Orange Walk, situated on the New River and Northern Highway, is located 52 miles north of
Belize City. The country's only tollbooth signals the entrance to Orange Walk Town, and after paying the small toll one immediately notices two distinctive sites: the scenic New River with its tour guide operators along it's banks and the smokestacks of the sugar mill.

The town is a mix of Spanish, Maya, East Indians, visiting Mennonites and Chinese. Mexican influences remain strong. Spanish and creole are the most common languages spoken. Orange Walk District, with a population of just under forty thousand, is Belize 's third largest populated district.

The area economy is involved primarily in the seasonal harvesting and processing of sugar though it no longer reigns supreme. Orange Walk is also important for its production of dairy products, citrus fruits, beef and rum production.

In addition to the agricultural diversification in recent years, their has been an economic boost from ecotourism. With over 540 different, colorful species of birds in the country, Belize is a must for the professional or amateur bird-watcher.

In the Orange Walk District alone, over 400 species of birds have been recorded. More so than anywhere else in the country which makes the Orange Walk District the country's leader as a birder's paradise.

Orange Walk has the basics: lodging, restaurants, grocery, clothing and gas and makes for a convenient base to boat up the New River to Lamanai, travel the Blue Creek Road to the Rio Bravo Conservation Area, or take the Northern Highway south to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary or trek to nearby Shipstern Nature Reserve.

Drive  
The Northern Highway is paved and in good condition. Good gas availability. Drive time is about 75 minutes.

Bus 
Buses leave on the half hour from Belize City.

For Birders - Visit Orange Walk Town as part of Country-Wide Birding Package.

Previous Page