EPIC Backpacking Belize Travel Guide • 2020 Edition
JUMP TO : Belize Travel Itineraries | Places to Visit | Where to Stay | Travel Tips | Cost of Travel
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Sunshine, blasting Bob Marley and smiles greeting you from every corner – that’s what you can expect when backpacking Belize. Still, it’s not on everyone’s “dream destination list”. We’re here to change that!
Belize is a place full of super friendly people, stunning islands, dense jungle, and impressive Mayan ruins. Located on the Central American East Coast, it’s a paradise for snorkelling and scuba diving. From white beaches to stunning reefs, Belize has it all!
However, Backpacking Belize sometimes has the reputation of being an expensive endeavour. Whilst that can be true at times, it is possible to visit this amazing state on a budget. You just need to know how…
To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve created this Backpacking Belize Travel Guide, filled with insider tips, itineraries, epic things to do and so much more.
Let’s get right to it!
Table of Contents
- Where to go Backpacking in Belize
- Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Belize
- Places to Visit in Belize
- Backpacker Accommodation in Belize
- Top Things to do in Belize
- Belize Travel Tips
- Safety in Belize
- Belize Travel Guide to Getting Around
- Belize Backpacking Costs
- Must Try Experiences in Belize
- Brief History of Belize
- Final Thoughts on Belize
Where to go Backpacking in Belize
This could be your daily cap-off if you travel to Belize
Compared to other Central American states, Belize is rather small. That doesn’t mean that there are no adventures waiting for you. Knowing where to stay in Belize is the first step of planning your trip. You don’t want to end up miles away from the hotspots you wanted to explore, simply cuz you haven’t done your research properly.
For such a small country, Belize is defined by its diversity. The waters off of its Caribbean Coast make up part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The Cayes islands and the Great Blue Hole are home to world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. As far as Caribbean islands go, the islands in Belize are generally far cheaper than say a trip to the Bahamas would be.
The interior of the country is green, lush, and dotted with nature reserves. Wildlife is everywhere. From jaguars and butterflies to monkeys and toucans, you never know what you are going to see on a trek through the jungle. Caracol is home to one of the largest Mayan archaeological complexes in all of Central America. Step back in time and soak in the wonder as you learn about the fascinating Mayan civilization.
Then there are the people. Belize is an English speaking country primarily, though, Belizean Creole is often heard on the coast. Spanish is spoken as you get closer to the Guatemala border. Most people I encountered were super easy going. They were never in a hurry. Backpacking Belize gives you the chance to slow down and soak in the positive vibes.
Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Belize
Below I have listed several travel itineraries for backpacking Belize. If you have a few weeks or more to visit Belize, it’s easy to combine a couple of these itineraries and put together a larger backpacking route.
Having a Belize itinerary will guarantee a great trip. Not planning ahead might turn unto a stressful “I don’t know where to go” vacation. Use your time properly and find out what you want to see before you start your travels.
Backpacking Belize 14 day Itinerary #1: Belize Highlights
2 Weeks: Belize Highlights
This 14-day Belize itinerary offers up Belize backpacking at its finest. Start your trip soaking in some sun and going diving on Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is the unofficial backpacker hub of all of the Cayes. It has a very mellow vibe and attracts a certain type of crowd, i.e backpackers. Some of the other Cayes are built up around resorts and have the associated patrons. My advice is to stick to Caye Caulker, though Ambergris Caye is meant to be super beautiful in places as well.
Once you are back on the mainland, you can head south. There are a number of fine beaches, reserves, and cool hiking spots all along the coast. Dive operators in Placencia can sort you out if you are wanting to do a scuba trip to the Great Blue Hole.
Next, go explore the numerous reserves and national parks located in the interior. If you are heading to Guatemala after backpacking Belize, San Ignacio is an obvious departure point as it is very close to the border. From San Ignacio, you can explore the surrounding area including the Mayan ruins at Caracol.
Backpacking Belize 10 day Itinerary #2: The Islands and the Coast
10 Days: Islands and Coast
Many people come to the islands of Belize with primarily one thing in mind: to get in the water! The Ho Chan reserve around Caye Caulker is a fabulous place to snorkel or dive: sharks, manta rays, sea turtles abound. The water is so clear that on calm days one has excellent visibility for spotting wildlife.
