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Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown

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Property grounds
The sunrises are spectacular
This is the road up to our home, it has lots of pot holes, you veer to the left.
Make left, ditch when it rains its very slippery. AWD or 4WD needed.
Enjoy BBQ chicken , hot dogs, hamburgers or roast some fresh organic veggies.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown

This beautiful rustic cabin-like home is nestled among the native trees of the rainforest, located a short 5 minute drive from San Ignacio. Our lovely home is on a very private 1/2 acre, with 2 bedroom 1 bath, with AC to keep you cool on the hot days, and a 300sq ft loft great for kids. The down stairs bedrooms have a double bed in each and the loft has 3 twin beds. Kitchen and living space combined. Fully equipped to save money on meals. The town of San Ignacio has a wonderful farmers market every Saturday, where you can buy native fruits and vegetables mostly organically grown. This is a must do while you here!
We are on the grid (running water, electricity, and WIFI)! Remember you are in the rainforest, wifi can go out, you may lose electricity and water can go out from time to time. Beautiful 500sq ft veranda where you can relax drinking the first morning cup of coffee while taking in the beautiful breathtaking views of the rainforest! On our property you can enjoy a built-in BBQ, mature fruit trees, for the picking, Mango, coconut, and avocado. We try to keep our property as chemical free as possible. We do very little spraying for critters in and around the home or near the fruit trees.
We are located approximately 1 1/2 hour from Belize City, (airport) which is on the coast! We highly recommend when booking our Casita a 4WD and at the very least an AWD, due to mountain terrain and unpaved, rouged road up to our house. We are also 10 miles from the Guatamalan border. There are so many things to do here, it's approximately 1 hour 45 mins to the must see Tikal ruins, and only a 10 min drive to the Cahel Pech Mayan Ruins in San Ignacio. We have heard rave reviews about the Mayawalk Tour Company where you can book many must see adventures, like cave tubing, ziplining, horseback riding, hiking, and canoeing tours. Also beautiful must see waterfalls! The coast line has one of the most amazing barrier reefs in the world for your snorkeling pleasure and not to mention the magnificent must see Blue Hole, it's all here in Belize so you can have it all in a matter of a few hours.
We have an amazing property managers that will meet you and show you up to the casita if you get lost. They will be available if you have any questions during your stay. We require a cleaning/electricty fee of $75USD. This fee is paid in cash to the property manager Rocky or Angela at time of check-in.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor Space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking is only permitted out side of the house.
Smoking is only permitted out side the home, no exceptions. If home smells of smoke it will affect your deposit.
There is a $75 usd cleaning fee required in cash at time of check in.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is home to this vacation home. Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins and Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Ajaw Chocolate & Crafts and Bol's Cave Museum. San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture and Belize Botanic Gardens are also worth visiting.
View more Vacation Homes in San IgnacioOpens in a new window
Map
San Ignacio, Cayo

What's nearby

  • Branch Mouth - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Green Iguana Conservation Project - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • San Ignacio Market - 19 min walk - 1.7 km

Getting around

  • San Ignacio (CYD-Town Airstrip) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Ko-Ox Han-Nah - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Guava Limb Café - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Rolson Cocina, Cantina & Hotel - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Coffee De Los Mayas - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The Burnz - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown ?

As of Mar 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown on Mar 10, 2026 start from $68, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown ?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown ?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Adventure or tranquility, private 1/2 acre, amazing views, 5 min to downtown located?

Situated in San Ignacio, this vacation home is within a 15-minute walk of Masewal Forest Garden Medicinal Trail, Branch Mouth, and Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins. Ajaw Chocolate & Crafts and San Ignacio & Santa Elena House of Culture are also within 1 mi (2 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jacqueline C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved this little get away in San Ignacio! Our favorite part was the land and back deck that looked out over the mountains. Rocky helped to get us settled and was very kind. It was nice knowing there was a local who lived nearby that could help us if needed! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Ashelee W.

Awesome House and Great Location!

We had an amazing time in San Ignacio and in this house. It was the perfect location and super fun. Our two teenage daughters had a blast and there was plenty of room. We really enjoyed staying in the trees rather than a hotel in the city. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My short stay in the Belize Gem Casita was wonderful. Roque and Angela (the next door neighbors and property managers) were communicative and kind, and they checked in with me every evening to ensure I'd enjoyed my day and didn't need anything. The property is as lovely as the photos, and everything was as described and operational, including the A/C in the main living space and the wifi. I did try to use the TV one night, and it turns on fine, but I couldn't figure out how to cast to it (I have the Miracast app, but my phone and the TV couldn't seem to find each other), so I gave up and read a book and enjoyed some quiet time. It is a little bit out of town (about 20 minutes walking) and up quite a steep hill, so heed their advice on having a 4WD/AWD vehicle to get there if driving. If you do any tours (I did two through Mayawalk) that include transport, they will likely pick you up at the bottom of the hill at the nearest paved intersection about 10 minutes walking away from the cabin, so pad your meeting time with that knowledge. If you're looking for some peace and quiet and don't mind the bit of distance from San Ignacio proper, I highly recommend this property!
View from the veranda in the morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

