive about 60 miles south on the George Price Highway (also known as the Western Highway) to the extensive Caracol. The largest site of Mayan ruins in Belize, Caracol dates from 1200 BC. C. and served as a home for up to 120,000 people. The land covers 30 square miles and includes five plazas, an observatory and more than 35,000 identified buildings, although not all of them are completely excavated.

The area is free to visit 24 hours a day, but most of its sites are open only from 8 am to 5 pm. Each costs 10 to 15 dollars from Belize (about $ 5 to $ 7.50) to access.

Imagine quiet beaches crowned with whispering palm trees and backed by pastel oceanfront villas and calm Caribbean waters. This is Placencia, the fast-growing coastal city of Belize. Extending across a 16-mile-long peninsula, Placencia has a wealth of nature reserves and underwater sanctuaries along with perfect postcard views. The area offers the only golden sands in the mainland of Belize.

While visiting Placencia, consider a trip to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and the nearby Mayan sites. It is also worth visiting the Monkey River, which contains crocodiles, howler monkeys, boas and iguanas. Also, don’t forget to try the cuisine of the peninsula: the area is known for its Kriol (Creole) seafood dishes.

Placencia is located about 130 kilometers south of Belize City and can be reached by car along the South Highway. You can also choose to fly to Placencia Airport, which is about 20 kilometers north of the peninsula.

Perched on the New River Lagoon in northern Belize, this extensive 960-acre Mayan site is masked in the art of crocodiles. Lamanai means “submerged crocodile” in Yucatecan Maya, which should give you a good idea of what you will find here: artifacts that represent reptile representations, in addition to crocodiles (and iguanas) that creep along the banks of the New River to take some sunlight.

Inhabited since about 1500 B.C. Until the year 1700 d. C., Lamanai is the oldest Mayan site in the world. Its dense complex features three Mayan pyramids, the remains of a 16th-century Spanish church and several notable squares and temples established during the preclassic Mayan domain. You will not want to avoid climbing the High Temple, and you will also want to visit the Temple of the Mask, which includes ancient artifacts linked to the Mayan, Aztec and Olmec rulers. Just come prepared with sunscreen, light clothes and lots of water.

Lamanai welcomes visitors every day from 8 a.m. at 5 p.m. Admission to Lamanai costs 10 Belize dollars (approximately $ 5). You can reach Lamanai from Belize City through the Northern Highway. The locals recommend traveling by the New River by water taxi or a guided tour of the river from Caye Caulker. Reliable companies that offer tours include Lamanai Belize Tours and Belize Fun Tours and cost between $ 60 and $ 75 per person.

This popular Mayan site, dotted with tombs, pyramids and temples, served as a commercial link during the Classic Period of the Mayan Empire (250 to 900 AD). Altun Ha, which means “rocky stone pond” in Yucatecan Maya, has an artificial lagoon that remains intact. During your visit, you are likely to encounter foxes, deer, birds and perhaps crocodiles that occupy the Rockstone pond. Visitors also recommended exploring the Temple of the Green Tomb, where elite priestly kings were buried with luxurious items, such as jade, pottery and pearls.

But remember: If you don’t like mountaineering, Altun Ha may not be for you. Travelers said that while the ruins are incredible, the hike uphill to the site can be exhausting. If you are looking for something less stressful, consider visiting one of Belize’s other Mayan ruins, such as Lamanai or the Cayo District.

Located in the north of Belize, about 48 kilometers north of the city of Belize, Altun Ha is easily accessible by car via the North Highway or by excursion services operating from Caye Caulker. Altun Ha welcomes visitors every day from 8 a.m. at 5 p.m. Admission costs 10 Belize dollars (approximately $ 5).

Stroll through this 29-acre zoo and you might think it has invaded a jungle. The small zoo is home to more than 45 species: jaguar roars, keel toucans, scarlet macaw squawks and coral snakes that glide across the thick forest floor. Look through the leafy canopy trees of the zoo and you will see Belize’s beloved howler monkeys, or at least one tropical parrot, tapir, Jabiru stork or harpy eagle. And on the rustic path of the zoo, especially at the end of the afternoon, keep your eyes wide open to see one of the beautiful cats native to Belize, which includes margays, ocelots, pumas and jaguarondis.