It is certainly possible to get a PADI open water diving certificate on the islands; however, it will not be as cheap as the courses offered on the Bay Islands in Honduras. To get a cert on Caye Caulker, you are looking at $400 USD for the four-day course.
If you are a diving fanatic like me, then diving the Great Blue Hole is a dream that needs to be realized. There might be a lot of hype surrounding it, but hey, hype exists for a reason and the Great Blue Hole is just as spectacular as you have heard about.
Places to Visit in Belize
Now that we’ve covered some of the best travel itineraries for backpacking Belize, let’s jump in and explore some of the top places to visit in Belize on your adventure…
Backpacking Belize City
Belize City is more of a transportation point than it is a destination. The Belizean capital has all of the comforts of a large Central American city, and also the associated annoyances. There are certain neighborhoods in Belize City that I would consider sketchy. You shouldn’t find yourself aimlessly exploring the far reaches of the city.
Most likely, you will pass through en route to the islands or another spot in Belize. The central bus station is the place to go for all of your travel needs. The bus station is still commonly known as Novelo’s, (the name of a former bus company) located on West Collet Canal.
If you are in need of something interesting to do, check out the Belize National Museum. The museum is packed with interesting artefacts and antiquities that help you get a better grasp of Belize’s unique history. For all the backpackers on a budget, there are numerous great hostels in Belize City that offer affordable nightly rates, great amenities and a safe place to rest your head.
Book Your Belize City Hostel Here!
Easy to get in, hard to get out of!
Backpacking Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker attracts backpackers from around the world like a magnet. Cheap accommodation (by Caribbean standards), excellent food, and prime dive sites make Caye Caulker a true fucking paradise.
You can score a double room for about $30 USD, so if you traveling as a couple it makes sense to go with a private.
A day-trip to the Ho Chan Marine reserve is not to be missed. Hiring a boat is probably the best way to go. You get your snorkel gear, transportation, and a decent lunch. The boat essentially takes out into the reserve and in you go. A whole underwater world awaits. I had never been around so many sharks in my life. A boat trip to the reserve, including the entrance fee will run you back about $80 USD for the day.
I had one of the best meals of my life in Caye Caulker.:BBQ Lobster with coconut rice, salad and an ice cold beer for about $10 USD. The lobster was massive as well. Anywhere else in the world, that meal would cost at least $30. Bon appetite amigos…
Book Your Caye Caulker Hostel Here!
Stunning, right?
Backpacking Ambergris Caye
Amergis is larger, more developed, and more expensive than Caye Caulker. In general, the island feels a bit like a posh resort full of middle-aged folks wearing polos and fishing hats.
I’d say the only reason for you to come here is to access more dive sites. There are many diving operators who can help you with just that. Expect to pay top dollar for sure. I have heard that a full day of diving (at least 3 dives) will cost you over $200 USD. Ouch. Though that includes all of your gear, oxygen, lunch, boat hire, and the guide.
Keep in mind that if you plan on spending a few days diving, operators will often be flexible with their initial price once they learn you are interested in multiple dives. Chat to the owner of the dive shop and try to bargain for a good deal.
Book Your San Pedro Hostel Here!
Haven’t had enough of the beach yet?
Diving The Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is famous throughout the world for the breathtaking marine phenomenon that it is. This site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of the top five scuba diving sites in the world. In 1971 he brought his ship, the Calypso, to the hole to chart its depths.
Because of its uniqueness and ecological makeup, diving in the Great Blue Hole offers up a once in a lifetime experience. You will never see so much amazing oceanic wildlife species coming together in one place.
A dive to the Great Blue Hole can be organized from just about anywhere in Belize. I advice shopping around at different dive centers in Placencia and Caye Caulker to compare the prices. If you are going to spend money on anything in Belize, it should definitely be on diving in this truly special place.
Go diving in the epic Great Blue Hole. | source: Jetske (Flickr)
Backpacking Dangriga
Dangriga is a laid-back beach town where Garifuna culture and abundant outdoor activities make up the draw. If you are headed south down the coast, a stopover in Dangriga is worth it.
Explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a jaguar preserve. There is a good system of hiking trails in which to explore the park. Don’t expect to see a jaguar though. Jaguars are notoriously elusive, like all large jungle cats. Just know that in all likelihood, within the reserve you are probably not too far away from one.
