Orange Walk Travel Guide (Updated 2019): See, Do, Spend, & Save

Orange Walk is a small, quiet town north of Belize City and most people visit the city as a stop on the way to (or from) Mexico.

There isn’t a whole lot to see and do here, but it’s an ideal location for exploring the ruins of Altun Ha and Lamanai. There are a variety of nature parks in the area as well.

Orange Walk is also a surprisingly diverse town, with a range of locals from Creoles to Mennonites. It has a scenic location on the New River, and the street food scene is fantastic.

However, honestly, that’s about all there is.

I wouldn’t suggest spending more than a night (maybe two) here before moving on. It’s a bit run down, and with so many other places to visit in Belize, I don’t find it worth an extended stay.

In order words, when it comes to backpacking Orange Walk: see the ruins, and head back down to the beaches! This travel guide can help you plan your trip to the city by giving you everything you need to know.

Things to See and Do
Typical Costs
Suggested Budget
Money Saving Tips
Where To Stay
How to Get Around
When To Go
How to Stay Safe
Best Places to Book Your Trip
Gear and Packing List
Suggested Books
My Detailed Guidebooks
Related Blogs on Orange Walk

Orange Walk

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Orange Walk

1. Shipstern National Reserve

Shipstern covers an area of more than 27,000 acres and protects a diverse range of habitats. The reserve is home to all five cat species in Belize (jaguar, mountain lion, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi) the endangered Baird’s Tapir, 300 species of birds, and a myriad of other plants and animals. Admission is 10 BZD ($5 USD), but you can also do an overnight stay. Open daily from 8am-5pm.

2. Altun Ha

The main attraction of these Maya ruins is the Temple of the Masonry Altars, dating from the 7th-century. The climb to the top rewards you with a panoramic view of the pyramids and plaza below. Admission is 10 BZD ($5 USD) and it’s open daily from 8am-5pm. You can also get a tour there for 100 BZD ($50 USD).

3. Rio Bravo

The Rio Bravo occupies 4% of Belize’s total land area and has 406 square miles of protected rainforest. Jaguars are a common sight here as are toucans, iguanas, and Baird’s tapir. There are also nearly 400 species of birds within the forest, which makes it one of Belize’s most popular birding destinations.

4. Lamanai

Lamanai, or “submerged crocodile,” is easily the most impressive Mayan site in Belize. The ruin site itself features various plazas, temples, stellae, colonial structures, the remnants of two 16th century Spanish churches, and a colonial sugar mill. Admission is 10 BZD ($5 USD), or you can get a tour there for 150 BZD ($75 USD).

5. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary sits on a site of 25 square miles, which is made up of swamps, lagoons, and waterways. For just 8 BZD ($4 USD), you’ll have the opportunity to see over 286 species of birds. It’s open daily from 8am-4:30pm.

Other Things to See and Do in Orange Walk

1. Go back in time at Cuello

Dating back to the early years of the Mayan Civilization, Cuello is the oldest (and probably the most mysterious) Mayan site in Belize. It’s estimated to be between 2,000-3,000 years old and is located on private land, so you must gain permission from the Cuello family to access it. The owners are generally good-natured about it though. You can call ahead to arrange a time.

2. See the Mennonite Communities

There are many Mennonite communities throughout Belize, but Orange Walk has the most. Most communities are sustained by farming, and locals ride around in their horse drawn carriages while speaking a form of old German.

3. La Inmaculada Church

La Inmaculada is one of the few Spanish colonial churches in Belize and is located in the center of town. It’s small and run-down but a reminder of the Spanish influence in the country’s history.

4. Visit Nohmul

Nohmul is one of the lesser-known Mayan sites near Orange Walk. Nohmul means “Great Mound” in Maya, and it was home to 3,000 people in the late Classic Period. This place popped up in international news in 2013 when a construction crew bulldozed one of the main site’s temples to make way for a new road. The temple was ruined, but you can still wander around the jungle-covered structures that remain. If you’re a history buff, it’s nice to visit.

Orange Walk Travel Costs

Hostel prices – There aren’t hostels in Orange Walk. Look for an Airbnb room, a Couchsurfing host, or a cheap hotel room.

