Budget traveling, Belize?

I'm heading to Belize with my girlfriend soon. We'll be there for nine days and plan on staying on Caye Corker. We're planning on snorkeling, checking out Mayan Ruins on the mainland and venturing to other islands for day trips. We're concerned with budgeting issues as we've planned on taking nearly 1000 dollars each and splitting all costs evenly. We've heard that cash is about the only payment accepted most places and that credit cards aren't! My question is that will 2000 between the two of us be enough to cover our expenses? We're planning on living modestly, hopefully under 30 a night and not splurging on unnecessary amenities. Are there hidden costs not mentioned in in the travel books? Has anyone done this similar thing? any help is GREATLY appreciated.

A few thoughts - my wife, family, and I moved down to Belize about two years ago. We have been to many places on the mainland, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, etc. First, in most places that you plan to travel there are inexpensive ways to doing things or places to stay so your goal of spending under $30 a night is possible but the place that you stay at may not be high quality. In terms of tours you can hire someone to take you around or you can do the research and find the way yourself. For example, in terms of the Mayan tours, the cheapest way to see them is to arrange for transportation to the ruin yourself and then hire a freelance guide working near the ruin. Most of the freelance guides are very good and can save you a good deal of money. Finally, everywhere we have gone people usually accept credit cards. I have even gotten cash advances while down here.

In any case, take care and good luck.

Credit cards are accepted in the expensive, moderate and inexpensive sleeping accommodations.

Shirley's Guest House (moderate) 50-80 dollars. shared or private bath.
http://shirleysguesthouse.com

Tina's Backpacker's Hostel (226-0351)
tinasbackpackershostel@yahoo.com

http://www.auxilloubeachsuites.com/tinashome.html


I'm sure the hostel will be the cheapest.

I would bring my credit card for backup and my ATM card.

That is too much cash to be carrying.

here is a website with lots of info and tips.

http://www.cayecaulker.org/

Enjoy and have a great trip. Belize is on my short list of next trips.)

Nine days on Caye Caulker? Too long for me. I stayed three days and it was enough time. Not much to do on Caye Caulker. Nice place to relax for a few days. We traveled around and stayed in San Igancio. Great little inland town and everything was reasonable. Stayed at a wonderful place called Martha's Guest House. Very comfortable for about $ 50-60 night. Nice location to explore Mayan ruins and go to Guatemala. Also stayed in Belize City for a few nights before leaving the country. Don't spend your entire time on Caye Caulker. Seriously check out the link for Martha's Guest House. San Ignacio was the best location we stayed. You can travel around the country on public buses which are so inexpensive and quite an adventure! A few dollars to travel to different parts of the country. $1000 each will be plenty! Have fun!