On any night of the week, there is liable to be a Garifuna drum and dance party somewhere on the beach. Bring along some rum and soak in the rhythms that help make up the identity for this part of Belize. The neighboring town of Hopkins also make for a good base in which to explore the area.
Book Your Hopkins Hostel Here!
If you’re extremely lucky, you can spot a jaguar in the jungles of Belize!
Backpacking Placencia
Ok, so Placencia has a pretty developed tourism industry. It is a popular destination for many a foreign tourist. That said, there is still some fun stuff to get into. The diving just off of the coast is very impressive, as is the snorkeling if you are not a diver.
Within the town itself, you will probably be annoyed by how touristy it is. The real attraction, however, is under the water. Make sure you spend as much time doing water related activities as you can in Placencia. After a day or two though, you’ll probably be ready to move on.
Oh, and there are plenty of good places to eat in Placencia, so don’t neglect your belly.
Book Your Placencia Hostel Here!
Would you board it?
Backpacking Punta Gorda
Further south of Placencia lies Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda is a large fishing village town and the main port between Belize and Honduras. As with most places on Belize’s coast, there is some truly remarkable diving and snorkeling to be had here.
If you want to learn more about the music of the Garifuna people, I suggest a visit to the Warasa Garifuna Drum School. You can take a class, beat on some drums, and even buy a hand-made one if you’re keen.
A visit to Toledo Cave for a swim and a hike is another highlight. If you have been spending a lot of time in the sea, the fresh, cool water of the cave will feel amazing.
Backpacking San Ignacio
Most people pass through San Ignacio on their way to Guatemala and the ruins at Tikal. To skip over San Ignacio completely would be a mistake. Some of the best Mayan ruins in Central America can be accessed from San Ignacio.
Hire a jeep (with some mates to cut cost) and spend the morning exploring the magnificent ruins at Caracol. My visit to the ruins was without a doubt a highlight of my trip backpacking Belize. Again, it is slightly pricey but well worth it. A full day to Caracol including lunch and a guide will run you back about $75. In my experience, it is totally worth it. It is not like you are spending big money every day on seeing epic ruins. So if you can swing it, go for it!
Fancy a 7-mile river float through mystical caves and turquoise rivers? You can organize a tubing adventure from San Ignacio as well. If you can get your hands on a tube, you probably don’t need to book a tour and to be honest you will save a ton of cash. Cave tubing tours start at about $90 USD.
Book Your San Ignacio Hostel Here!
It’s not all white beaches and water in Belize!
Off the Beaten Path Travel in Belize
I found that getting off of the beaten path was relatively easy in Belize. Most travelers stick to the islands or the beach, so in the interior, I found far fewer backpackers. Hiking in the numerous reserves Belize has to offer is a great way to explore a beautiful patch of rainforest with limited human interruption. Even the ruins at Caracol were remote enough that many folks opt to simply not go.
Having a good backpacking tent greatly expands your adventure potential and increases your independence. Some coastal hostels offer very cheap rates to backpackers who want to pitch their tent and use the facilities.
Because the distances are short, you can base yourself in one of the backpacker hubs and make day trips to places in the area. You will find that few people make use of the numerous foot paths and hiking trails in the reserves. You should be exploring to the sound of howler monkeys, not humans, especially if you hike in more than a mile or two.
Backpacker Accommodation in Belize
All of the key backpacker hotspots within Belize have some form of budget accommodation. The average price for a dorm bed is about $15 USD. Most hostels in Belize offer great facilities, a clean and safe environment and the most helpful and friendly staff you could ever imagine. If dorms are not the right thing for you, alternatively, you can score a nice basic double room for about $30-35, even on Caye Caulker. I recommend booking in advance for island accommodation during the high season (December- February).
That said, in the low season, prices drop and you have some room to haggle a bit for the price per night, especially if you stay more than one night.
If you are keen to camp, many hostels offer camping as an option. There are many places where you can camp on the beach for free.
Otherwise, Couch Surfing is the cheapest (free) way to go, and a great way to meet other locals; however, some of the places will not have much of a couch surfing scene.
