Backpackers are often scared away from Belize because it's been labeled as expensive. But, it's still possible to travel cheaply with if you know where to stay.
While Belize is more expensive than neighboring countries, it is possible to travel on a budget and still go visit both the reef and jungle.
Having backpacked my own country and other foreign hostels, I'd like to think I know what solo travelers prioritize which is cleanliness, location and vibe.
Tips for choosing a hostel in Belize
- During the dry season (hot), consider prioritizing a spot with air con.
- Bugs crawl out during rainy season so be prepared to deal with them.
- Not all hostels will be listed on HostelWorld or Booking websites.
- Consider a shared private room with a travel partner for maximum savings.
- Car rental is expensive in Belize so choose a place close to the center.
- A helpful hostel owner and their staff can drastically improve your stay.
These are the best hostels in every town/city (🏆 = top picks)
Orange Walk
Casa Ricky's
- $14.00 USD
- Orange Walk
- 4-Bed Mixed Dorm
- Private Room Shared Bath
This hostel has relaxed, friendly and clean. It's 3 minutes away from the bus terminal by foot, offers free laundry and free coffee. The only downside is that the wifi is weak and the beds can be uncomfortable.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, shared Kitchen, free drinking water, free towels
El Gran Mestizo
- $60.00 USD
- Orange Walk
- 3-Bed Mixed Dorm
This spot is local, relaxing and natural. While there are mainly cabins here, they offer a backpacker dorm room suitable for groups of 3 at an affordable rate. It's beside the local river, has access to a pool and they offer rides to town center.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, security lockers, cable TV, free bicycles, free canoes
Belize City
Red Hut Inn
- $30.00 USD
- Belize City
- 8-Bed Mixed Dorm
- Private Room Shared Bath
This establishment is clean, safe and comfortable. It’s located in the north of Belize City which is safer than the south. There’s a large supermarket called Brodies that has a deli inside which is perfect for local breakfast and lunch dishes.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, air conditioning
Las Palmeras Guest House
- $30.00 USD
- Belize City
- 8-Bed Mixed Dorm
- Private Room
This guest house is clean, simple and comfortable. It's located in the south of the city close to the main bus terminal. While this area is considered a gang zone, it’s quiet during the day.
🛎️ Amenities: Free parking, free towels
San Ignacio
Yellow Belly Backpackers
- $16.00 USD
- San Ignacio
- 8-Bed Mixed Dorm (Fan)
- 6-Bed Mixed Dorm (AC)
- Private Room
This hostel is clean, comfortable and spacious. It is 10 minutes away (by foot) from a popular Mayan Ruin - Cahal Pech. It is the only hostel with breakfast included. While it has lots of local street food around, it is far from downtown center.
Read more in My Honest Review of Yellow Belly Backpackers.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, breakfast included, free drinking water, shared kitchen, co-working space, air conditioning
D's Hostel
- $15.00 USD
- San Ignacio
- 6-Bed Mixed Dorm (Fan)
- Private Room (AC)
This hostel is quiet, clean and simple. The site is about 7 minutes away (by foot) from the center of town. There is a popular cafe/restaurant called Guava Limb in front of the hostel.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, shared kitchen, communal space, security lockers, air conditioning
The Old House Hostel
- $15.00 USD
- San Ignacio
- 8-Bed Mixed Dorm (Fan)
- Private Room (Fan)
This hostel is chill, centric and simple. It’s a block away from the town center and the owners young and laid back. The only downside and in certain cases upside is that there is loud music on Wednesday & Friday nights - due to a local bar called Soul Project located downstairs.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, shared kitchen, balcony communal space, security lockers, free towels
Bella's Backpackers (SI)
- $12.00 USD
- San Ignacio
- 11-Bed Mixed Dorm
- Private Room Shared Bath
This hostel is chill, centric and simple. It’s a block away from the town center and the owners young and laid back. The only downside and in certain cases upside is that there is loud music on Wednesday & Friday nights - due to a local bar called Soul Project located downstairs.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, shared kitchen, balcony communal space, security lockers, free towels
Hopkins
Funky Dodo
- $16.00 USD
- Hopkins
- 4-Bed Mixed Dorm (Fan)
- Private Room
This hostel is centric, chill and comfortable. It happens to be the only hostel in Hopkins but at least it’s close the village center. The only downside is that the beds might not be that comfortable.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, shared kitchen, free towels, outdoor communal space
Placencia
Anda Di Hows
- $16.00 USD
- Placencia
- Mixed Dorm
This hostel is clean, cozy and centric. It is the only hostel in the beachside and in the village center. Unfortunately there is no air conditioning at this hostel.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, shared kitchen, beachfront, free kayak
Royal Rat
- $15.00 USD
- Placencia
- Mixed Room (Fan)
- Private Room Shared Bath
This hostel is tidy, quiet and new. It has a pool which is a unique amenity. The two downsides include being far from the village center meaning you’ll have to hitchhike or take a taxi which is a 10 minutes drive.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, security lockers, swimming pool, free bikes
Lydia’s Guesthouse
- $35.00 USD
- Placencia
- Private Room Shared Bath
This guest house is clean, centric and comfortable. It’s perfectly located close a beach and near restaurants, cafes and bars.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, outdoor communal terrace, free towels
Caye Caulker
Travellers Palm Hostel
- $15.00 USD
- Caye Caulker
- 8-Bed Mixed Dorm (Fan)
- 4-Bed Mixed Dorm (AC)
- Private Room
This hostel is chill, clean and scenic. It has the most scenic rooftop kitchen views and a friendly staff. The only downside is that it’s not available on popular booking sites to prebook.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free drinking water, security lockers, air conditioning, rooftop communal space
Go Slow Hostel
- $23.00 USD
- Caye Caulker
- 8-Bed Mixed Dorm
This hostel is chill, simple and clean. It’s 5 minutes away from the famous “Split” swimming area (by foot). This hostel does not provide free drinking water unfortunately.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, security lockers, free kayaks, shared kitchen, outdoor communal space, air conditioning
Bella's Backpackers (CC)
- $17.00 USD
- Caye Caulker
- 4-Bed Mixed Dorm
- Private Room Shared Bath
The hostel is centric, social and basic. In general, the hostel is rundown and gravitates toward being a party/social hostel. Sadly there are random water outages, bad wifi and the rooms are not well ventilated.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, security lockers, free canoes, air conditioning
San Pedro
Sandbar Beachfront
- $16.00 USD
- San Pedro
- 12-Bed Mixed Dorm
- Private Room
This hostel is clean, affordable and unique. It’s the best bang for your buck with a pool and 24/7 Air Con. The water taxi is 10 minutes away by foot. The only downside is not being social hostel.
🛎️ Amenities: Wifi, free parking, free drinking water, shared kitchen, free towels, swimming pool, free paddle board, communal space, security lockers, air conditioning
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
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