Welcome to Poustinia Foundation's Website!

Poustinia is a Russian word meaning “desert of the soul”. However, Poustinia is not a desert but a rich, moist habitat with a wealth of natural treasures. If your soul feels like a desert, perhaps this is the place for you. There is even a grove of 100 trees, planted by one of the artists and entitled “The Cathedral”. If you prefer something more formal, there is a lovely grotto, set in a small pool, with stations of the cross positioned along the trail leading to it. The very walk is soothing and peaceful as you see the butterflies flitting along in front of you, silently sipping the nectar from the daisies.

Poustinia is 2 1/2 miles from the town of Benque Viejo del Carmen, along the road now referred to as “the hydro road”. Benque as a town celebrates its centennial in 2004. It was first settled as a trading post, then a “bank” to which the log-wood, mahogany and chicle were transported by mule train, later by rail to be floated downriver, and the overseas market, mainly Britain. Poustinia is 8 miles from San Ignacio (El Cayo) 32 miles from the capital city of Belmopan and 80 miles from the old capital and commercial centre of Belize City.

Poustinia consists of 60 acres, complete with trails and sculpture. It is close to several ancient Maya ruins (now termed “sites”) From the top of the lookout, itself an unexcavated Mayan mound, one can look north-east, at eye level, to the famous El Castillo of Xunantunich, Maiden of the Rock. This site is accessed by crossing a hand cranked ferry at the village of Succotz. The world acclaimed site of Tikal is a 2 hour drive across the border into Guatemala. South, in the Chiquebul Forest, is found the grand site of Caracol (Snail), with the tallest man-made structure in Belize. A stela found there records a victory over the mighty king, and army, of Tikal. At San Ignacio one can contemplate in the peaceful setting of Cahal Pech, once a royal residence and court of law. Ten miles from San Ignacio, out of the village of Bullet Tree Falls, and straddling the border with Guatemala, is the little- known, but significant, site of El Pilar. There are many smaller sites in the area, most recorded but still unexcavated. Reminders of the ancient civilization of the Mayas may crop up anywhere you dig and Poustinia is no exception. e Viejo del Carmen, along the road now referred to as \ldblquote the hydro road\rdblquote . Benque as a town celebrates its centennial in 2004. It was first settled as a trading post, then a \ldblquote bank\rdblquote to which the log-wood, mahogany and chicle were transported by mule train, later by rail to be floated downriver, and the overseas market, mainly Britain. Poustinia is 8 miles from San Ignacio (El Cayo) 32 miles from the capital city of Belmopan and 80 m

Poustinia is opened to visitors by appointment only. There is a warden on site to maintain the trails and sculptures. There are also 2 cabins available for rent, for the artists and short-term visitors. There is a covered bodega where groups, a maximum or 35, can conduct workshops or have picnics. Water is available. Electricity is presently via generator but hook-up will come soon.

The entrance fee is Bz$10.00/person