Book Your Belize Hostel Here!
| Location | Hostel | Why we like it?! |
|---|---|---|
| Belize City | The Red Hutt Inn | Quality rooms right in the city center. |
| Caye Caulker | Bella's Backpackers | Nice kitchen, AC dorms, and a very nice staff keen to answer all of your questions. |
| San Pedro | Sandbar Beachfront Hostel | One of the cheapest and nicest places to stay on the island. |
| Hopkins | The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel | Great hostel with all the resources you need to get into exciting adventures in the area. |
| Placencia | Anda Di Hows Hostel | A true paradise, right on the beach. Solid bar and ample hammock space. |
| San Ignacio | D's Hostel | Fastest WiFi in town. Fun environment and located in the middle of everything. |
Top Things to do in Belize
Belize is bursting at the seams with awesome things to do. No matter what your time frame is there are many exciting adventures to be had to suit every backpackers’ individual taste.
I have listed the top 10 most popular and best things to do in Belize below to get your ideas flowing for your next trip backpacking Belize!
1. Go Scuba Diving in the Great Blue Hole
An experience diving in this ecological wonder is bound to be both a major life highlight as well as a gold star on your backpacking Belize journey.
2. Visit the Mayan Ruins at Caracol
A day spent here exploring these magical ruins is well worth the effort it takes to get here.
3. Snorkle the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Caye Caulker is a special place because of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Go swim with sharks, sting rays, and other sea going marvels.
Snorkeling glory.
4. Eat Lobster
You have never had lobster this good or this fresh, and at this price. Don’t be surprised if you end up ordering the same thing night after night.
5. Find a Garifuna Drum Circle
Garifuna culture has deep roots in drum music. It shouldn’t be too hard to stumble upon a full-blown drum dance party on a beach near Hopkins.
Get your hands on some drums if you have the chance…
6. Go River Tubing
There is an epic 7-miles river float to be had in Belize. You pass through impressive caves and pristine river systems all from the comfort of your rubber tube. Tubing is a great way to slowly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Belizean rivers.
check out the beautiful rivers and caves, from the comfort of your tube. | source: Cephas (Wikicommons)
7. Bird Watching in the Jungle
With countless nature preserves and epic hiking trails, if you possess a keen eye you can spot exotic birds, like parrots and toucans. Some hostels offer binoculars for rent.
8. Camp on the beach
The beaches south of Hopkins are prime camping territory. In many places you can camp for free. Make sure to pack all of your rubbish out with you and leave your camp site looking beautiful.
9. Visit the Mayan Ruins at Xunantunich
These ruins are not as well known as Caracol, but are still very impressive. Spend the afternoon walking in the shadow of Mayan history.
10. Beach, Book, and Rum
Some days you just want to chill out. Do yourself a favor pack a hammock, pick some palm trees and your favorite book and take time for yourself to soak in the vibes.
Living that good life…
Belize Travel Tips
Below I have provided essential information and Belize travel tips for your backpacking adventure, including the best time to travel to Belize, how much to budget for Belize, and a guide to Belizean cuisine.
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Best Time to Travel to Belize
If you can, try to avoid the rainy season and visit the country from November to April. The really popular guest-houses fill up fast so this is a country where it can definitely be worth making reservations.
Hurricane season runs from September to October in the Caribbean. I would not try to go diving during this time as the visibility has the potential to be very low due to the nature of rough seas.
Get to Belize if you want to chill out here!
Books to Read While Traveling in Belize
These are some of my favorite travel reads and books set in Belize which you should consider picking up before you begin your backpacking adventure…
- The Backpacker Bible – Get it for free! Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. To inspire and help the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day’ for free!
- Beka Lamb — Subtle yet rich descriptions of culture, society, and family life in Belize adorn Zee Edgell’s beautifully narrated story of a short time in the life of 14-year-old Beka Lamb.
- In Times Like These — Benjamin Travers has been electrocuted. What’s worse, he and his friends have woken up in the past. As the friends search for a way home, they realize they’re not alone. There are other time travelers, and some of them are turning up dead.
- Time Among the Maya — Traveling through Central America’s jungles and mountains, Ronald Wright explores the ancient roots of the Maya, their recent troubles, and prospects for survival. Embracing history, anthropology, politics, and literature.
- Warlords and Maize Men — A handy guide to the various Belezian Mayan sites.
- Lonely Planet Belize — It’s always worth having a Lonely Planet packed away, plenty of useful info on bus routes and where to go.
Belize Packing List
On every adventure, there are six things I never go traveling without:
1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket: I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.
