Your Backyard Is a Rainforest. Your Front Door Opens to Adventure.
130 acres of Maya Mountain rainforest on the Macal River and Vaca Lake — where howler monkeys are your morning alarm and the next waterfall is a short walk away.
Book a Discovery Stay Take the Discovery Tour- 130 acresof protected rainforest
- 3 waterfallson the property
- River + lakeMacal River & Vaca Lake
- ~10°F coolerthan nearby towns
Most people visit Belize to see the jungle. At Better in Belize Eco-Community, you live in it. Since 2009, our community has grown quietly inside the Maya Mountains of Cayo District — homes tucked between the trees, trails that lead to swimming holes, and a river that has become our favourite way to explore.
We Share This Land — and We Look After It
The rainforest here isn’t scenery; it’s a neighbour. Every lot keeps a natural buffer of trees, so wildlife moves freely through the community and homes stay hidden in the green.
- Food trees planted for monkeys and habitat improved for toucans
- Water from a protected watershed fed by fresh mountain streams
- Fire lines maintained around the community to protect the forest
- A proud member of the Global Ecovillage Network
Who You Might Meet Along the Way
Wildlife is wild, so no promises — but our residents regularly spot:
Adventures Without Leaving the Community
Pontoon Boat Tour
Cruise the Macal River past jungle-covered hills, stop for a swim, and enjoy a BBQ right on the boat. It’s the best way to see the community — and the highlight of every Discovery Tour.
Three Waterfalls
Follow the trails to three cascading waterfalls on the property. Bring a towel — the cool, fresh water is hard to leave.
Lake & River Days
Kayak, paddleboard, fish or simply float on the freshwater lake. Early mornings on the water are calm, misty and unforgettable.
Jungle Trails
Wander shaded rainforest paths, listen for birdsong, and look up — the canopy is where most of the action happens.
Gardens & Cacao
Walk through organic gardens, fruit trees and cacao trees growing on-site, and meet the local farming families who supply our kitchens.
Starry Nights
Off-grid means no city glow. Cooler evenings, a fire pit with neighbours, and a sky full of stars to end the day.
Cayo District: Belize’s Adventure Capital
With easy access to San Ignacio, some of the country’s best-known adventures become everyday outings.
Ancient Maya Sites
Climb Xunantunich, explore Cahal Pech, or make a day of the great city of Caracol.
Caves & Cave Tubing
Float through underground rivers or venture into ATM Cave and Barton Creek Cave.
Waterfalls & Swimming Holes
Rio On Pools, Big Rock Falls and the Inland Blue Hole are all classic Cayo days out.
Wildlife & Gardens
Visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project, Green Hills Butterfly Ranch and Belize Botanic Gardens.
Ziplining & Canopy Tours
See the rainforest from above on one of the region’s zipline adventures.
Local Culture
Browse the San Ignacio market, visit nearby villages and taste traditional Belizean cooking.
Wild Surroundings, Modern Comforts
Homes here run on solar power and rainwater catchment — no utility bills and no grid to depend on. Reliable Wi-Fi keeps you connected when you need it, and when you don’t, the jungle is happy to keep you company.
Thanks to our elevation, the community sits around 10°F cooler than nearby towns, with fresher air and comfortable evenings.
More Than an Adventure — a Place to Belong
Our neighbours come from Belize, Canada, the United States and Europe, and they share one thing: they wanted a life closer to nature without giving up community. Come for the waterfalls and the wildlife. Stay for the people, the fresh local food, and a slower, healthier way of living.
Begin Your Adventure Today
The best way to understand life here is to live it for a few days. Our Discovery Stay is a 2-night stay for two at Casa Santa Maria — and if you buy land, the cost is credited toward your purchase. Prefer to talk first? Connect with one of our team members by video call.
Book a Discovery Stay Explore the Discovery TourContact us: Email [email protected]