Last updated on March 14th, 2024 at 01:42 pm
Cancun vs Belize – While both are perfect vacations and you can’t go wrong with either. Cancun is a city located on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, while Belize is a country located on the eastern coast of Central America.
Both destinations are popular for their warm, tropical climates and beautiful beaches. However, there are some differences between the two. Read here Belize vs Tulum, Caye Caulker vs Ambergris Caye and a comparison Cancun vs Cabo
Comparing Cancun vs Belize
Comparing the two, Cancun is for a party and nightlife-focused beach vacation, while Belize has a lot of activities and underwater beauty to offer.
Cancun is known for its luxury resorts and nightlife and is a popular destination for tourists looking for a more upscale vacation experience. It is also a popular destination for spring breakers. Belize, on the other hand, is known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism. It is a popular destination for adventure seekers, with activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking. Belize also has a rich cultural history, with a blend of Caribbean, Mayan, and British influences.
Ultimately, the choice between Cancun and Belize will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a vacation destination.
Related Cancun and Belize Travel Guides
- Cancun packing list
- Best Mexico eSim
- Best vegetarian restaurants in Cancun
- Transfer Guide from Cancun airport to Hotel Zone
- Best Prepaid Sim Card for Tourists in Belize
- Best eSIM for Tourists in Belize
- Top Belizean Breakfast to Try
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki
Getting There – Cancun
Flying:
The main airport in Cancun is Cancun International Airport (CUN), which is located just outside of the city. There are direct flights to Cancun from several cities in the U.S., including Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Los Angeles. You can also fly to Cancun from other cities in Mexico and from several countries in Central and South America.
Bus:
If you are traveling within Mexico, you can take a bus to Cancun from several cities in the country. There are several bus companies that operate routes to Cancun, and you can usually find tickets at reasonable prices.
Driving:
Cancun is located on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and it is possible to drive to the city from other parts of Mexico or from the U.S. However, it is a long journey and may not be practical for most travelers.
Getting There – Belize
Belize is a small country located in Central America, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular tourist destination and is easy to reach from many major cities in the United States and Europe. Here are a few options for getting to Belize:
Fly: The easiest and most convenient way to get to Belize is to fly. The country has an international airport (Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport) that is serviced by several major airlines. There are direct flights available from many major cities in the United States, as well as several cities in Europe and South America.
Cruise: Another option for getting to Belize is to take a cruise. Several major cruise lines offer itineraries that include a stop in Belize. This can be a convenient and budget-friendly way to visit the country.
Drive: If you are coming from Mexico or Guatemala, it is possible to drive to Belize. Keep in mind that the roads in Belize can be rough and it is a good idea to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Things to Do – Cancun vs Belize
Top Things to do in Cancun
Cancun is a popular vacation destination in Mexico known for its beautiful beaches and warm, tropical climate. There are many things to do in Cancun, including:
Visit the beach: Cancun is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal-clear water and soft, white sands.
Explore the Mayan ruins
Cancun is located near a number of ancient Mayan ruins, including Tulum and Chichen Itza, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving
Cancun is home to the world’s second-largest coral reef, making it a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Go on a boat tour
There are many boat tours available in Cancun, ranging from sightseeing tours to fishing charters.
Visit Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island located just off the coast of Cancun. It is a popular day trip destination, with beautiful beaches and a charming, laid-back atmosphere.
Go shopping
Cancun is home to a number of shopping centers, markets, and boutiques, where you can find souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Visit a theme park
Cancun is home to a number of theme parks, including Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Xplor, which offer a variety of activities such as snorkeling, zip lining, and swimming with dolphins.
Top Things To Do in Belize
Belize is a small country located on the eastern coast of Central America known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism opportunities. Here are some top things to do in Belize:
Visit the beaches
Belize is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear water and soft, white sands.
Explore the Mayan ruins – Belize vs Cancun
Belize is home to a number of ancient Mayan ruins, including Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich, which offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history.
Go snorkeling or diving
Belize is home to the world’s second-largest coral reef, making it a great destination for snorkeling and diving.
Visit the Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo is home to a variety of native Belizean animals, including jaguars, tapirs, and toucans.
Go hiking or cave tubing
Belize has a number of national parks and protected areas, making it a great destination for hikers and nature lovers. Cave tubing, where you float through underground caves on an inner tube, is also a popular activity.
Visit the capital city, Belmopan
Belmopan is the capital city of Belize and offers a more authentic, local experience. It is a small and laid-back city, with a number of cultural attractions such as the Belize Botanic Gardens and the Belize National Museum.
Go fishing
Belize is known for its excellent fishing, with a number of charters available for deep-sea and fly fishing.
Why is Belize better than Cancun?
It is not necessarily accurate to say that one destination is “better” than the other, as both Cancun and Belize have their own unique qualities and attractions that make them appealing to different types of travelers. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a vacation destination.
That being said, some people may prefer Belize over Cancun due to its natural beauty and eco-tourism opportunities. Belize is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef, which makes it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. It also has a number of national parks and protected areas, making it a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Belize has a rich cultural history, with a blend of Caribbean, Mayan, and British influences.
