Frequently Asked Questions

How do we get to Human Nature Sanctuary (HNS)?

The easiest way to reach Human Nature Sanctuary is to fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.

For those looking for the most affordable and authentic local experience, you can take a taxi to the Belize City bus terminal and then catch a bus to Belmopan. From there, we'll meet you and bring you to the sanctuary.

If you'd prefer a simpler journey, we're happy to help arrange a private shuttle from the airport.

What is at the heart of Human Nature Sanctuary?

At the heart of Human Nature Sanctuary is a return to our roots.

A return to living in connection—with ourselves, with one another, and with the natural world.

We believe that a meaningful life is built through reciprocity: caring for the land that cares for us, learning from one another, and sharing our gifts to create something greater together.

HNS is a place to slow down, reconnect, and remember that we are not separate from nature—we are part of it.

How far away from town is HNS?

Human Nature Sanctuary is located within a 5,000-acre farming community made up of local families and people from around the world, including Guatemala, El Salvador, the Netherlands, England, France, the United States, and Canada, to name a few.

We are approximately 4 miles (6 km) from the nearest village and highway, and about 20 minutes from Belmopan, Belize's capital city.

This gives you the opportunity to truly disconnect without feeling completely isolated.

What can we expect for the accommodations?

Our off-grid lodge offers simple, comfortable accommodations designed to help you reconnect with nature while still enjoying the essentials.

The lodge consists of:

• Two private guest rooms

• One shared dormitory

• A covered outdoor community lounge

• Indoor community space

• Shared dining area

• Full kitchen and kitchenette

• Two full bathrooms with hot showers

• Fresh drinking water sourced from a nearby mountain spring

Although we're completely off-grid, we have reliable solar and wind power. Because our energy comes directly from nature, we ask everyone to be mindful of their electricity use. Turning off lights and fans when they are not needed helps keep everything running smoothly. Appliances such as hair dryers and curling irons are not suitable for our system.

There is no cell phone service on the property—which we personally love because it creates a wonderful opportunity to unplug and be present. Wi-Fi is available during designated times each day for those who need to stay connected.

We provide bed linens and towels. Since everything is line-dried and we strive to use our resources thoughtfully, we simply ask guests to be mindful about laundry while still making sure they are comfortable throughout their stay.

What can we expect to experience at HNS?

No two experiences at Human Nature Sanctuary are exactly alike. Each person arrives with their own story, and the land seems to meet people where they are.

The sanctuary is bordered by a beautiful creek where we often cool off, reflect, or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of flowing water. A trail winds up our hill to a breathtaking viewpoint, offering a wonderful place to watch the sunrise, sunset, or simply appreciate the surrounding landscape.

We also have an orchard, a tilapia pond with an aquaponics system, and gardens that continue to grow and evolve each season.

Being immersed in nature means sharing the land with an incredible variety of wildlife. Butterflies, dragonflies, birds, frogs, lizards, and countless other creatures are part of daily life here. You may also occasionally encounter scorpions, tarantulas, or large tropical insects, particularly after dark.

While these encounters are uncommon, we recommend simple habits such as shaking out your shoes, using a flashlight when walking at night, and avoiding food in sleeping areas. We recognize that this is their home too, and we do our best to coexist respectfully.

The sounds of nature are constant companions. Howler monkeys can often be heard in the distance, parrots fly overhead, and toucans visit when their favorite fruits are in season.

Because we live within a rural community, you may hear roosters, dogs, or passing vehicles. More often, however, you'll find yourself falling asleep to frogs and crickets and waking to birdsong.

With very little light pollution, the night sky is truly spectacular. On clear evenings, you'll see more stars than many people have ever experienced.

The tropical sun is also powerful here. We recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle so you can comfortably enjoy your time outdoors.

How long can we stay?

The length of your stay is entirely up to you and your availability.

That said, we encourage guests to spend at least  7 days here, as it often takes time to settle into the slower rhythm of the land, connect with the community, and explore some of Belize's incredible natural and cultural treasures.

