Things To Do
in Orange Walk
Orange Walk is a friendly northern town in Belize perched along the New River. It serves as a gateway to nearby Maya ruins such as Lamanai and to vibrant wildlife reserves. The town blends Maya heritage with riverine scenery and a welcoming, laid-back vibe.
Market stalls, street food, and warm local hospitality give visitors an authentic taste of Belizean life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up before sunrise and board a traditional dugout canoe for a serene New River boat trip toward the ancient Maya city of Lamanai. Feel the mist rise off the water as toucans and herons call from the treetops. Arrive at the site in time for a guided tour away from the crowds.
Explore the temples, plazas, and mask carvings with your guide as they bring Maya history to life through fascinating stories. Pause for a riverside picnic featuring local tamales and tropical fruits. Continue climbing the High Temple to enjoy panoramic jungle vistas.
Return downriver as the sun sets in a blaze of orange, highlighting the broad expanse of the rainforest. Enjoy a Belizean curry dinner at your jungle lodge under a canopy of stars. Drift to sleep to the sounds of night insects and distant howler monkeys.
Meet a local guide at the riverbank and learn basic paddling techniques for your wooden canoe. Glide silently through narrow channels flanked by mahogany and ceiba trees, watching for crocodiles basking on muddy banks. Pause on a sandbar to stretch and snack on fresh coconut water.
Continue your downstream journey, stopping at secluded lagoons to observe birds such as jabirus and kingfishers. Enjoy a riverside picnic prepared by your guide, sampling chiliak fish and cassava bread. Learn about traditional fishing methods from local Mayan descendants.
Return to Orange Walk Town and freshen up at your riverside guesthouse. Savor a dinner of stewed pork and plantains at a family-run restaurant, accompanied by live Garifuna drumming. Relax on your patio and plan tomorrow’s adventure.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $60-120 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.0 L) | $1-2 |
| 🧃Snack or fruit from market stall | $2-6 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, friendly locals and a relaxed pace
- Easy access to Maya sites and wildlife reserves
- Limited nightlife and upscale dining options
- Smaller range of international-brand hotels outside main towns
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Agua, por favor" - Water, please
Places to Visit in Orange Walk
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour reflections along the river, with boats and local life providing lively compositions.
Colorful stalls, textures, and candid portraits provide vibrant street photography opportunities.
A rustic vantage point for sunset shots and people-watching along the water.
Photogenic storefronts and faded signage that capture the town’s character.
Food in Orange Walk
Orange Walk Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Belizean staple served with rice, kidney beans, plantains, and a savory stewed chicken. Widely available at most local eateries.
Must-Try!
Fluffy fried dough often enjoyed with eggs, cheese, or refried beans for a hearty breakfast.
Fresh fish or shrimp cured in lime with onions, peppers, and cilantro; commonly found at coastal-influenced spots and markets.
A Garifuna-inspired coconut fish soup with plantains and coconut cream; look for Garifuna-influenced restaurants in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where locals shop for produce, spices, and prepared foods. Try fry jacks, fresh fruit, and regional snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly hellos and handshakes are common. A warm, respectful tone goes a long way.
Ask before photographing people; dress modestly in religious sites; show appreciation for local customs.
Belizeans value community connections and a relaxed pace; take time to chat with locals and share meals.
Safety
Tipping in Orange Walk
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and bars, tip 10–15% if service is not included. For tour guides and drivers, a small tip is appreciated after a trip.
Belizean dollars (BZD) and US dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are common in hotels and larger restaurants; carry cash for market purchases and smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunny days with cooler evenings and lower humidity; ideal for outdoor activities, river trips, and market visits.
Daily tropical showers are common; landscapes become lush and verdant, with higher humidity and occasional river level changes. Pack light rain gear.
Orange Walk at Night
Hiking in Orange Walk
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Elevated boardwalks through marshland offering easy hikes and birdwatching opportunities.
Accessible trails and river approaches tied to the Lamanai ruins area; combine with a river trip for a full day.
Airports
How to reach Orange Walk by plane.
Belize’s main international gateway near Belize City; from there, a 1.5–2 hour drive or domestic flight to nearby towns can connect you to Orange Walk.
Domestic air service option on Ambergris Caye; convenient if combining a coastal island visit with your northern Belize itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A core cultural group in the region, contributing to language, cuisine, and daily life.
Nearby towns and rural areas retain Maya traditions and influences in crafts, rituals, and food.
Cultural contributions appear in music, food, and festivals across the district.
A growing presence from nearby countries and beyond who add to the town’s diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local leagues and informal games occur around town.
Common in schools and community centers; occasional regional tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Orange Walk.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Belizean vegetarian options include rice and beans, stews with vegetables, and plantains. Inquire about no-meat preparations and request substitutions where needed.