2.Travel Water Bottle: Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. AR bottle are tough, lightweight and maintain the temperature of your beverage – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are. For every AR bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an initiative to reduce plastic in our oceans!
3. Microfibre Towel: It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
4. Headtorch: Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.
5.Hammock: Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking an Active Roots parachute hammock – it’s light, colourful and tough.
6. Toiletry Bag: I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.
For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list.
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Belize Travel Phrases
Lucky for us English speakers, English is the official language of Belize. Garifuna people speak a Spanish/English/Creole. To the ignorant ear Creole sounds like the background chatter from a hit Kingston reggae record.
Keep in mind that more people will speak Spanish as you get closer to the Guatemalan border. Certainly, you can get by with English just fine, but knowing a bit of Spanish will definitely come in handy.
For the Spanish speaking parts of Belize, here are a few helpful travel phrases with English translations for your backpacking Belize adventure:
Hello – Hola
How are you? – Como estas?
Good Morning – Buenos dias
I don’t understand – No entiendo
How Much – Cuánto cuesta?
Stop here – Te detienes aquí
Where Is The Toilet? – Donde esta el bano?
What Is This? – Que es esto?
No plastic bag – Sin bolsa de plastico
No straw please – No paja por favor
No plastic cutlery please – No hay cubiertos de plástico por favor
Sorry – Lo siento
Help! – Ayudame!
Cheers! – Salud!
Dick head! – Cabron!
Apps to Download before Traveling to Belize
Here is a list of helpful apps to download before you travel. Don’t use your precious moments downloading apps while backpacking Belize, prepare before you go!
- Maps.Me – Prone to getting lost or taking that ‘shortcut’ that adds another few hours onto a simple walk? This app is definitely for you. My favourite offline maps app, download your map and route before you venture out to keep you on track while backpacking Belize.
- XE Currency – I used this a lot when backpacking Nicaragua. It is a great help while calculating expenses.
- HIDE.ME – I always have a VPN ready to go on both my phone and laptop, I personally use Hide Me which is one of the fastest and most reliable options out there. This particular VPN allows for up to five connections which is handy for keeping all your devices connected without having to purchase multiple VPN packages.
Safety in Belize
Belize is a paradise but it is not immune to trouble. I personally had a very positive experience backpacking Belize with regards to safety. I never felt like I was in danger at any point during my trip. Overall, Belize is one of the safest countries in Central America.
Being out late, drunk, and alone is a recipe for trouble anywhere in the world. There have been reports of backpackers getting held up on remote sections of beach and in the rough neighborhoods of Belize City late at night, though this is highly uncommon. Odds are you should be just fine. If ever you run into a hold-up situation, give them what they want and don’t resist. Your iPhone and wallet are never worth dying over, ever!
Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road, and check out our separate Belize safety guide for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking Belize.
I strongly recommend traveling with a headlamp whilst in Belize (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good headtorch!) – check out my post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.
Be aware that Belize is home to many species of poisonous spiders, snakes, and other dangerous creatures. Always watch your step when trekking through the jungle. Never stick your hand somewhere you haven’t first seen with your eyes.
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Sex, Drugs, and, Rock ‘N’ Roll in Belize
Belize has long been renowned as one of the party capitals for travelers backpacking Central America. Cocaine is cheap and pretty easy to find if that’s your bag. Booze is cheap and Belezian locals enjoy sinking a few beers in the evening.
The people are friendly, Tinder works a treat to meet up with locals and other backpackers and there are plenty of beach parties, clubs and raves… if you know where to look! Avoid traveling with drugs in Belize, the police sometimes strip search backpackers and never cross an international border carrying drugs. especially to Mexico or Guatemala! That would be stupid!
If you do choose to indulge in heavier partying whilst in Belize, take it easy – cocaine in Belize is strong, cheap and addictive.
Travel Insurance for Belize (2020)
A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads.
I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, offer the widest coverage, and are affordable. Also, this is the only company I know of that lets you buy travel insurance after leaving on a trip.
If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads. Find out why I recommend World Nomads, check out my World Nomads Insurance review.
Getting an estimate from World Nomads is simple – just click the button or image below, fill out the necessary info, and you’re on your way!