It began as a rescue facility for animals that were used in documentary films, according to recent visitors, the Belize Zoo feels more like a wildlife reserve than a commercial zoo.

The Belize Zoo is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last visitors admitted at 4:15 p.m. Admission is 5 for children and $ 15 for adults. Since you will cross several trails in the humid tropics, wear comfortable shoes and wear insect repellent and plenty of water. From the city of Belize, the zoo can be accessed by car via the Western Highway.

In Belize, jaguars rule the land. And the best place to take a look at these amazing wildcats is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. This extensive reserve was founded in the 1980s to protect the endangered species of Belize. Today, Cockscomb also houses ocelots, pumas, peccaries, tapirs, royal vultures, armadillos, otters, along with hundreds of native birds. The sanctuary contains 12 miles of nature trails that cross the 150 square mile sanctuary. You probably only have time (and strength) to travel some marked trails, so choose wisely.

Recent visitors praised the beautiful landscape of the reserve, but some noted that the trails are challenging. Still, most said the walks were worth it simply because of the picturesque views of the southern tip of the country. Increase your chances of seeing active wildlife by visiting at the beginning of the rainy season or on colder and cloudy days when animals are more likely to be active.

The reservation receives visitors every day between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and the entrance costs 10 dollars of Belize (or $ 5). You can reach the sanctuary by car from Belize City, a trip that takes approximately two and a half hours. If you plan to drive, go to Western Highway, turn left on Hummingbird Highway, turn right on Southern Highway and then turn on Maya Center.

The best time to visit Belize is from the end of November to the middle of April, during the dry season of the country. Although this high season attracts thousands of tourists, dealing with crowds in order to gain warm temperatures, clear skies and easy access to the main attractions of the country is an easy sacrifice. You probably want to visit during April and May, when humidity fogs the tropical landscape and temperatures reach three digits. Expect rains from June to mid-November and strong winds. If you want to beat the avalanche of tourists and don’t mind packing an umbrella, come during the rainy season in September and October. But keep in mind that some establishments close during the low season.

Accommodation: A bed in a hostel’s bedroom has an average of BZD 30 ($ 15 USD) per night. Private rooms in hostels range between 70-100 BZD ($ 35-50 USD). The initial prices for cheap hotels range between 70-100 BZD ($ 35-50 USD) per night, but its best value will be to rent a room or a department from a local on websites such as Airbnb. A shared room on Airbnb has an average of 50 BZD ($ 25 USD) per night and an entire house has an average of 150 BZD ($ 75 USD).

Food: Expect to pay around 8 BZD ($ 4) for a quick meal and a local restaurant. A meal in a restaurant with table service and drinks will cost between 30-40 BZD ($ 15-20 USD). Eat fruit here: it’s cheap, hearty, fresh and delicious. The food for a week will cost around 80 BZD ($ 40 USD) for basic foods such as pasta, vegetables, chicken and other basic foods, but most of the accommodations do not include kitchens and the foods are quite bland. Expect around 30% more prices in the popular tourist Cayes.

Activities: the entrance to most of the Mayan ruins and the national parks costs around 16-20 BZD ($ 8-10 USD). Full-day dive trips cost around 200 BZD ($ 100 USD) for a full day. A half-day tour to observe manatees ranges from 75-100 BZD ($ 37-50 USD). It costs about 8 BZD (the US $ 4) to visit a wildlife sanctuary. A day of sea kayaking in Placencia starts around 60 BZD ($ 30 USD). The entrance to the Botanical Garden of Belize in San Ignacio costs 15 BZD ($ 7.50 USD).

If you are going backpacking to Belize, my suggested budget is around 100 BZD ($ 50-55 USD) per day. With this budget, you will stay in a hostel dormitory, eat some street food (and lots of fresh fruit!), Cook some meals, use local buses to get around and pay for basic activities such as tickets to archeological sites.

