Central America

Backpacking Belize

Belize is an English-speaking Caribbean country where backpackers combine island time on Caye Caulker with Maya sites, caves and rainforest around San Ignacio.

Hostel destinations in Belize

Vibrant riverside houses surrounded by palm trees and greenery under a blue sky.

San Ignacio

Western Belize’s adventure base for Maya sites, caves and rivers

Hostels and backpacking in Belize

Belize is small, but its geography is varied: a barrier reef and cayes along the coast, rainforest and Maya ruins inland, and Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo and Mennonite communities across the country. English is the official language, which makes it a gentle first stop for many travellers coming from or heading to Guatemala and Mexico.

Most hostels are on Caye Caulker, a car-free island with sandy streets, and around San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border, where tours to caves and ruins are common. Dorms tend to be small and relaxed, and desks arrange snorkelling and inland trips. Shared kitchens are common and useful for longer stays.

Practical notes

The currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the US dollar at two to one. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but check which currency a price is quoted in.
Water taxis link Belize City with Caye Caulker, and long-distance buses run along the main highways to San Ignacio and the border with Guatemala. Domestic flights serve some of the cayes and southern towns.
Many tours need booking in advance, and some run only on certain days or in certain weather. Confirm details with your hostel desk.
Mobile coverage is good in towns and on the main islands and patchier inland. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are available, and most hostels offer Wi-Fi.

Currency: BZD. Entry rules change: check official entry requirements and your own government’s advice. Official tourism site. Reviewed 8 November 2026.