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Belize Travel Guide to Getting Around
Arriving in Belize
Before I got to Belize, I was backpacking in Mexico. I found the cheapest flights to Central America are usually into Cancun or Mexico City. Once I was in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, I took a short boat ride and I was in Belize. Alternatively, if you are backpacking all of Central America, you can fly into Panama City or San Jose and travel north to Belize.
It is possible, though not cheap to find a boat leaving Guatemala’s Rio Dulce bound for Belize. There are a handful of live aboard operators running diving trips departing from Rio Dulce, if you’re in the area.
There is an international airport in Belize City, however, it is generally much more expensive to fly into compared to Cancun. Your best bet is to come in from Mexico after enjoying Tulum and the cenotes in the Yucatan.
Entry requirements for Belize
Citizens of most countries do not require a visa to enter Belize. For a full list of countries NOT requiring a visa to enter Belize, check out this article.
How to Travel in Belize
Bus is the main method of transportation in Belize. The buses are comfortable, and I never saw them jam-packed the way I did in Guatemala. Plus they play heady reggae music on the Belizean buses for good measure. Typically the buses are a bit more expensive in Belize than elsewhere in Central America, though the distances are fairly short and convenient.
Ferries run to the Islands daily. Departure times and price do vary so do a bit of research for the latest information before showing up at the dock.
Renting a car is always an option too. If you have a few travel mates to go in on it with you, then renting a car means you will see places in Belize beyond the reach of public transportation.
Hitchhiking in Belize
Hitchhiking is generally easy whilst backpacking Belize. Like in most of Central America, there are lots of mini buses and it’s not so easy to spot taxis on the road, be sure you know if you’re paying or hitching free when you climb in any type of vehicle.
Onwards Travel from Belize
From Belize you can travel overland into Chetumal, Mexico or across towards Flores, Guatemala. Both border crossings are easy and hassle free. You can also travel by boat to Mexico or Rio Dulce, Guatemala, but these options are more expensive.
Belize Backpacking Costs
Whilst I was backpacking Belize, I was spending between $30-40 USD a day, plus extra sometimes for an activity like snorkeling. Be sure to budget enough to go diving or snorkeling at least once! It helped that I was traveling with a friend, so we were able to split up the cost of accommodation as well as get better deals on activities.
Here is a rough breakdown of what you can expect to spend on a daily basis whilst backpacking Belize:
Small basic room for two: $25-35+
Short public bus ride (1 hour or less): $1.50-4
Long distance bus: $10-15
Set meal in a local restaurant: $4-7
Dinner in a western-style restaurant: $10-20+
Meal from a food stall: $4-7
Beer in the shop: $2
Fresh Coconut Water: $2-2.50
Lobster in a restaurant: $10-15
Money in Belize
The national currency of Belize is the Belizean dollar.
There are lots of international ATMS but they can be tough to find once you are outside of the cities and are in more remote areas. It’s advisable to avoid small ATM transactions and get out a bunch of cash at once – just make sure you hide it well. If you need to transfer money internationally, use Transferwise, it’s the fastest and cheapest way to move money around when traveling.
You should always have emergency cash hidden on you – pick up this awesome security belt with its hidden pocket before you travel, it’s perfect for hiding money, a passport photocopy.
GET IT HERE
Top Tips for Broke Backpackers
To keep your spending to an absolute minimum whilst traveling in Belize, I recommend sticking to these basic rules of budget adventuring….
- Camp: With plenty of gorgeous natural places to camp, Belize is an excellent place to take a tent.
- Cook your own food: I took a small gas cooker with me to Belize and cooked a lot of my own meals whilst hitching and camping, I saved a fortune.
- Volunteer: If done properly, volunteering is an excellent way to cut down your costs on the road. I strongly recommend Workaway – you pay just $29 for the year and then have access to literally thousands of projects all around the world where you can help out in exchange for food and board.
- Pack your bible: Learn how to travel the world on $10 a day whilst you get your shit sorted, discover the secrets to long term travel and build an online income.
- Hitchhike: In Belize, it is so so easy to thumb a ride and it is an ace way to keep your transport costs down and instead spend it on smashing experiences. So hitchhike as much as you can when backpacking Belize.
- Pack a travel water bottle and save money every day!
Travel for Free in Belize
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Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.
Internet in Belize
I found there to be surprisingly good internet connections available in Belize. On Caye Caulker for example, it is not the fastest, but you can get it just about everywhere. Most hostels and guesthouses offer free-wifi. I think as time goes on, the internet situation will only continue to improve in Belize.
