Santa Familia: A Hidden Belizean Gem

Santa Familia is a village located along the Belize River in the Cayo District of Belize. It is a quaint village surrounded by natural beauty, including lush green hills, small farms, and verdant jungles. Santa Familia is known for its bucolic, rural charm and is considered one of the best places in the world to retire, offering peace and quiet while being conveniently located not too far from modern amenities. The village has a population of approximately 1,598 people, according to the 2010 census, and is situated within a short drive from the busy, charming town of San Ignacio, the capital of the Cayo District. The Cayo District itself is renowned for its scenic beauty, featuring grassy slopes, rivers, lagoons, and forest preserves, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Santa Familia's location on the Belize River

Santa Familia is a village located on the banks of the Belize River in the Cayo District of Belize. With a population of around 1,598 people, Santa Familia is known for its bucolic, rural charm and offers a peaceful and safe environment surrounded by natural beauty.

The village is situated at the confluence of two major rivers in Cayo, the Mopan and Macal, which join to form the mighty Belize River. The river is the lifeblood of the region, providing opportunities for swimming, barbeques, and lazy summer days floating down the river in inner tubes. The area boasts lush green hills, small farms, and verdant jungles, with an abundance of wildlife, including parrots, toucans, howler monkeys, and bush dogs.

Santa Familia is just a short drive or a walk across the bridge from the town of San Ignacio, the capital of the Cayo District. San Ignacio offers a bustling market, restaurants, and nightlife. The area is also known for its adventure tourism, with activities such as cave tubing, zip-lining, and canoeing.

One notable community within Santa Familia is Carmelita Gardens, an off-grid, sustainable development committed to a new way of living. Carmelita Gardens has its own solar power supply, rainwater catchment, organic gardens, and strict conservation policies. It offers a close-knit community for those seeking a simpler, more immersive lifestyle in harmony with nature.

The village's population and households

Santa Familia is a village located along the Belize River in the Cayo District of Belize. It is a quaint village surrounded by natural beauty, including lush green hills, small farms, and verdant jungles. The village enjoys year-round warm weather, making it a desirable place to retire.

According to the 2010 census, Santa Familia has a population of 1,598 people residing in 321 households. While Santa Familia offers peace and quiet, it is also conveniently located a short drive away from the busy, charming town of San Ignacio, the capital of the Cayo District.

The Cayo District is known for its scenic beauty, featuring grassy slopes, rivers, lagoons, and forest preserves. It is home to two significant Maya ruins and numerous wildlife preserves, catering to adventure tourists with activities such as cave tubing, zip-lining, and exploring waterfalls. The weekly farmer's market in San Ignacio is one of the biggest in Belize, contributing to the vibrant culture of the region.

Santa Familia's population enjoys a peaceful and safe environment with easy access to modern amenities and the adventurous offerings of the surrounding area.

Nearby villages and towns

Santa Familia is a village in the Cayo District of Belize, located along the Belize River. It is surrounded by lush green hills, small farms, and verdant jungles. With a population of around 1,598 people, Santa Familia offers a peaceful and safe environment, not too far from modern amenities.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a small town located just a short drive from Santa Familia. It is the capital of the Cayo District and is known for its busy, charming atmosphere. The town has a population of around 25,000 citizens and offers a range of restaurants, local markets, casinos, and steakhouse restaurants. It is also a popular destination for adventure tourists, with activities such as cave tubing, zip-lining, and canoeing available in the area. The Maya ruins of Cahal Pech are within walking distance of San Ignacio, and the Mayan Temple Xunantunich is just a 10-minute drive away.

Bullet Tree Village

Bullet Tree Village is located about a 15-minute drive from Santa Familia. It is a small village known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The village is surrounded by jungle and is home to a variety of wildlife, including toucans, howler monkeys, and other exotic animals. Bullet Tree Village is a popular destination for those interested in jungle hiking, ziplining, and cave tubing.

Spanish Lookout

Spanish Lookout is a modern town located about a 25-minute drive from Santa Familia. It is known for its vibrant culture and cuisine, as well as its proximity to nature and tranquility. Spanish Lookout offers a range of restaurants, markets, and other amenities. It is also a popular starting point for those interested in exploring the surrounding jungle, Maya ruins, and beaches.

Esperanza

Esperanza is a village located along the George Price Highway, about 2 miles east of Santa Familia. It is a small, tight-knit community that embraces off-grid, sustainable living. Esperanza offers a weekly farmer's market, which is one of the biggest in Belize. The village is also home to a number of conservation organizations and wildlife preserves.

Billy White

Billy White is a village located on the north shore of the Belize River, about 2 miles northeast of Santa Familia. It is a small, quaint village that offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Billy White is known for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for those who enjoy birdwatching and other outdoor activities.

Real estate and vacation rentals

Santa Familia in the Cayo District of Belize has been named one of the best places in the world to retire by Live and Invest Overseas, an online magazine. The magazine highlighted the town's "bucolic, rural charm" and peaceful, safe location, which is not too far from modern amenities.