Guests staying longer than 30 days are required to visit Immigration to extend their visitor status. The current extension fee is approximately USD $100 per month, and we're happy to help guide you through the process if needed.

Can we come as a family (with children)?

Absolutely.

We believe everyone has something to teach and something to learn. Children are an important part of creating a thriving community, and we hope they are the ones who carry this way of living forward.

Whether they are helping with dishes, harvesting food, carrying supplies, or participating in daily life, every contribution matters.

Community is built through shared responsibility, regardless of age.

We do not offer babysitting services, and our approach is based on inclusion rather than entertainment. If you come with children, we ask that they participate alongside you in age-appropriate ways—learning, growing, and contributing as members of the community.

What does shared stewardship look like?

We believe community is created through shared stewardship rather than obligation.

Caring for the land, the shared spaces, and one another is part of what makes this place thrive.

Guests are generally invited to contribute around four hours each day helping care for the land and the spaces we all enjoy together. The exact schedule varies depending on the season, current projects, and your interests.

There is always a variety of opportunities, from caring for our chickens and feeding the fish to tending gardens, maintaining trails, helping prepare shared meals, tidying common spaces, or assisting with larger building and land projects.

No special skills are required—only a willingness to participate, learn, and work alongside others.

What can we do during our free time on the land?

Your free time is exactly that—yours.

You might hike the hill trail, cool off in the creek, explore the surrounding community by mountain bike, spend time reading in one of our lounge spaces, meditate in our meditation room, or simply relax beneath one of the many beautiful trees.

Some guests enjoy journaling, creating art, practicing yoga, or simply sitting quietly and listening to the sounds of the forest. Others feel called to connect with the land through music, song, or silent reflection.

Depending on who is here at the time, we may offer optional community gatherings and ceremonies that can deepen your connection with yourself, the land, and others. These may include breathwork, sound baths, rapé ceremonies, spirit baths, and other shared experiences.

We also welcome and encourage guests to share their own gifts if they feel called.

There is no right way to spend your time here. We simply invite you to listen to what your mind, body, and spirit are asking for.

What can we do during our free time off the land?

Belize is filled with incredible adventures, many of them within an hour of Human Nature Sanctuary.

Popular nearby activities include the ATM Cave, St. Herman's Cave, the Inland Blue Hole, hiking trails, horseback riding, Maya archaeological sites, waterfalls, and countless opportunities to experience Belize's rich culture and natural beauty.

Within about 90 minutes, you can also reach the Caribbean coast.

Whether you're seeking adventure, history, wildlife, or relaxation, we're always happy to help you plan excursions that match your interests.

Is Human Nature Sanctuary right for me?

Human Nature Sanctuary is not a resort.

It is a living, growing community rooted in nature, simplicity, connection, healing, and reciprocity.

If you're excited by birdsong instead of traffic, don't mind getting your hands a little dirty, enjoy meeting people from different walks of life, and are curious about experiencing a slower, more intentional way of living, you'll likely feel right at home here.

If your ideal getaway includes luxury amenities, constant connectivity, and a tightly scheduled itinerary, our sanctuary may not be the best fit—and that's perfectly okay.

We believe the people who are meant to find this place usually do.

Can I become involved long-term?

Absolutely.

Human Nature Sanctuary is much more than a place—it is an evolving vision, and we hope the people who help create it also help shape what it becomes.

As the physical spaces are completed, our intention is for the sanctuary to continue offering opportunities for healing, connection, learning, and community for many years to come.

We know there are seasons in life when people need a place to step away from the noise of the world, reconnect with themselves, and remember what truly matters. We have both experienced the need for a space like this, which is why we are so committed to creating it.

While many guests come for a few days or a few weeks, some discover that the experience resonates more deeply.

If, during your time here, you feel called to become more involved—as a long-term community member, space holder, teacher, guide, steward, or simply someone who continues helping this vision grow—we are always open to those conversations.

We do not believe everyone is meant to stay, and that is perfectly okay.

But sometimes someone arrives who feels an undeniable connection to this land and its purpose. When that happens, we would love to explore what creating the next chapter together might look like.