On the other hand, Cancun is known for its luxury resorts and nightlife and is a popular destination for tourists looking for a more upscale vacation experience. It is also a popular destination for spring breakers.
Ultimately, the choice between Cancun and Belize will depend on your personal preferences and what you are looking for in a vacation destination.
How much is One Week in Cancun for One person – Cancun vs Belize
The cost of a week-long trip to Cancun for one person will depend on a number of factors, including the time of year you are traveling, your accommodation, transportation, and activities.
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500 or more for a week-long trip to Cancun, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some estimates for the various costs you may incur during your trip:
Accommodation
Prices for accommodation in Cancun can vary widely, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $300 or more per night for a hotel room or vacation rental.
Transportation
Cancun has an international airport, and you can find flights from many major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Prices for flights will vary depending on your origin city and the time of year you are traveling. Once you arrive in Cancun, you can get around by taxi or bus.
Activities
Cancun has a number of activities to choose from, ranging from sightseeing tours to water sports. Prices will vary depending on the activity, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 or more.
Click here to book online Belize activities and day trips
Food and drinks
Prices for food and drinks in Cancun can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 or more for a meal at a restaurant.
Overall, it is a good idea to set a budget in advance and plan your trip accordingly. This will help you have a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation.
How much is One week in Belize for One person – Belize vs Cancun
The cost of a week-long trip to Belize for one person will depend on a number of factors, including the time of year you are traveling, your accommodation, transportation, and activities.
In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $2,500 or more for a week-long trip to Belize, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some estimates for the various costs you may incur during your trip:
Accommodation
Prices for accommodation in Belize can vary widely, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $300 or more per night for a hotel room or vacation rental.
Transportation
Belize has an international airport, and you can find flights from many major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Prices for flights will vary depending on your origin city and the time of year you are traveling. Once you arrive in Belize, you can get around by taxi or bus.
Activities
Belize has a number of activities to choose from, ranging from sightseeing tours to water sports. Prices will vary depending on the activity, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $100 or more.
Click here to book online Cancun activities and day tours
Food and drinks
Prices for food and drinks in Belize can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $50 or more for a meal at a restaurant.
Overall, it is a good idea to set a budget in advance and plan your trip accordingly. This will help you have a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation.
Where to Stay – Cancun vs Belize
Top hotels in Cancun
Cancun is home to a number of hotels, ranging from budget accommodations to luxury resorts. Here are some top hotels in Cancun:
Grand Velas Riviera Maya: A luxury all-inclusive resort located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun: A luxury resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun: An adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun: A luxury, all-inclusive resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
The Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres: A luxury, all-inclusive resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun: A luxury resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Hyatt Zilara Cancun: An adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort: A luxury resort located on the beach, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
These are just a few examples, and there are many other hotels to choose from in Cancun depending on your preferences and budget.
Top hotels in Belize
Belize is home to a number of hotels, ranging from budget accommodations to luxury resorts. Here are some top hotels in Belize:
Chabil Mar Villas: A luxury resort located in Placencia, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
The Phoenix Resort: A luxury resort located in San Pedro, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
The Placencia Hotel: A luxury resort located in Placencia, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Coco Beach Resort: A luxury resort located in San Pedro, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Victoria House Resort & Spa: A luxury resort located in San Pedro, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek: A luxury eco-resort located in San Ignacio, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Belizean Dreams Resort: A luxury resort located in Hopkins, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
Ka’ana Boutique Resort: A luxury resort located in San Ignacio, featuring a spa, fitness center, and multiple pools.
These are just a few examples, and there are many other hotels to choose from in Belize depending on your preferences and budget.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN BELIZE
Best Time to Visit – Belize vs Cancun
Best Time to Visit Cancun
There is 2 seasons dry and wet season. The rainy season starts in May. The best time to visit Mexico is from the months of November to April because it is the months of the dry season. However, lots of tourists prefer to travel from January to March since it’s not peak season but it can be rainy for a few days.
Click here to know more about the weather in Cancun
Best Time to Visit Belize
Belize has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather year-round. The country has two main seasons: a dry season that lasts from November to May, and a rainy season that lasts from June to October.
The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Belize, as the weather is relatively dry and sunny, and there is less chance of disruptions due to storms. During this time, the average temperature is around 80°F (27°C) during the day and 70°F (21°C) at night.
The rainy season is also a good time to visit Belize, as the country is lush and green during this time, and the rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day long. However, it is important to be prepared for rain and to pack a rain jacket or umbrella. During this time, the average temperature is around 85°F (29°C) during the day and 75°F (24°C) at night.
If you are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the Maya ruins, the dry season is probably the best time to go. If you prefer to relax on the beach or enjoy the lush vegetation, the rainy season may be a good time to visit.
Click here to know more about the weather in Belize
Our Verdict – Belize vs Cancun
It would be a dream to visit both Cancun and Belize, and we absolutely urge you to see them both, even on two separate trips. You can’t go wrong with either. And while both offer incredible blue beaches, Cancun is touristy and focused on parties, luxuries, and casinos while Belize offers a lot of nature and varied activities. For this comparison, Belize is the winner for us!
Let us know which one you chose and see you in our next comparison guide!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.