Real Estate

Santa Familia offers a range of real estate opportunities, from residential lots to homes with acres of land. Rainforest Realty, for example, offers two home lots on the main road, measuring 100 ft. by 100 ft. each and with no building restrictions. These lots are located about 25 minutes from San Ignacio Town and 15 minutes from Bullet Tree Village.

Other real estate options in Santa Familia include:

• A home with 3.5 acres on the Mopan River near San Ignacio
• Belize home lots in the Cayo District, featuring 10.4 acres with a home on the Mopan River
• Acreage-sized lots near San Ignacio
• A one-bedroom cabin with a loft
• A cozy wooden cottage in an off-grid community with river access
• A 3-bedroom riverside house with a guest house on 14 acres of land near San Ignacio

Vacation Rentals

For those looking for a shorter-term stay, there are numerous vacation rental options in and around Santa Familia, many of which can be found on Airbnb and Vrbo. These range from modern villas and luxury homes to cozy cabins and cottages.

• Suzie's Hilltop Villa: Modern villas in San Ignacio with private plunge pools and easy access to restaurants, local markets, and attractions like the Mayan Temple Xunantunich.
• Sanpopo Cottage: A rustic, award-winning tree-top home set in 1.5 acres of tropical gardens, perfect for couples and honeymooners.
• Tapir Cabana: A cabana constructed from Belizean hardwoods, featuring a screened-in porch, queen-size bed, full kitchen, and bathroom.
• Lucky Dreamer Lodge: An intimate jungle lodge on the river with awe-inspiring views, offering activities like swimming, kayaking, and tubing.
• Pilgrim's Paradise: A nature lover's dream, nestled on a 20-acre farm just outside of San Ignacio, with nature trails for birdwatching.
• Modern Luxury Cabin: A unique arched cabin with a wall of glass, immersing guests in the surrounding jungle, featuring a hammock floor and a king-size bed.
• Rio Mantra: A secluded, luxury space on the Macal River with a private infinity pool, rented as one or two bedrooms.

Local attractions and activities

Santa Familia is a village in the Cayo District of Belize, located along the Belize River. The village is surrounded by natural beauty, including lush green hills, small farms, and verdant jungles. The nearby town of San Ignacio offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some local attractions and activities to explore during your visit to Santa Familia, Belize:

San Ignacio Town

San Ignacio is a charming town located just a short drive from Santa Familia. It is the capital of the Cayo District and offers a mix of modern amenities and natural attractions. The town is known for its diverse population and its historical significance in the production of mahogany and chicle during British rule. Here are some places to visit in San Ignacio:

• Norman Broaster Stadium: This multi-purpose stadium is mainly used for football matches and is the home of the Belize Defence Force in the Belize Premier Football League.
• Hawksworth Bridge: Built in 1949, this suspension bridge is the only drivable suspension bridge in Belize. It crosses the Macal River, connecting San Ignacio and its sister town, Santa Elena.
• Cahal Pech Maya Site: Located near San Ignacio, Cahal Pech is a hilltop palacio home for an elite Maya family. It is one of the oldest recognizably Maya sites in Western Belize, with evidence of continuous habitation dating back to 1200 BCE.
• St. Andrew's Anglican Church: Founded in 1905, this active Anglican congregation is located on Burns Avenue in San Ignacio.

Adventure Activities and Nature Attractions

The Cayo District is known for its scenic beauty and adventure tourism. Here are some activities and attractions to explore:

• Cave Tubing and Zip-Lining: Explore the Caves Branch River system or Crystal Caves, and experience the thrill of zip-lining through the jungle canopy.
• Xunantunich Mayan Ruins: Visit the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, located just a short drive from San Ignacio. You can also combine this with other activities such as cave tubing and chocolate-making combos.
• Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave: This remote cave is filled with relics left over from the Mayans. A tour of this cave is a popular activity offered by many local tour operators.
• Green Hills Butterfly Ranch: This live butterfly exhibit is home to thousands of live butterflies in a 4,000-square-foot walk-in flight area. The surrounding botanical garden features over 150 plant species.
• Green Iguana Conservation Project: Located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, this project aims to conserve and educate about the endangered Green Iguana species. Visitors can interact with the iguanas and learn about their incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing processes.
• The Maya Ruins of Caracol: This 30-acre complex is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize, featuring a museum and several dozen surviving structures.
• Barton Creek Cave: Explore this cave by canoe and discover the rituals the Maya performed for their Gods of the underworld.
• Belize Botanic Gardens: Take a guided tour through the gardens and discover the secrets of various plants and trees. The Orchid House features over 120 orchid species native to Belize.

Carmelita Gardens

When visiting Santa Familia, be sure to check out Carmelita Gardens, an off-grid, self-sufficient development located along the meandering Belize River. Carmelita Gardens is committed to a new way of living with its own solar power supply, rainwater catchment, organic gardens, and strict conservation policies. It is a close-knit community that welcomes retirees looking for a peaceful and eco-friendly place to call home.

Frequently asked questions