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Must Try Experiences in Belize
People in Belize
Like in any country, the people can really make the place special. Belize is no different. I found the people in Belize to be a smiling, friendly, chilled-out lot. Most Belizeans are of multiracial descent. About 34% of the population is of mixed Maya and European descent (Mestizo), 35% are Kriols, about 10.6% are Maya, and about 6.1% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna).
Expect to be met with a warm welcome and big smiles. Also, on the beach, expect to be asked if you want to buy weed.
Food in Belize
In addition to being super friendly, the people of Belize like to eat well, and their food culture reflects that. Locals eat a lot of variations of rice, beans, and seafood with coconut mixed into everything. Seafood is an obvious specialty on the coast. The type of cuisine greatly depends on the ethnic demographic of the region you are visiting. Each ethnic group has their own delicious specialties.
- Tamales: A typical Mayan food. Delicious corn pockets usually fixed with chicken or fish. Served with pickled onions on the side.
- Coconut Everything: Coconut pie and tarts, and coconut crust (the grated coconut is sweetened with sugar and baked in a flour crust folded over like a patty), tablata, which is the grated coconut meat mixed with thin ginger slices, and sugar and water baked and cut into squares.
- Lobster: I’ll say it again. Eat some lobster!
- Casava Bread: To make it requires an ancient and time-consuming process involving a long, snake-like woven basket (ruguma) which strains the casava of its juice. It is then dried overnight and later sieved through flat rounded baskets (hibise) to form flour that is baked into pancakes on a large iron griddle.
- Johnny Cakes and Fry Jacks: Both the jacks and Johnny cakes are made from flour, but while the jacks are flattened and fried, the Johnny cakes are round fluffy savory biscuits, often topped by butter or a slice of cheese. I think I ate at least one Johnny Cake everyday I was in Belize.
A typical Belezian lunch.
Trekking in Belize
Do you enjoy stunning jungles filled with abundant colorful wildlife? Birds of paradise and fern forests? As a nation bursting with natural beauty, you must absolutely make time to tackle a few epic treks! Belize has amazing national parks and reserves filled with hiking trails. Here I have listed a few of my personal favorites.
I did not personally do any multi-day treks in Belize, but, if you have the right gear, anything is possible.
- Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve: This large forest reserve has an excellent network of well-maintained trails. The Cockscomb Basin Forest Reserve – in addition to being the only dedicated reserve designed to protect the endangered jaguar – is also home to a beautiful array of tropical flora and fauna.
- Guanacaste National Park: This park might be small but it really packs in a lot. The gentle trails and easy accessibility here make this an excellent choice for an introduction to tropical forests.
- Tiger Fern Trail: This perfect few-hour day hike brings you through some pristine jungle, ending at some waterfalls.
You probably won’t see one, but jaguar do live in the Cockscomb Basin Reserve! | source: CharlesJSharp (Wikicommons)
Scuba Diving in Belize
For some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean, Belize has got you covered. There really are so many dive sites to choose from, I recommend starting with the Great Blue Hole. If you still have some more cash in your budget, you will have no problem finding more mind-blowing sites to go for a dive!
Usually, dive shops will offer you a discount if they know you are planning to do multiple dives with them.
Scuba Dive Belize on a Liveaboard Trip
If you love scuba diving, why not take your love for exploring the under water world to the next level with a Liveaboard trip in Belize?
On a Liveaboard trip, you actually stay on the boat for a week or more. You basically only stop diving to eat, sleep, and snap photos of ridiculous sunsets.
A Liveaboard trip is also a great way to pack in many dives at a bunch of different locations. Because of the longer timeframe you get to experience dive sites the average dive shops don’t got to in addition to eating great food and socializing with fellow dive hounds.
A Liveaboard trip in Belize is a sure fire way to get your fix of scuba diving and then some!
The sea is brimming with colorful life in Belize.
Festivals in Belize
There is always a good reason to get down in Belize. Here is a list of a few interesting festivals happening throughout the country every year. Something to note is that there is always some form of live music to be heard most weekends, especially on the coast.
- Easter–Lent, Carnival, and Semana Santa: Belize is no different from other Latin American countries, and Easter is a huge deal. Easter weekend is an extremely festive and colorful celebration. Benque Viejo del Carmen is a particularly devout city, and holds a weeklong party from Palm Sunday to Good Friday.