James D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Review

The four of us enjoyed staying here and it was perfect for our needs. Some of us didn’t sleep well on the mattresses because they moved too much when one person rolled around to wake the other person-Maybe foam mattresses would have been better. One night there were dogs barking in the neighborhood most of the night, including one small dog right outside the house. The other two nights I didn’t bother us much. The only other problem is that the water was off for one day and one night but I heard that the water was off in that part of the city so I could not have been avoided.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

matthew h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet, comfortable rustic cottage with a great vieq

A little hard to find,as everything is in belize, lol but great location and just as advertised. Will stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly a Belizean Gem!!

We absolutely loved our stay here. A little off the beaten path, which is how we like it. Tons of wildlife and domestic animals around, there was a litter of neighbor kittens maybe 12-14 weeks old that came and visited us every morning and evening, they were so cute and we were in heaven! Sheep grazing next door, wild parrots passing by, a few friendly dogs in the neighborhood. Can you tell we love animals? The view from the veranda is unreal, be sure to wake up early enough to see the sunrise! Yes the hill to get up to the property can be challenging and it’s not really possible to walk anywhere because of this. You need a 4WD vehicle. We were fine with this and the rough terrain only increases your privacy. We did 2 Mayan ruin tours with Mayawalk Tours which we highly recommend. There is a grocery store at the bottom of the hill that has everything you could need and a few great restaurants very close by. Be sure to check out the BRAND NEW Cafe Chile, you’ll pass right by it on your way to the casita, you can’t miss it. It just had its grand opening the week before we arrived. A little pricey by San Ignacio standards but wonderful ambiance, service, and GREAT food. Marilyn was wonderful checking is in and was readily available the whole time we were there but we got along great on our own. Don’t hesitate to book!
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Marc T., CHAMBLY

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

This house might be a little off the road, but it is definitely a hidden gem. Plenty of room for our family of 5 !
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint Cottage

This property was exactly what we were looking for - reasonably priced, quiet and close to town. It was big enough to easily sleep our party of four, the A/C worked very quickly and we enjoyed the sunrises on the veranda. The road to get to the property definitely requires 4WD and might be a bit daunting for some.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Guy V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to explore Cayo

Belize Gem is great place to explore the Cayo region. Don't expect too much luxury, but everything you need is there. You will need a 4x4, as the road towards the house is, like most roads in the region, quite rough. Make sure to visit Bartons Creek Cave with David, you will find his 'office' next to the market place.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel A.

Lovely Home

We really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful view. Very comfortable home. I would recommend this to people staying in San Ignacio.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

Amazing Jungle House!

This is an amazing jungle house! We stayed here for two nights and really enjoyed the quiet location, scenic grounds and lovely house. Our three boys slept in the upstairs loft room (three twin beds). We (the parents) took one of the bedrooms downstairs. It was a good size for a family of five. It would have been very crowded with seven people. As the description says, the road requires a car with good clearance. We had a Jeep Patriot which was not AWD. The roads were dry and the Jeep had good clearance, so we made it up the hills just fine. The road is dirt with numerous random ruts that are 6-8 inches deep. A small car like a Honda Civic will bottom out. The hills are steep. If the roads were muddy, then I doubt the Jeep would have made it to the house. In the dry season, we were lucky. The clearance under the car is critical! We LOVED staying here! It was a charming place to stay. The kitchen is well stocked (they even had a cheese grater, so we made nachos). The freezer is great for freezing water bottles the night before a hot hike. The air conditioner works well to cool the house (it was over 100 while we were there, so the AC was lovely!). We had a great time visiting the Iguana Conservation Project (you can hold and feed the iguanas). This takes about 45-60 minutes. The Hotel has amazing desserts, worth a stop! Our favorite adventure was visiting Che Chem Ha Cave - they have a facebook page - and it was a private guided tour of an ancient Mayan cave. Excellent!!! Charge is about $25 per person, provide your own transportation. Arrange a tour ahead of time. We hiked about 45 minutes through the jungle each way to get to the cave and then we spent about an hour inside the cave with the guide and got to see Mayan pottery. Fantastic experience! If you want to use the washing machine while you are there, ask for instructions from Marilyn before using it. It is different from American washers! The clothesline was great, we dried swim suits overnight. We bought a Belize Map chip for our Garmin and used GPS to find places. I found it was easier than anything cell phone related, the cell phones don't always have reception in Belize! Summary: We loved San Ignacio! We really enjoyed our time at the house. We had fun seeing Mayan ruins and caves and iguanas.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Amy A.

