I’ve never been to Belize.
What should I know about the country?
Between Caribbean beaches, mystical caves, ancient Mayan ruins and lush jungle, Belize can satisfy all tastes! North to South, East to West, the whole country offers a sense of diversity, playfulness, rawness, simplicity and vibrancy.
Belize is a uniquely English-speaking country in Central America, making it easier to visit for non-Spanish speaking travelers.​
Biodiversity. The two ecosystems on Earth containing the highest biodiversity are tropical broadleaf forests and coral reefs. Even though small in area, Belize is blessed with both! This small area of the world is a true kingdom of Water, able to move and vitalize strong standing estuaries and ecosystems.
Multiculturalism. Reflective to its ecology, Belize is now home to a broad cross-pollination of peoples including Mestizo (Maya – European), Belizean Creole (African, Miskito, Jamaican, West Indian, Mestizo and East Indian), Maya, Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna), European (mostly Spanish/British), East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, North American, Dutch and German Mennonites. Each with its own vital story of how they root to this land, it is valuable and refreshing to share presence and interaction with a pool of beautiful diversity.
Thriving ecosystem. The clear reflection that is the Jungle coupled with the collaboration with other passionate individuals kindles Belize to become a large-scale impression of what regeneration looks and feels like. More than 80% of the population in Belize is actively participating in land care and management, creating a strong connection to land and opportunity to create mutual networks that support Belize as a clean, abundant, regenerative, healing land.
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How do I get to Sattva?
We are located at Mile 21 Hummingbird Highway, Stann Creek District, Belize. Driving East from Belmopan, turn right after the Middlesex bridge at the Valley Community Sign onto the gravel road that runs perpendicular to the highway. Continue for about half a mile and take a left at the T-intersection facing the orange orchard. When you get to our Sun and Moon iron gate, holler for us and we’ll get you settled in!
We strongly recommend arriving before dark, especially if you are taking public transportation.
Coming from Belize City/Airport
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Taxi: Use the directions provided above.
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Estimated cost: BZ $300 - 360 / US $150 - 180
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Approximate time: 2.5 hours
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Bus: You will need a taxi from the airport to the Belize City bus terminal where you can catch the Dangriga, Placencia or Punta Gorda bus. The Belmopan bus works as well. Get off just before Mile 21 after the Middlesex bridge at the Valley Community Sign and use the directions provided above to get to our property. Note: you will need to walk about half a mile from the highway (~15 minutes).
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Estimated cost: BZ $60 / US $30
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Approximate time: 3 hours + walking time from the highway
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Flight: You may also opt to take a connection flight from the Philip S.W. Goldson International airport to the Dangriga regional airport; Tropic Air is the operator. Once you land in Dangriga, you will need to take a taxi to Sattva Land, which should cost about BZ $60 / US $30 and take 45 minutes. You can also opt to take the bus from Dangriga, which should cost about BZ $5 / US $10.
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Estimated cost: BZ $150 / US $75 depending on the season + taxi/bus fare (see above)
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Coming from Guatemala
Punta Gorda/Puerto Barrios Border
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Catch the Belize City (not the express) or Belmopan bus and use the bus directions above.
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Estimated cost: BZ $15 / US $8
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Approximate time: 3.5 hours + walking time from the highway
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Benque Viejo/Melchor border
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At this time, there is no bus service at this border. You will need to take a taxi to the nearby bus terminal in Benque and then catch the Belmopan bus that will stop at the Belmopan station. Here take a connecting bus to either Dangriga, Placencia or Punta Gorda. Use the directions above to get to Sattva Land from the Hummingbird Highway.
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Estimated cost: BZ $40​ / US $20
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Approximate time: 2 hours + walking time from the highway
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What should I expect staying at Sattva?
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We are a family-owned project… staying here is like staying with family. We ask that all visitors respect our sacred spaces and the land that hosts us. This means treating it as if it is your own home.
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Families are welcome at Sattva Land, but you should know the risks associated with living in a tropical rainforest, such as the vast diversity of creatures that can be extra concerning for small children, as well as the elderly. We also remind you that we are still developing and in construction mode, so certain hazards related to this factor are to be considered.
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As a guest, if you want to get around the country regularly and perhaps have meals at local restaurants, we suggest you rent a car. The bus system is great and reliable, although some extra walking may be required when using public transportation.
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Wifi is unavailable for personal use. Take this into consideration. If you have a pressing need to be connected and have an unlocked phone, you may want to invest in your own Belizean SIM card and data plan.
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Expect the unexpected. Each day varies on the land; the most important thing is to be adaptable and go with the flow! Enjoy the experience for what it is.
What should I pack/bring with me?
While we provide a more extensive list for our volunteers and work traders, please see our general list of recommended things to bring:
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Organic hygienic products, including sunscreen. As we embrace a regenerative way of living, we ask that all products used on Sattva Land be organic, natural and biodegradable. Homemade natural toothpaste, locally made natural soaps and bug sprays are available for purchase in our on-site store.
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Natural bug repellent or a homemade blend of essential oils. The jungle bugs are fierce here! Most effective essential oils include Oregano, Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Neem mixed with an oil base (such as coconut oil, grape seed oil, or almond oil).
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Headlamp/flashlight. We are solar-powered at Sattva, and don’t use many lights around the property. Be sure to bring your own!
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Light layered clothes. Specifically, items that cover your wrists, ankles, and elbows… again, the bugs are relentless here. Some examples: light long shirts, long skirts, yoga pants, tights. Also, bring a bathing suit; there are waterfalls to visit nearby as well as a swimming hole onsite! A light rain jacket as well.
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Personal towel. Quick dry types are best!
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Lastly, if you need to be connected regularly, it’s best to bring an unlocked phone and purchase a SIM card when you arrive in Belize. Cards can be purchased at DigiCell, there is a store across from the parking lot at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. There are also other DigiCell locations across the country.
We suggest you don’t bring unnecessary valuables, such as electronics and fine fabrics, as the humidity and strong climate may produce unfavorable results (moisture, mold, discoloring, etc.)
How is the food at Sattva?​
All meals prepared at Sattva are plant-based. We source our ingredients from our own food systems, local markets, and a diverse network of growers and producers with whom we share the love of good, healthy food! Meal options depend on your stay with us (see below):​
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Guests
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Your stay includes a fresh and nutritive breakfast. If you plan to spend most of your time with us here on the land, we invite you to purchase 2 more organic vegetarian meals.
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Meals are available 7 days a week.
Note: There are not many offsite eating options available within walking distance from our property.
What are the local area attractions?
There is so much to do in Belize! Here are a few of our favorites located in the Stann Creek district specifically, within a stone's throw of our property:
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Angel Falls Zip Line & Water Rappelling (5 miles away). Known as "The Largest Zip Line in Central America." Just a short drive from Sattva Land.
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Billy Barquedier National Park and Waterfall (3 miles away). Easily accessible and a quick five-minute drive from Sattva Land.
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Antelope Falls (25 miles away). This 1,000-foot waterfall involves an intermediate one-hour hike to the pools with an incredible view of the ocean. Accessible by bus (though you will need to walk about 4 miles from the highway).
Additionally, we host occasional excursions to Placencia, a quaint beach town about an hour and a half away, and other attractions. You are welcome to take public transportation in your free time to explore these areas on your own as well!