- Mango Festival in Hopkins: Love mango? Me too. If you’re in the Hopkins area in June, then you will feasting and celebrating with Mango until your heart’s content.
- Belize City Carnival: Wild floats crowd the streets during Belize City’s Carnival. This festival is the largest demonstration of Caribbean spirit in Belize. This festival takes place in September.
- International Costa Maya Festival: Originally a celebration of Maya heritage from around the region, the International Costa Maya Festival is now one of the biggest festivals of the year. Held in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye in August, the International Costa Maya Festival has top musical acts, plenty of delicious food and drinks, and a beauty pageant.
Mang Festival? Fuck yes!
Brief History of Belize
Belize was a commonwealth country of the United Kingdom for many years. Independence came to Belize on 21 September 1981 after the Belize Act of 1981, without reaching an agreement with Guatemala regarding land border disputes.
Over the course of the last 60 years, there have been numerous disagreements between Belize and Guatemala over land borders. A last attempt was made to reach an agreement with Guatemala prior to the independence of Belize. The Belizean representatives to the talks made no concessions, and a proposal, called the Heads of Agreement, was initialed on 11 March 1981.
However, when ultraright political forces in Guatemala labeled the proponents as sellouts, the Guatemalan government refused to ratify the agreement and withdrew from the negotiations. Meanwhile, the opposition in Belize engaged in violent demonstrations against the Heads of Agreement. A state of emergency was declared. However, the opposition could offer no real alternatives. With the prospect of independence celebrations in the offing, the opposition’s morale fell.
Mayan Women Fishing at the turn of the 20th century. | source: Thomas William Francis Gann (Wikicommons)
Belize/Guatemala Territorial Agreement
In December 2008, Belize and Guatemala signed an agreement to submit the territorial differences to the International Court of Justice, after referendums in both countries (which have not taken place as of December 2013). Notably, both Guatemala and Belize are participating in the confidence-building measures approved by the OAS, including the Guatemala-Belize Language Exchange Project.
Since independence, a British garrison has been retained in Belize at the request of the Belizean government.
Today, Belize is a peaceful Caribbean nation with a multi-cultural society. Though parts of Belize are affected by poverty and unemployment, I am optimistic that Belize will continue to progress towards a better quality of life for its citizens.
Final Thoughts on Belize
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags (don’t forget your snorkeling gear) and book the tickets! By now, you should know all about Belize and what you can explore in this beautiful Central American state. But don’t forget – always stay safe and get your travel insurance!
I hope you have enjoyed this Backpacking Belize Travel Guide. You are now ready to get your boots on the ground and experience this magical country for yourself, amigos! Backpacking in Belize is truly a special journey that I hope you greatly enjoy. Your time there will be one for the ages, I am sure.
If you’ve travelled to Belize before, let us know about your experience in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!
Being a Responsible Backpacker in Belize
Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in landfill or in the ocean. Instead, pack a tough travel water bottle.
Go and watch A Plastic Ocean on Netflix – it’ll change how you view the plastic problem in the world; you need to understand what we are up against. If you think it doesn’t matter, get off my fucking site.
Don’t pick up single use plastic bags, you’re a backpacker – take your daypack if you need to go to the shop or run errands.
Bear in mind, that many animal products in countries you travel through will not be ethically farmed and won’t be of the highest quality. I’m a carnivore but when I’m on the road, I only eat chicken. Mass-farming of cows etc leads to the rainforest being cut down – which is obviously a huge problem.
Recently, my gear-venture, Active Roots has started to sell water bottles. For every Active Roots water bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an awesome initiative aimed at educating people on the risk of single use plastic and helping to clean up our oceans. Help save the planet, whether you take an Active Roots bottle or not – TAKE RESPONSIBILITY for your plastic footprint, don’t be a dick.
Need more guidance? – Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.
Avoid eating at fancy gringo-owned restaurants. I don’t care how badly you want that lasagna and red wine. You make a choice with every dollar you spend. Try to spend your money in places where the experience is mutually rewarding.
I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a Grayl Geopress. Refill at your hostel! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!
Backpacking Belize or any country for that matter often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go traveling. Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it.
Want to learn how to travel the world on $10 a day? Check out the Broke Backpacker’s Bible for FREE!
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