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Belize’s Cayo District is attracting retirees seeking a self-sufficient lifestyle amid rivers, rainforests, and mountains. With eco-tourism appeal, a welcoming expat community, and a tax-free residency program for those 45+, Belize offers a back-to-basics alternative to its coastal islands. U.S. citizens can enter visa-free and may apply for the QRP program to retire permanently.
The little English-speaking country of Belize has long been discovered for its handful of Caribbean islands lying just offshore the mainland, especially Ambergris Caye of “Survivor” fame.
However, now, in the current global climate, another face of Belize is also beginning to attract attention.
This country’s lush, mountainous interior, known as the Cayo District, is drawing the notice of retirees interested in a lifestyle that values self-sufficiency and independence more than Caribbean sand and seashores.
For instance, Cayo is the largest of Belize’s six districts and has quietly become the harbinger of this tiny country.
From natural to manmade, the region is rich in resources.
In short, Cayo has more protected land than any other district; it is the top eco-tourism destination in the country; boasts the largest underground cave system in the western hemisphere; and, of course, its landscape is dominated by rivers and mountains.
More and more, expats are recognizing the smalltown vibe here and are making the migration to down-to-earth, simple living.
As a result, the social fabric is diverse and welcoming. It doesn’t take long to become a part of the community.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$794 | Cost for a two-bedroom, comfortable apartment, with Western finishes. Local housing is cheaper |
| Transportation | US$248.15 | Cost for car ownership, including gas, repairs, insurance, taxes, etc |
| Gas | US$19.85 | Cost for cooking and hot water |
| Electricity | US$49.63 | Double this if using air conditioning in one bedroom. Triple this if using air conditioning in all rooms. |
| Water | US$24.82 | |
| Cell Phone | US$30 | Monthly plan |
| Internet | US$70 | Cost for broadband bundled with cable TV. |
| Cable TV | – | |
| Household Help | US$119 | Cost for two five-hour visits per week at US$3 per hour. |
| Entertainment | US$258 | Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant. Drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole. Movie theater trip twice a month: No movie theater in Cayo. |
| Groceries | US$300 | Basic items for a couple. |
| Gym Membership | US$30 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$35 | Basic clinic/GP visit. |
| TOTAL | US$1,978.45 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$300 | Cheapest part of town, basic one-bedroom rental. |
| Transportation | US$100 | Colectivo (shared) taxis and buses, traveling regularly. |
| Gas | US$19.85 | For cooking. |
| Electricity | US$49.63 | |
| Water | US$19.85 | |
| Cell Phone | US$19.85 | Cheapest option available. |
| Internet | US$38.71 | |
| Cable TV | – | |
| Entertainment | US$79.41 | Monthly cost for eating out twice a week. |
| Groceries | US$200 | All local-brand items only, shopping markets and local vendors along with grocery stores. |
| TOTAL | US$827.30 |
As recently as a few years ago, the numbers of foreign retirees living in Belize’s Cayo District numbered but a few dozen.
Today, small but ever-expanding communities of expats and retirees seeking a back-to-basics lifestyle have established themselves in this pristine land of rivers, waterfalls, and rain forests.
Many reaching this stage of life are reminded of what’s really important in this life. This realization is spurring a new generation of people looking for opportunities around the globe to embrace a self-sufficient, resilient lifestyle. In this context, Belize stands out.
U.S. citizen can enter Belize without a visa and remain there as a tourist for up to 30 days. If you’re looking to retire or relocate here, however, you’ll need to apply for the necessary permits to stay.
For retirees, or anyone above the age of 45, will find that the Belize’s Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) residency program is a good choice.
Most importantly, the only requirements to qualify for Belize’s QRP program are that you or your spouse be 45 years of age or older, that you consider yourself to be retired, and that you show that you have a minimum monthly income of at least US$2,000 per month to support yourself in Belize.
This residency program’s incentives include a permanent exemption from any Belizean taxes including income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, and import tax on household goods, automobiles, boats, and even airplanes.
Paved roads are always a good indicator of where the path of progress is headed.
The British left a great legal, educational, and governmental foundation in Belize, but not much in the way of physical infrastructure.
Over the last few years, however, considerable investment has been made in improving the roads and bridges of Belize. Still, though (to help put things into perspective for you), there are but three highways in this country.
The most significant artery in the country is the Western Highway, which connects Belize City (the largest city), Belmopan (the capital), and San Ignacio (the largest town in Cayo).
Not only road infrastructure but infrastructure in general is limited in this country, including infrastructure for medical care. However, Cayo is home to the La Loma Luz Hospital and the San Ignacio Hospital. There are also clinics throughout.
Recently, a portion of the main road in San Ignacio (Burns Avenue) was closed off, probably permanently. Mayan artifacts were discovered here, so the spot is now pedestrian-only.
Cayo can allow a very self-sufficient lifestyle that comes with lots of advantages. One is that “self-sufficient” infrastructure is relatively low-cost. Important to a sustainable lifestyle is solar energy, and Belize’s Cayo District enjoys plenty of sunshine year-round.
Water, too, is in abundant supply, meaning it’s easy to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
In the self-sufficient communities forming in this region, gardens and orchards are interwoven among the housing lots so that owners can grow their own food.
You can participate directly by planting and harvesting, or you can simply take advantage of the fruits and vegetables grown onsite and made available for residents.
The temperatures range from 50°F to 95°F with an annual average of 79°F.
For example, November to January are traditionally the cooler months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest at about 81°F on average.
Here in Cayo, colorful flowers and fruit-laden trees bloom year-round, and vibrant and diverse species of birds are everywhere.
In Cayo, you also find well-manicured productive Mennonite farmland. The region is reminiscent of the hills of Pennsylvania. If not for the palm trees, you might not know you were in Belize.
The soil in Cayo is fertile and rich, and the Mennonite farmers who work it produce most of Belize’s food supply.
The Cayo District offers opportunities for people with a pioneering spirit and a sense of adventure.
It’s evident that Rob has contributed to his new community as he walks through the cottage neighborhood at Carmelita Gardens and chats with each neighbor, plotting the next adventure.
So, I asked Rob what advice he would give to new people moving to the area…
“Don’t do it, go somewhere else!” he says jokingly.
Somehow, I suspect he wants to keep this hidden gem a secret.
“In all seriousness, expect the unexpected and enjoy the ride. Be willing to take the advice of the people you meet. It’s valuable. But know that in the end, your experience will be your own.
“Things change in Belize day to day; it’s a fluid environment. Friends are easy to find around here. Find one and take their advice, but don’t limit yourself from the benefits of learning through your own experiences.”
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Experience The World’s #1 Retirement Haven
Sept. 17-19, 2025
Valencia, Spain
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Cayo, Belize, is often referred to as the “Wild West” due to its lush rainforests, mountains, pristine rivers, and national parks.
Before booking your plane ticket to Cayo, Belize, plan to spend at least two weeks there so you can enjoy just about everything this country has to offer the traveler. Make sure to plan an early morning to explore the Mayan ruins and another early morning to head out and try to spot the local wildlife.
When out and about, make sure to keep an eye on your personal items. Just like any other place on the planet, Belize does have pickpockets. Don’t attract any unnecessary attention to yourself and you’ll be fine.
Cayo, Belize, is known to produce oranges, grapefruit, tangerine, and bananas, among other crops.
Cayo is a quiet, laidback, and affordable district. It’s located in the west part of Belize.
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