Explore Orange Walk, Belize's Undiscovered Gem

Orange Walk is a small, northern Belizean town, situated on the New River. It is the fourth-largest town in Belize, with a population of around 13,000. The town is nicknamed 'Sugah City' due to its thriving sugarcane industry and is also known for its strong Spanish influence.

The main tourist attraction in Orange Walk is Lamanai, a Mayan archaeological site featuring plazas, the Jaguar Temple, and remnants of Spanish colonial structures. Visitors can also explore the nearby La Milpa and Cuello archaeological sites, as well as nature parks such as the Shipstern Conservation & Management Area and the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

Orange Walk offers a diverse range of activities, including scenic boat rides, nature walks, and street food. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, Orange Walk is a great place to visit for those seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Explore the Mayan site of Lamanai

Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile" in the Maya language, is a must-see when visiting Orange Walk, Belize. This Mesoamerican archaeological site was once a major city of the Maya civilisation and is renowned for its long occupation, spanning three millennia. Unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai remained occupied until the 17th century AD.

Morning: Getting There

The easiest way to reach Lamanai is by boat. A scenic and thrilling 26-mile boat ride up the New River from Orange Walk Town is a great way to start your day. Alternatively, you can travel by road through the Mennonite area of Shipyard, but this route is along a dirt and gravel road, so four-wheel drive is recommended.

Mid-Morning: Arrival and Orientation

Upon arrival at Lamanai, you will find tourist facilities and small shops. There is also a small museum that exhibits local artefacts and provides a historical overview of the site. The entrance fee to Lamanai is $5 USD, and it is open from 8 am to 5 pm.

Lunch: Refuelling

A lunch of local cuisine is often served upon arrival at the site, giving you a chance to refuel before exploring.

Afternoon: Exploring Lamanai

With 860 acres to explore, you can spend the afternoon discovering the main ceremonial structures, which have been nicely restored, as well as the unrestored areas with trails leading over rainforest-covered pyramids. The site features three main structural groups: the Temple of the Masks, the Great/High Temple, and the Temple of the Jaguar. The Jaguar Temple features a stunning pair of well-preserved stucco masks, about 13 feet in height, with human/deity faces crowned with crocodile headdresses. The High Temple, the tallest structure at Lamanai, offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and a nearby lagoon.

Late Afternoon: Return Journey

Depending on your preference, you can return to Orange Walk Town by boat or take the road back, enjoying the views of the tropical rainforest along the way.

Evening: Relaxation

After a day of exploration, you may wish to relax at your accommodation in Orange Walk Town or enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants.

Visit the Mennonite communities

The Mennonite communities in Belize are renowned for their high-quality fresh produce, poultry, beef, dairy, and apiary products, as well as handcrafted furniture. The Mennonite religion falls under the Christian Anabaptist denomination, known for its belief in adult baptism and commitment to nonviolence.

Mennonites first settled in Belize in 1958, arriving from Manitoba, Canada, and Chihuahua, Mexico, seeking a place to practice their traditional way of life without fear of persecution. Today, there are approximately 12,000 Mennonites in Belize, making up 11.1% of the population of Orange Walk. They are easily recognisable by their plain clothing—men wear overalls and straw hats, while women wear long dresses and bonnets.

Mennonites are often seen in Orange Walk Town selling fresh eggs, skillfully crafted furniture, and homegrown produce from their horse-drawn buggies. Their old-fashioned appearance sets them apart from other members of Belize's cultural melting pot, but it is their simple, hardworking lifestyle, agricultural ingenuity, and peaceful autonomy that truly distinguishes them.

There are two main sects of Anabaptist Mennonites in Belize: traditionalists and modernists. The traditionalists in Little Belize and Shipyard are strict pacifists who prohibit the use of most technology, travel by horse-drawn buggy, and are primarily agricultural. On the other hand, the modernists in communities like Blue Creek have incorporated engines and electricity into their daily lives and actively participate in the industrial economy. They may be seen wearing more modern clothing and travelling by car.

Despite their differences, both sects maintain pious and austere lifestyles, united by their common faith and their place within Belizean culture. All Mennonites in Belize are generally regarded and respected as a unique group of honest, hardworking people.

The Mennonite communities in Blue Creek and Barton Creek welcome visitors, offering horseback riding tours and a chance to enjoy the delights of their farms and ranches. Visitors can sample authentic Belizean cuisine made with fresh ingredients sourced from Mennonite farms, such as corn, peanuts, tomatoes, potatoes, beans, watermelon, carrots, papaya, cabbage, sweet peppers, and coriander.

Through their farming and craftsmanship, Mennonites have made a significant contribution to Belize's economy while maintaining their peaceful, separatist lifestyle. They are exempt from military service and, although they pay taxes, they do not receive compulsory or social welfare. While they speak English or Spanish to outsiders, they converse among themselves in their 400-year-old archaic German and Dutch dialect.

See La Inmaculada Church

Orange Walk, located on the banks of the New River, is a cultural melting pot with a mix of Mestizos (Spanish-Maya), Maya, Chinese, East Indians, and Creoles. The town offers a unique blend of Spanish and British colonial influences, with Spanish being the predominant language.

