Orange Walk and Corozal Districts are overlooked by most tourists, which is good news for travelers looking to avoid the crowds. Belize’s northwest corner—Lamanai, Chan Chich, and Río Bravo—host some of the highest densities of jaguar and rare bird populations on the continent, and the extensive coastal lagoons of the northeast—Shipstern, Sarteneja—are largely undeveloped, home to manatee, dolphin, and thick flocks of native and migratory birds.

The second-largest district of Belize, Orange Walk encompasses vast tracts of wilderness, peaceful waterways, Maya ruins, and Orange Walk Town, a midsize commercial and farming center where Belizeans of all colors and cultures mix and mingle. Belize’s northern region is blessed with a wide array of habitats and wildlife: riverine lagoons, marshes, and deep tropical forests are found in the New River Lagoon and Río Bravo Conservation Area.

The vast New River Lagoon, up which you must travel to reach the Lamanai Ruins, is Belize’s largest body of fresh water (28 miles long). Its dark waters are smooth and reflective, changing with every cloud that passes over the sun. Morelet’s crocodiles and hickatee turtles inhabit these waters, along with numerous species of fish and waterfowl.

In the bayside town of Corozal, just nine miles from the Río Hondo and Mexican border and 96 miles north of Belize City, you’ll enjoy a peaceful stroll along the seawall as you plot where to go next: North to Chetumal, Mexico? East to the remote Shipstern Wildlife Nature Reserve? West to Chan Chich? Or southeast to San Pedro?

The Best of Northern Belize

• Banquitas House of Culture
• New River and New River Lagoon
• Indian Church Village Artisans Center
• Río Bravo Conservation Area