With a mid-range budget of approximately 250-300 BZD ($ 125-150 USD), you can stay in a budget hotel or in a private room in a hostel, eat meals in restaurants, make more intercity trips and enjoy some tours such as Kayak sea or manatee watching.

For a luxury budget of approximately 635+ BZD ($ 315 + USD), you can stay in 4-star hotels or resorts, enjoy elegant meals in restaurants and all the drinks and seafood you want, and participate in activities such as diving. The sky is the limit.

No matter what budget you adopt, remember that your daily average will increase, increase, increase the number of diving activities or expensive trips you make if you want to travel on a limited budget, keep diving and historical tours to a minimum.

Belize can be a very expensive country and the costs here can accumulate very quickly. Diving trips, sailing trips, seafood tours and dinners are within your budget quite quickly in this country. I had a hard time keeping my budget while I was here, especially in cities that had no shelters (since my first visit, there are now many more hostels here, so all is not lost!). When you see here are ways to save money in Belize:

Travel outside peak hours: the most expensive time to visit is between October and April. When traveling out of season, you can significantly reduce accommodation and flight prices.
Camp: camping is a good way to save on accommodation costs when staying on the islands. Expect to pay 8 BZD ($ 4 USD) per night to set up your store.
Take the bus: try to use the public bus system whenever possible instead of going on the shuttle. The public bus is designed to reflect local revenues, while transportation services reflect tourist prices.
Hitchhiking: It is a common custom among locals to simply hitchhike to any place they need to go. You see old women, children and families on the side of the road looking for a ride. It is just what they do. My friends and I met great people who leafed through the country without spending money.
Combined trips: many tour operators offer trips that combine popular excursions. These are a good way to save on transfers to each tourist destination, as well as possibly leaving them at your next destination.
Happy hour: most bars have a happy hour at the end of the afternoon and offer 2 for 1 drinks.
Bring your own food: since many trips cost more for lunch, bring your own food and save money.
Couchsurf: If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts across the country. In this way, you not only have a place to stay, but you will also have a local host who can tell you the best places to visit and things to see.

Need a place to stay while traveling? Here are some of my favorite places in Belize:

Public transport: Many of the destinations within Belize are quite passable once you get there, including parts of Belize City where visitors are most likely to be located (and for other areas, it is better to take a taxi anyway ). Cycling is also a great way to get around, and you can rent a bike for around $ 20 BZD ($ 10 USD) per day in many places.

Most taxi fares will be between $ 6-14 BZD ($ 3-7 USD), but most will not have fixed meters. You must agree on the price before boarding the taxi. Otherwise, in cases it is popular to rent golf carts to get around. However, it is not too cheap and can cost you up to $ 554 BZD ($ 275 USD) per week.

Bus: Public buses are by far the cheapest travel option for traveling across the country, with fares that cost between $ 2-20 BZD / $ 1-10 US (depending on distance traveled). For example, a bus from Belize City to Orange Walk takes two hours and costs $ 12 BZD ($ 6 USD). A 5-hour bus to Placencia from Belize City costs around $ 20 BZD ($ 10 USD).

Most buses are old US school buses. UU. They take locals and visitors between cities and across the country. There is no real national company like Greyhound, and schedules change quite frequently. Your best option is to ask someone in your accommodation to help you organize transportation (or a tourism professional). Or you can simply show up at a bus terminal and discover it from there. You can also check belizebus.wordpress.com: it is not a professional website, but it is updated frequently and is reliable.

Flying: there are two national airlines in Belize: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. These small planes take you between Caye Caulker, Placencia, Corozal and Ambergris Caye. The flights are not cheap. Belize City to Caye Caulker costs $ 240 BZD ($ 120 USD) round trip, while Belize City to Placencia is approximately $ 345 BZD ($ 171 USD) round trip. You should only fly if you are really pressed for time.