At the heart of Orange Walk stands the La Inmaculada Church, a testament to the town's rich history. Here's what you need to know about this attraction:

La Inmaculada Church, located in the center of Orange Walk Town, is one of the few Spanish colonial churches in Belize. It is a small but significant reminder of the Spanish influence in the country's history. The church is over 100 years old and is one of the many evidences of Spanish influence in the area. It is served by the Brothers of Mercy of Montabaur and falls under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Belize City–Belmopan.

The church's architecture reflects the Spanish colonial style, with potential influences from both the Maya and Spanish cultures. While it may appear run-down, it is a functional place of worship for the local Catholic community, with regular masses and religious events.

The church is surrounded by other notable landmarks, including the Banquitas House of Culture, which showcases the area's history, Mayan artifacts, and cultural practices such as chicle making and sugar cane cutting. The nearby New River, a former trading route for the Maya, also offers insights into the area's past.

Other Attractions in Orange Walk

Orange Walk boasts a diverse range of attractions beyond La Inmaculada Church. Here are some additional places to visit:

• Lamanai Archaeological Reserve: This Mayan ruin site is one of the top attractions in Orange Walk. It features pyramids, ball courts, and evidence of religious sacrifice. A scenic boat ride to Lamanai allows visitors to observe wildlife, including monkeys, iguanas, exotic birds, otters, and crocodiles.
• Cuello: Cuello is the oldest Mayan site in Belize, dating back to around 2000 BC. It is known for its prominent burials, some of which may have been sacrificial offerings.
• Nohmul: Nohmul, meaning “Great Mound" in Maya, was once home to 3,000 people during the Late Classic Period. This site gained international attention in 2013 when a construction crew bulldozed one of its temples.
• Rio Bravo Conservation Area: This vast conservation area covers nearly a quarter-million acres and is home to archaeological sites, marshes, savannas, and broadleaf forests. It is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
• Honey Camp Lagoon: Located just 20 minutes south of Orange Walk Town, Honey Camp Lagoon offers a relaxing day by the freshwater lagoon, surrounded by coconut palms.
• Mennonite Communities: Orange Walk has the highest concentration of Mennonite communities in Belize. These communities maintain traditional farming practices and travel by horse-drawn carriages.

Take a boat ride on the New River

The New River has been a vital path to the Maya settlement of Lamanai for over three millennia. Today, it remains a popular route for tourists wanting to explore the area's natural beauty and ancient history.

The river is an excellent way to discover Belize's diverse plant life, including orchids, water lilies, and fruit trees. The New River Lagoon, Belize's largest lake, is a haven for bird species such as great black hawks, snail kites, night herons, squirrel cuckoos, and parrots. You may also spot crocodiles, turtles, and bats along the riverbanks.

Boat tours along the New River often include a visit to the Lamanai archaeological site, where you can explore Mayan ruins and learn about the area's rich history. Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile" in Mayan, was once an important trade route, especially for mahogany, the primary source of income in the Orange Walk district.

Today, you can take a scenic boat tour from Orange Walk Town to Lamanai, enjoying the wildlife and natural beauty along the way. Don't forget to pack a lunch and your swimsuit, as the clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip. You might even join local fishermen in their daily catch!

For a unique perspective on Belize's history and natural wonders, a boat ride on the New River is an unforgettable experience.

Discover the wildlife at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, located just 40 minutes from Belize City. This 36,000-acre sanctuary is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, lagoons, savannas and thick brush. With over 300 species of birds and a variety of other wildlife, there is much to discover and explore.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is one of the main attractions of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. The large lagoons and diverse wildlife make it a prime spot for birdwatchers. Even those who are not avid birdwatchers will be amazed by the sheer number and variety of birds in the area. From hummingbirds to water-dwelling birds, there is something for everyone. The best time for birdwatching is from November to May when many species migrate to the sanctuary.

Wildlife

In addition to the abundant bird life, the sanctuary is also home to a variety of other wildlife. This includes 34 species of reptiles and amphibians, 28 species of mammals, and 30 species of fish. If you're lucky, you may even spot crocodiles, Central American river turtles, jaguars, pumas, and Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys. The sanctuary is also home to semi-wild horses that roam the unpaved streets.

Boat Tours

A great way to explore the sanctuary and get up close to the wildlife is by taking a birding boat tour. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who can spot various types of wildlife and provide interesting information about their appearance, habitat, and behaviour. Boat tours are a fantastic way to experience the beauty and tranquility of the lagoons and creeks that surround the sanctuary.

Crooked Tree Village

Located on an island at the centre of the sanctuary, Crooked Tree Village is one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize. The village offers a unique cultural experience and is a great place to learn about the history and traditions of the area. The village also provides essential services for tourists, including accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Other Activities

In addition to wildlife watching, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of other activities. There are hiking trails, horseback riding, and canoe and bicycle rentals for those who want to explore the area on their own. The sanctuary also has a visitor centre that is open daily, providing information and resources for visitors.

Frequently asked questions