Nice place to stay

Overall it was a nice place to stay. The best part is definitely the deck. We enjoyed listening to the birds and enjoyed the view. We did get to see parrots and toucans in the mornings as they passed by. The house is small but well kept and very clean. We had 7 adults and it was a snug fit. The two rooms down stairs are just big enough for the beds so be aware there is not room for suitcases in the bedrooms except to go under the beds. The loft has plenty of room for suitcases. If you're a light sleeper you'll want to bring earplugs, there are a lot of neighborhood dogs and they barked all night long. Very typical for Central and South America though so it didn't bother us. Other than the noise we had no problems with the dogs, they were all very friendly. The only real issue we had was with the hot water heater. Whenever we tried to shower the hot water heater would shut off every 2-5 minutes causing the shower to become ice cold. Turning the water completely off and then turning it back on again would restart the hot water heater but it would only last a few minutes again. It's not the worst thing in the world but it was annoying. If it weren't for the water heater issue I would have given it a 5/5. Like others have said the road to the house is a bit rough so a vehicle with high clearance and 4 wheel drive is highly recommended. We rented a SUV and had no problems going up and down the road. We felt very safe at the house and had no problems with leaving our luggage at the house while we were gone all day for tours. The air-conditioning worked very well which was important since it was hot. The owners were very nice and easy to work with for booking and questions. We enjoyed our stay and would consider staying again if we go back to San Ignacio.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

Had a wonderful time. Great cabin with a beautiful view.

A wonderful place to stay. A lot to see in that area. Loved having a kitchen.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan P., Seattle

Great place, gorgeous view, easy communication

Would go back there without hesitation!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

A very quaint spot on the hill! Loved the setting! House was very accommodating as well!

We came from central California to visit our daughter who lives here in San Ignacio, loved it here in Belize for a week! The setting is beautiful up on a hill looking out over the back deck! The upstairs was very nice for the extra space! The road up the hill was not as bad as I thought and we made it up just fine. We did get some cat food for the 3 kitties that were begging for food at the back door. It was a really wonderful experience!! We would come back again! Thanks so much!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

april m.

House was everything we needed,loved it!

House had everything we needed and I loved our stay
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Cinthya G., Yuma, az

Cute cabin

Loved the cabin and property. The problem is the road to get there, I hate adrenaline rushes and that road up to the cabin is too steep for me personally. It was the last stretch of road before reaching the cabin. Had locals with me and we were told there wasn't another way in but there is and that side is more of a 4×4 road for my taste. The TV wasnt there just a control and with 2 teens that's hard but the Wi-Fi saved them in the evenings. Heard the neighbors music outside but couldn't hear it inside even in the room closest to the road, didnt bother us at all. Loved the mango tree, the avoacdo wasn't in season but they seemed amazing on the tree and the different flowers, and the view of the jungle. Took bug spray and incents for the outside and we enjoyed the patio area.

8/10 Good

Sjoukje W.

Great home. Excellent services and communication. House has all it advertised.

The house is located on a hillside with a great view and is very private. All of the amenities are good and the home is quite secure. The access is via a rough road. Our SUV did ok but a 4WD would be recommended. Our stay was great (would have rated 5/5) with the exception of the neighbors having loud music on until 3:00 am. Not sure if this is typical for a Sunday night but this should be taken into consideration.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

MIchael D.

sleeps 5, nice site

Rose and Nancy have a nice cabin overlooking a nice section of land. We had some complications during our stay, but their housekeeping service was immediately responsive and very helpful. There are two queen beds and 3 singles in a loft; could sleep up to 7 if two couples double. (I suppose one more on the couch but that would be really tight). The kitchen is well appointed and the deck with a hammock is awesome. The loft is up a rather steep stair, so mobility-challenged should beware. Inexperienced travelers to Belize should be aware of a couple of things--like much of the country, access to this cabin really needs a high clearance vehicle and 4WD would be necessary in the rain. We had the water go out once, but the housekeeper immediately responded when asked and explained that there is a reserve water tank on site; apparently water loss in Belize is common. Also we had some complication making the connection with the housekeeper on our arrival, as our phones didn't work (and we never got them to work for the duration of our stay). Again, the housekeeper was very responsive to connecting with us over email and we were able to get connected with them--just make sure to arrive early and have some kind of working communication. Also be sure to have the cleaning fee in cash available upon arrival. The bathroom is a little tight and the AC for the main living space takes a while to cool down the bedrooms for sleeping; and there's not really good space for lots of big bags. But that's all just part of the adventure! The cabin is only about 5 minutes from town but far enough to quiet, so it really is the best of both worlds. If we come back to San Ignacio, I would consider staying here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Shannon C.

