Orange Walk

Tangled water lilies line the banks of the New River, once a major waterway for the ancient Maya and now a veritable paradise of wildlife and scenery.  As the sweet smell of sugarcane permeates the air in the Orange Walk district, the grand Maya temples, primal jungle and exotic birds entice one to explore.

The strong Spanish influence here is unmistakable.  Old-fashioned tortilla factories, mission churches and Spanish-styled homes are everywhere. Orange Walk district is home to approximately 16,000 people, primarily descendants of the Mestizo culture borne of the Spanish-Maya refugees of the Caste Wars. The main source of income before the 19th century was mahogany logging, which has now been replaced by sugarcane production.  With sugar cane fields lining the Northern Highway and no orange trees in sight, the name Orange Walk which originated when orange groves once hugged the banks of the New River., now seem somewhat out of place.

Orange Walk Town
The main town of Orange Walk is home to some 15,000 in an original mixture of cultures many quaint cafes giving visitors a rare glimpse into the everyday life of northern Belizeans. For a closer look at the history, culture and industry of Orange Walk the Banquitas House of Culture regularly hosts special traveling art, cultural and archeological exhibits.

About 20 minutes south of Orange Walk Town lies the place locals go to relax – Honey Camp Lagoon, with white, sandy beaches sprinkled with coconut trees, instead of beachside resorts.