Day Trips Orange Walk District

Day Trips in Orange Walk District

Orange Walk District, located in Northern Belize, offers a unique blend of Mayan history, wildlife, and local culture. Here’s some helpful information for your day trips:

  1. Lamanai Maya Ruins:

    • Location: Lamanai National Park
    • Highlights: Explore the ancient Maya city, home to various temples, ball courts, and residences. Don’t miss the High Temple and Mask Temple.
    • Tips: Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain. Guides are available for tours.

  2. Blue Hole & Cave Tubing at Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM):

    • Location: Western part of the district
    • Highlights: Swim in the crystal-clear Blue Hole, then embark on a cave tubing adventure through the ATM cave, filled with ancient Maya artifacts and crystallized skeletons.
    • Tips: Wear water shoes, a change of clothes, and a waterproof camera. Tours should be booked in advance.

  3. Shipstick Maya Center:

    • Location: Southern Orange Walk District
    • Highlights: Visit this partially excavated site with stunning stucco friezes, ball courts, and temple ruins.
    • Tips: Guides are necessary for visits to this site. Bring insect repellent and water.

  4. New River:

    • Location: Central Orange Walk District
    • Highlights: Embark on a boat tour along the New River, spotting wildlife such as howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and crocodiles.
    • Tips: Bring binoculars for bird watching, and hire a local guide for a more enriching experience.

  5. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary:

    • Location: Northeastern Orange Walk District
    • Highlights: Visit this protected wetland area to observe various birds, such as jabiru storks, roseate spoonbills, and Boat-billed Herons.
    • Tips: Bring binoculars for bird watching, and hire a local guide for assistance in spotting wildlife.