A great place for couples or families. Located in a quiet rural neighborhood but still easy drive

Rustic charm with all the comfort and conveniences of home. Property managers were great and helped with excursions and ensuring ease. Location over looks jungle with parrots and iguanas around. All you want from Belize.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

8/10 Good

Karli P.

Beautiful property, one of a kind view.

We enjoyed the property very much! Kitchen was fully equipped as well as the rest of the house. The lady managing the property was fantastic, she answered all of our questions and was always available to offer a helping hand. The house is located a very short drive from the center of San Ignacio Town, we had rented a Jeep for our Belize trip so it was perfect location for us. So very peaceful, we spent a lot of time out on the very large deck with an awesome hammock and even better view!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

James H., Austin, TX USA

Perfect place to explore Belize and Guatemala

Marilyn and Bobby, the property managers made us feel welcome and were great hosts. From the casita we had a georgeous view of Belize and the perfect spot to relax after a long day of exploring the country. I really like the location of San Ignacio to be able to access the entire country. The town is really safe and has a great vibe. We can't thank you enough for helping us have a vacation that will provide a lifetime of memories!!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

8/10 Good

Ruth H., Greensboro, NC

Rustic cabin with beautiful view

The cabin was comfortable, but rustic. We felt like we were in a cabin in the mountains.The loft was terrific, but without it, the home would be tight for 4 adults. I would recommend it, but just realize it is not fancy. It is a great value, though. The veranda was quite lovely, and it was a great place to hang out in the early am or late afternoon to watch the birds. The roads to the cabin are very rough, so when they recommend a 4W drive, or the very least, AWD, they are not kidding! But, you are situated very conveniently to town and many attractions, so the location is great. Property owners Nancy and Rose were very responsive to our questions prior to the trip, and Marilyn was a great help in town.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Chuck L.

The house was perfect for our group of 4 to interact and to sleep.The deck is spectacular!

The property was perfectly situated to allow all the best of the San Ignacio area to be conveniently accessed. Marilyn was extremely accommodating and helpful. We had the entire Cahal Pech ruins (a mere 5 minutes away) to ourselves any given evening. And the weekend market was fantastic (5 minutes from the house)! Maya Walk tours was fantastic and facilitated daily outings...ActunTunichil Maknul (ATM) Caves, Xunantunich and Tikal. The post-trip Happy Hour at Tandoor was a blast, and their food is very authentic and delicious!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Avery A.

Really is a Gem.

We picked this place for the privacy, breathtaking views right off the backporch, and central location for us to go off in any direction to explore the history and wonders! Perfect place for us. We came here on our honeymoon, but it was so easy to imagine a wonderful family vacation here as well...with the bunk loft above and two queen beds on the main level. Thank y'all for sharing your home!

About the host

Hosted by Rose or Nancy Vella

Host profile image
We purchased this property in September of 2011, as an investment and rental property, and hopes someday to spend lots of time here after my wife and I retire! Both myself and Rose were born and raised in Northern California only a short drive to the coast! A few hours and we can be among the native redwoods or the mountains. That's why we love Belize, we have it all here, the coast an hour and a half away, and our home is nestled among the trees of the rainforest. A short drive from town and we are in the beautiful rainforest, or to the bordering country of Guatemala. Our beautiful little casita has remarkable views! We know you will love it as much as we do!

Why they chose this property

Are you looking for privacy, tranquility, relaxation, quiet, breathtaking views?? After a long day of adventurious sightseeing at one of the many Mayan ruins, cave tubing, zip lining, or a day of hiking. Coming home to our little casita with breathtaking views from our 500 foot veranda, swinging in the hamock, and enjoying a cold refreshing beverage, does not get any better! Our rustic casita has all the modern conveniences to ensure you have a pleasurable stay.

What makes this property unique

We offer several unique benefits if you choose Our little casita.
We have an amazing property managers Rocky and Angela.
They are very attentive to any of your needs while you stay at the Belize Gem Casita. We provide Wi-Fi, a smart TV for streaming your favorite shows, there is AC, two celling fans, and fans table or standing fans in each room and the loft. The 300 sft veranda has great view and the best place to to enjoy the morning sunrise drinking your coffee or relaxing in the evening after a long day of adventures.
We have so many mature avocado, mango, bread fruit and tamarin trees at your disposal, depending on the time of year your traveling to Belize.

Languages:

English
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