Where is Better in Belize EcoVillage located?
Our Belize community is located 10 ½ miles south-east of the village of Benque Viejo del Carmen in the Cayo District in Western Belize. We are situated in the foothills of the Maya Mountains on the shores of Vaca Lake which forms part of the Macal River waterway.
How Do I Reserve My Lot At Better In Belize Eco-Community?
You Can Reserve Your Lot Today With A $500US refundable deposit secures your lot for 30 days or until you visit Better in Belize, in person, whichever comes first. In addition to the deposit, we require your full name/s (as per your passport/s), address, email address and contact telephone numbers to reserve your lot. You can cancel your contract with Better in Belize within this 30-day period and receive a refund (less wiring fees). You can also decide to proceed with your lot purchase. All transactions are in US $ (US Dollars). For further information, please feel free to email us.
How Big Are The Lots At Better In Belize Eco-Community?
Lots range in size from ¼ acre to 1.7 acres. There is a minimum 10-foot setback from the borders of the lot. On most lots, there will be ample space for your residence, garage/workshop, organic gardens, fruit trees, etc.
What Lots are Available for Sale at Better in Belize EcoVillage?
We have Waterfront Lots; Ridge View Lots; Hill Top Lots; Rainforest Lots; Mayan Circle Lots; Multi-Unit Lots; and Commercial Lots.
What Are The Prices Of The Lots At The Better In Belize Ecovillage?
Lot prices currently range from $19,000US (for residential lots) to $99,000US (for commercial lots). Prices and availability are subject to change without notice — see our Lot Prices page for live availability.
Do I Own The Property?
Yes. You gain full title to your land. We offer fee simple ownership with fully titled lots.
Do You Have Internet Connectivity at Your Belize EcoVillage?
Yes, there is high-speed internet available.
How Do I Get To Better In Belize EcoVillage?
Better In Belize is located in the spectacular Cayo District of Belize, 45 minutes from San Ignacio. Head to San Ignacio, the Capital Of Cayo. Upon leaving San Ignacio, continue on the George Price Highway [formerly the Western Highway] until you reach Benque Viejo Del Carmen. Arriving in Benque, take the first left which is a paved street; after the right bend, the road splits into a boulevard road. Turn left at the store “Long Lucky Supermarket”. You are now headed south along Mollejon Road which is also known as Arenal Road, Hydro Road and the Benque Road, just to totally confuse first-timers! From here, you go 10.5 miles along this road. Look for a big, flat rock with a driveway sign on the left side saying “BETTER IN BELIZE ECO VILLAGE”. Note that this is the same road that you would take to go to the Mollejon Dam which is just ½-mile past Better In Belize.
Are There Any Commercial Lots Available At Better In Belize Ecovillage?
Yes, we have commercial lots available. Better In Belize is looking for talented, creative entrepreneurs who are eager to start a business in our community. Commercial enterprises and business opportunities that we would welcome at our ever-evolving Belize EcoVillage include restaurant, entertainment, retail, spa, and eco tours and activities.
What is The Closest School to Better in Belize EcoVillage?
There are schools in Benque Viejo del Carmen. A school bus picks kids up at our gates in the morning and drops them back at the end of the school day.
Where are the Closest Medical Facilities to your Belize EcoVillage?
The closest medical clinics are in Benque Viejo – Mount Carmel Clinic & Pharmacy and the Mopan Clinic.
Are There Any Good Dentists in Cayo?
Yes, there are good dentists in San Ignacio.
Are There Interesting Attractions and Things To Do Close to Better in Belize?
Yes, Cayo is the most interesting and diversified area of Belize. We have compiled a list of 125+ attractions within 1 ½ hours of our Belize EcoVillage… and the list is growing daily. If you are planning on visiting our Belize EcoVillage, we’d be happy to send you the list. Email us.
Can I build a duplex at Better in Belize EcoVillage?
Yes, our multi-unit lots allow up to 6 units or cabins on the lot.
Are There Lot Use Restrictions At BIB?
Yes. This is an off-grid community in Belize and there are certain guidelines that must be followed. There are construction, building footprint, and basic construction design guidelines that are in force. For more info, email us and request a copy of our “eco-guidelines”.
Are there height Restrictions On Building At Better In Belize Eco-Community?
The height of any residential or commercial dwelling is not to be more than a basement (which must have 30% of the walls below grade) and two stories.
Once I Buy My Lot, How Do I Proceed With Building?
You can work with local builders to design and build your Belize home. You can also furnish construction plans from an architecture or design firm of your choice. Alternately choose one of the designs that we offer. The Ecological Advisory Board (EAB) Of Better In Belize needs to approve all construction plans. While some purchasers may opt for more traditional eco-friendly house designs, this is your opportunity to dream green. If you have ever dreamed of living in a yurt, earth bag home, tree house or dome home, here’s your chance to create your dream home at Better In Belize EcoVillage.
