Destination: Orange Walk

Orange Walk District is a wealth of Belize natural history and Mayan archaeological wonder. Orange Walk is the second of the northern districts, with this part of Belize bordering both Mexico and Guatemala. The Cayo District is to the South of Orange Walk. Orange Walk District, with a population of just under forty thousand, is the third most populated district in Belize.

Orange Walk is a living encyclopedia of Belize history with spectacular ancient cities, impressive temples such as Lamanai, and historical sites such as the Altun Ha Maya Ruin. Orange Walk acts as a standing tribute to the ancient Maya's influence on this area of Belize. Orange Walk’s natural ecology is fantastic, with rainforests, coastal lagoons, jungles and rivers. This impressive collection of raw natural beauty means the region is home to an amazing array of animal and plant life that includes everything from the jaguar to the manatee.

Orange Walk people, also known as Orange Walkenos are a living tribute to the rich history of this area of Belize. Orange Walk is mostly Spanish speaking, as many of its residents are actually descendents of the Maya and Mestizo people, as in some other areas of Belize. A number of Mennonite people from villages such as Blue Creek and Shipyard, add a diverse dimension to the Orange Walk cultural fabric.

More On Orange Walk

Orange Walk has an economy primarily based on agriculture in modern times. Some of Orange Walk’s land has been developed for the production of sugar cane and has helped this crop become the largest agricultural product in Belize. As a testament to sugar cane’s significance to the area, Orange Walk hosts the only operational sugar refinery in Belize. Orange Walk is also important to Belize for its production of dairy products, citrus fruits, beef and rum production.

Tourism is beginning to positively impact the local landscape. Although in its infancy, ecotourism has become an attractive way to share the natural wonders of Orange Walk and teach Belize visitors about the important preserving ecology. With over 400 species of birds recorded in this district, more so than anywhere else in Belize, Orange Walk District is a birder's paradise. Orange Walk is perfect for Belize visitors who enjoy outdoor activities. A large portion of Orange Walk's rain forest is a protected reserve under the Rio Bravo Conservation Project.

Orange Walk town is situated on the New River and Northern Highway, making Orange Walk just 52 easily accessible miles north of Belize City. Orange Walk town is home to the country's only tollbooth, which sits at the entrance to Orange Walk Town. Just past the Orange Walk town tollbooth visitors will notice the smokestacks of the sugar mill & beautiful New River with its tour guide operators along its banks. Orange Walk town draws visitors not only with its rich history, but also with the diverse multicultural perspective.