While Central America has long been a hotspot for budget travelers, Belize has only recently started catering to the backpacking community.
See: How much does Belize travel cost?
Despite being a latecomer to the game, the country is quickly making up for lost time. Over the past few years, an increasing number of hostels and affordable guesthouses have opened their doors across Belize, offering budget-conscious travelers new and exciting options.
5 of the Best Hostels in Belize
Belize’s backpacking scene is evolving, with new budget-friendly locations emerging beyond the traditional hubs. While Caye Caulker remains a favorite, hostels in other regions, including Ambergris Caye, San Ignacio, and Hopkins, are now offering great options for budget travelers looking to explore the country from coast to jungle.
1. Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant

Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most popular destination and has consecutively been rated the best island in the world by TripAdvisor members. The island has limited budget accommodation options, therefore, Sandbar Beachfront Hostel, with its nice vibe, friendly staff, and great beach location has quickly become popular with backpackers and locals. San Pedro is great for travelers looking for good nightlife and it’s heaven on earth for foodies since it has the best restaurants in Belize.
2. Bella’s Backpackers Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a backpackers’ paradise with its Caribbean colors and laidback vibe. The island is famous for rastas, fresh seafood, the Split, and snorkeling adventures. Yumas House used to be known as Tina’s Backpackers but it was sold and renamed by the new ownership. I’m not a hundred percent certain but I think it is the first hostel in Caye Caulker.
3. The Old House Hostel

Also located in San Ignacio, The Old House is an awesome new addition to budget accommodations in my hometown. An old British colonial building was left with its unique character and my friend Davina added some of her cool eccentric art. The location is very central and the bottom floor hosts a cultural art space that once in a while hosts musical artists from across Belize.
4. Bella’s Backpackers Cayo

San Ignacio is known as the hub for jungle adventures in the Cayo district and choosing to stay at a hostel is a great way to save money so that you can spend your money on tours! Bella’s Backpackers is rated as a top place to stay and it is smack in the center of downtown and near one of my favorite restaurants: Ervas!
5. The Funky Dodo Hostel

Hopkins is a quiet Garifuna village that is a must-visit for anyone who wants to have a unique cultural experience in Belize. You will enjoy learning their history, eating their food and taking drumming lessons. The Funky Dodo hostel is located right in the center of the village, close to the beach and has a nice treetop bar and restaurant.
If you’re not into cheap accommodations and hostels – here’s an updated list of the best luxury Belize hotels and Belize resorts and Belize jungle lodges.






Belize looks like a very good place to relax and enjoy the jungle and beaches, but it seems like it has not been successful in marketing itself? Nevertheless, your blog is an eye opener, thanks!
I wonder why Toledo doesn't have a hostel..
Good stuff Lou. Bless.
Lou,
Next time consider Lower Dover in your hostel rankings. We are listed as #1 specialty lodge in Western Belize by trip adviser. You can book your dorm bed via Hostelworld.com For less than $20usd per person, just outside your dorm room you’ll explore deep jungle, on site Maya ruins (larger than Cahal Pech), clear streams for swimming, close to ATM Cave and accessible by public bus. This week, jaguargundi jungle cats were seen on our free medicinal jungle trails.
Please come visit.
Madeline Reynolds
Director
Lower Dover Field Station & Eco Jungle Lodge