Do You Provide Construction Services?
There are on-site design and construction teams that you can contract or you can contract your own contractors.
What does it cost to build a home at Better In Belize?
This ranges from $100.00US per square foot depending on the level and quality of accessories and finishing work you require. You can build a small 2-bedroom house, constructed mostly from cement and local materials for a lot cheaper than a house with hand-crafted, higher end finishes and accessories. You’ll want to include plenty of outdoor living spaces – balconies, patios and large, covered decks – to capitalize on the tropical weather.
What Are Some Of The Local Building Materials That Can Be Sourced For Construction?
Granite, tropical woods such as Mahogany, Santa Maria, Caribbean Pine, Cohune Palm, Bamboo, Cabbage Bark and Sapodilla.
What Are The Options For Water Supply?
We use cisterns with rainwater catchment. You can also drill a well.
How Is Hydro Generated?
Solar Energy! Our Belize EcoVillage is off-grid.
What is the Closest Community to Better in Belize EcoVillage?
The village of Benque Viejo del Carmen – known locally as Benque – is located 10 ½ miles from our Belize EcoVillage. Benque provides plenty of amenities including grocery stores, banks, ATM machines, clinics, hair salons, daily market, liquor stores, restaurants, cafés, bars, library, post office, schools, churches, bakeries, museum, football stadium, bus terminal, roadside vendors, hardware stores, etc. Just east of Benque, along the George Price Highway, is the bustling town of San Ignacio, which is the hub of eco-tourism in Belize.
How Often Can I Stay In My Home?
As often and as long as you want. It is your house. There are no residency restrictions insofar as Better In Belize is concerned – as you may find in some Belize resort properties that restrict your length of stay. You do, of course, have to comply with Belize laws regarding residency.
Is This A Timeshare Property?
No. The significant difference is that you are not simply buying time at Better In Belize. You are buying a real asset which you can also either rent or sell. This is not a timeshare property, nor is it leased land.
What Is The Quality Of Construction And Furnishings?
While Better in Belize is eco-oriented, we are also dedicated to providing quality and comfort surrounded by beauty and nature. We utilize many eco-friendly home décor ideas that are stylish, yet good for the environment.
Are Owners’ Guests Allowed To Stay?
Yes, of course. You own your home and have the freedom to have guests visit and stay.
Can I Bring Pets?
Yes. Domestic dogs and cats are allowed, but must have current rabies vaccinations. All pets must be leashed when outside.
Can I Rent My Home?
Yes. There is a great rental market for homes in Belize and, specifically, at Better in Belize EcoVillage. Once you are licensed with the Belize Tourism Board you are able to rent your home.
Are Concierge Services Available To The Owners?
This is not a Belize resort – it is an EcoVillage in Belize. We do not provide concierge services to owners or their guests. We do have caretakers on site who are available to address any questions you may have.
If I Rent My Home, Do Guests Have Owner Privileges?
Yes, they do – no additional fees are charged to guests for the privilege of staying in the community. Additional charges would apply should they opt to go on tours or engage in activities beyond the scope of simply enjoying the beauty of our Belize rainforest community.
How Do I Maintain My Home If I Will Not Be Living At Better In Belize Full-Time?
There are property management options available to Better in Belize owners.
Is Transportation Available To And From Better In Belize?
We can arrange pick-up at the Belize International Airport through a local Belize taxi driver. Cost varies depending on number of people in your party. Email us for further info. Tell us when you’re arriving and we’ll arrange to have our favourite taxi driver there at the airport to welcome you!
What are Transportation Options to Get from the International Airport to Your EcoVillage?
Ground transportation through taxi pick-up – must be arranged in advance; rent a vehicle; or hop a Tropic Air flight from the airport to the San Ignacio terminal [CYD], known locally as Maya Flats Airstrip. Maya Flats is located about 40 minutes from our EcoVillage. We can arrange for a taxi to pick you up at Maya Flats, or to have a car rental ready for you. Sometimes, we can arrange to have one of our team pick you up. Ask us!
Can You Provide Vehicle Rental Recommendations?
Absolutely. We can steer you in the right direction for Belize car rentals, accommodations, tours, etc. Discounts, too!
How Close Are You to the Coast?
We are about 2 ½ hours’ driving distance from the coast. However, up to 6 flights depart daily from Maya Flats Airstrip for Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island and home to some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Belize.
Do People Already Live at Better in Belize EcoVillage?
Yes. There are now 30+ homes built at our Belize EcoVillage.
Do I have to Build Right Away if I Buy A Lot?
No. Unlike many other Belize builders, there is no building deadline once you buy your lot. Once you start building, however, we ask that you complete construction within 18 months.
Got More Questions?
Email: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +1 (519) 241-1230