Cayo, Belize

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.

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. The social fabric is diverse and welcoming. It doesn’t take long to become a part of the community.

Your cost of living in Cayo, Belize, varies hugely depending on your budget and how you shop. Plus, if you opt for a more authentically Belizean lifestyle, your cost of living will be low.

It’s possible to live frugally but comfortably on about US$1,000 per month. And, if you want a lifestyle closer to the one you left behind in the States or Canada, in a Western style home with imported goods, it will be more expensive.

Here’s a look at what your monthly budget could look like if you decide to settle in Cayo, Belize…

Apartment or House Ownership Budget (for a couple)

Apartment or House Rental Budget (for a couple)

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)

Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.

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.

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 anyBelizean taxesincluding 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.

“After a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, I was looking for a peaceful place to spend time,” says Robert Carter, a 40-something resident of Carmelita Gardens in Santa Familia Village, Belize.

Rob first learned about Carmelita Gardens at Live And Invest Overseas’ 2017 Global Property Summit in Panama…

He was a first-time attendee and new to the idea of investing in real estate abroad but open to exploring his options.

After scouting properties in Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, he decided on Belize.

I sat with Rob in his cozy, off-grid cottage in Carmelita Gardens to find out why…

Rob’s 56-square-meter, solar-powered cottage is nestled on a quaint country lane, surrounded by wide-open fields, organic gardens, and views of the Yalbec Hills.

“I wanted to be a part of something important with possibilities…” he says.

“I initially thought that I would be living on a beach. I like to dive and love the ocean.

“However, I really bought into the idea of being a part of a growing community based on common values and sustainable development.

“I wanted to do something positive.

“My decision to move to Carmelita Gardens was based on the idea of living in an environmentally friendly community, leaving the smallest footprint possible, growing my own food, and actually knowing my neighbors for a long time.

“I feel like I’m contributing to the growth of the community, not just living off it.”

After years of service as a pilot, Rob became involved in adventure sports and ultrarunning. He recently completed the Tahoe 200 and has an impressive resumé of long distance and trail running events.

“On one of my early trips to Belize, I had a chance to explore some of the cave systems here in Cayo. I took a trip up to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and explored areas like Thousand Foot Falls and Rio Frio Cave.

“It’s an endless canvas for outdoor adventure.

“When I made the move, I brought camping gear, a kayak, and a mountain bike. It’s been great exploring and making new friends.

“I realized that there are many organized sporting events to participate in, like La Ruta Maya, canoe races, the Placencia Marathon, and the Chiquibul Challenge (a multistage marathon in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve). I plan to do them all.”

Cayo, Belize, Is About Much More Than Lying Around On A Beach…

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.

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.

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.”