Car rental: If you want a lot of flexibility to visit Belize, renting a car is a great idea. There are many well-known companies, such as Avis and Enterprise, but also local companies such as AQ Belize and Jabiru. Rentals cost around $ 130 BZD ($ 65 USD) per day, and if you plan to cross any border into Mexico or Guatemala, you will first want to read the contract.

Ferry: You can take ferries and water taxis to the islands (cays) from Belize City with San Pedro Belize Express or Ocean Ferry Belize (approximately a 1.5-hour trip). Belize City to Caye Caulker starts at $ 30 BZD ($ 15 USD), while Belize City to San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) starts at $ 46 BZD ($ 23 USD). Between San Pedro and Caye Caulker, it is $ 30 BZD ($ 15 USD).

A ferry also runs between Corozal, Sarteneja and San Pedro. Another route runs between Placencia and Independencia, while frequent water taxis run between Dangriga and the Central Keys. You do not need to book your ferry or water taxi in advance. Just show up at the ferry terminal and you’ll be ready to go.

Hitchhiking: Belize actually relies heavily on hitchhiking. Buses may arrive late or sporadically and sometimes extremely full. Most people here do not have cars because they are very expensive. My friends and I hitchhiked all over the country and we saw that many locals did too. HitchWiki has a lot of information about hitchhiking in Belize.\

The best time to visit is from the end of November to the middle of April. This is the dry season of the country, and although it is the high season, Belize never gets too crowded. It is warm and tropical with clear skies, and you will have no trouble visiting the best attractions in the country. Water is also cleaner during this time for diving, and temperatures average around 80 ° F (27 ° C) every day.

At the end of April to May, humidity intensifies and temperatures rise to an average of 87 ° F (31 ° C) per day. The rainy season is the low and hard season from September to October, but many companies can close during this time. In general, you can’t beat the dry season!

Belize is a safe place to travel with a backpack, even if you are traveling alone or as a solo traveler. Minor theft (including bag theft) is one of the most common types of crimes in Belize. People who tend to get involved in some type of incident generally drink or use drugs or participate in sex tourism.

Stay away from those things and it will be fine. People are friendly and helpful and you are unlikely to get into trouble.

That does not mean that you should not take precautions. I would avoid Belize City as much as possible and, if you’ve spent a night there, avoid wandering too far from the main tourist part of the city. It is quite incomplete there.

Always believe in your instincts. Avoid isolated areas at night and always be aware of your surroundings. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and identification.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it here! Follow that rule and you’ll be fine.

For deeper coverage of how to stay safe in Belize, check out this post that we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important advice I can offer is to buy good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It is comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I never go on a trip without him, since I have had to use it many times in the past.

These are my favorite companies to use when traveling to Belize. These are included here because they continually seek out offers, offer world-class customer service and great value, and are generally better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and they are always the starting points in my search for travel offers.

Momondo: this is my favorite booking site. I never book a flight without first checking here.
Skyscanner: Skyscanner is another great flight search engine that searches many different airlines, including many of the low-budget airlines that the biggest sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I also use this site to compare prices.
Airbnb: Airbnb is an excellent accommodation alternative to connect with owners who rent their houses or apartments.
Hostelworld: this is the best hostel accommodation site that exists, with the largest inventory, the best search interface and the widest availability.
Couchsurfing: This website allows you to stay in people’s free sofas or rooms for free. It is a great way to save money while meeting with locals who can tell you the ins and outs of your city. The site also lists events that you can attend to meet people (even if you don’t stay with someone).
Booking.com: the best booking site that constantly offers the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a policy of no initial payment, excellent interface and the widest selection of economic accommodation. In all my tests, they have always had the cheapest rates of all reservations.
Intrepid Travel: If you want to take a group tour of Belize, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good tours for small groups that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on tour with someone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you will get exclusive discounts by clicking on the link!
STA Travel: STA Travel, a good company for children under 30 or for students, offers discounted airfare, as well as travel passes that help you save on attractions.
Rome 2 Rio: this website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B in the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane or ship routes that can take you there and how much they cost.
World Nomads: I buy all my World Nomads travel insurance. They have excellent customer service, competitive prices and deep coverage. I have been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!