It says that incidental costs are covered. Is that enough to live from? Or would it be better to have saved some money before?

BECA provides free housing and also provides breakfast and lunch at no cost each school day. Some dinners during the week are communal and BECA covers the cost of these as well. For meals on the weekend and dinner during the week, BECA pays volunteers a small stipend so they can purchase food. The food stipend is enough to buy the basic makings of a meal at the local market or grocery store, but nothing really beyond that. If you want to go out to a restaurant or cook a fancier meal, you will probably end up paying out of pocket.

BECA does not cover health care, but health care is very inexpensive in Honduras compared to the US. There are plenty of local clinics, and I was able to see a doctor for less than $5 any time I was sick. Medicine (including prescriptions) never cost me more than a few dollars either. I never looked into purchasing health insurance in Honduras, since medical costs were already so low, it was simpler to just pay out of pocket whenever I got sick.

BECA also does not cover the cost of any recreational activities you may want to do during your free time (movies, trips to the city, travelling/tourism on long weekends, etc.) This is also comparatively inexpensive as compared to the US.

So, to answer your question, it is possible to live off only what BECA provides you. If you would like to travel and enjoy some fun activities during your time off, it is best to have some money saved up. Honduras is a country rich in history and culture, so if possible, I would recommend having some money saved so you can explore it during your free time.

I’d say that it would be good to have money saved if you’d like to travel on school breaks. The stipend is enough to live day to day, but making the most of living in Central America will require a bit of savings.