Budget hotel prices – Basic twin and double private rooms with a shared bathroom in a guesthouse or hotel start from 50 BZD ($25 USD) per night. Otherwise, you’ll pay about 110 BZD ($55 USD) for a higher-end place. There are not a lot of options here.

You’ll get more options on Airbnb. Most shared rooms on Airbnb start from 32 BZD ($16 USD), while private rooms are closer to 50 BZD ($25 USD) per night. Entire apartments (or even quaint cabins) start around 100 BZD ($50 USD).

Average cost of food – Food is cheap up here with most meals costing about 10 BZD ($5 USD). Fast food will cost about 8 BZD ($4 USD), and there are a lot of street vendors here that sell cheap chicken and corncakes for 2-6 BZD ($1-3 USD).

A sit-down meal at a restaurant with drinks will be upwards of 40 BZD ($20 USD). A week’s worth of food is between 100-120 BZD ($50-60 USD) for basic groceries like pasta, vegetables, and chicken.

Backpacking Orange Walk Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Orange Walk, look to spend around 73 BZD ($36 USD) per day for a shared Airbnb room, cooked food, an occasional meal from a street vendor, and getting around everywhere on foot. This will cover most visits to wildlife sanctuaries instead of the ruins. Otherwise, touring the ruins will bring up this budget by about 80 BZD ($40 USD).

On a mid-range budget of about 200 BZD ($100 USD), you can stay in a budget hotel or rent a private room at an Airbnb as well as tour the wildlife sanctuaries or visit Altun Ha or Lamanai, cook a few meals, and eat our at the cheaper restaurants in town.

For a luxury budget of about 410+ BZD ($205+ USD), you will stay in a four-star hotel, eat out for all your meals, and have lots of drinks. You can take a taxi or two a day, and also enjoy a daily tour to any of the ruins. The city is your oyster here.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Accommodation

Food

Transportation

Attractions

Average Daily Cost

Backpacker

$16

$10

$36

Mid-Range

$25

$15

$10

$50

$100

Luxury

$50

$60

$20

$75

$205

Orange Walk Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

This part of Belize is already affordable but here are ways to save money in Orange Walk when you visit:

Shop around – Prices for excursions can vary greatly based upon what is included. For instance, a trip to Lamanai including lunch can be up to 30 BZD ($15 USD) more expensive than one without.
Take the bus – Try to use the public bus system when possible rather than going on a shuttle service.
Travel off-peak – The most expensive time to visit is between October and April. By traveling in the off-season, you can significantly reduce prices for accommodation and flights.
Bring your own food – Because many trips cost extra for lunch, bring your own food and save money.
Happy hour – Most bars have a happy hour in the late afternoon and offer two for the price of one drinks.
Couchsurf – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can tell you the best places to go and things to see.
Pack a water bottle – A water bottle with a purifier will come particularly in handy here. Save money and thousands of plastic bottles and get a bottle that can purify the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw ($49.99).

Where To Stay in Orange Walk

Need a place to stay while you travel in Orange Walk? My suggested places are:

How to Get Around Orange Walk

Buses from Belize City to Orange Walk leave every 30 minutes and cost about 5-8 BZD ($10-16 USD) for a 90-minute journey.

Walking – As for getting around the town, it’s small enough that you can walk around, so don’t worry about public transportation here.

Taxi – Taxis cost a minimum of 3 BZD ($1.50 USD) and fares are 4.50 BZD ($2.25 USD) per kilometer.

When to Go to Orange Walk

It’s hot in Orange Walk year-round and temperatures are usually between 66-91°F (19-33°C). (It rarely gets below 59°F (15°C).) Peak season is from November to mid-April, during the dry season, which is ideal for visiting ruins or wildlife parks. April to June are the hottest months and are also really humid.

Orange Walk is never overly busy compared to other destinations in Belize so you won’t experience much price inflation or crowds whenever you go.

How to Stay Safe in Orange Walk

Orange Walk is a safe place to backpack and travel. To avoid petty theft, keep your luggage, and valuables secure. Make sure windows and doors lock correctly in your room, and use hotel safes where provided.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about the 14 travel scams to avoid right here.

Always trust your gut instinct. Avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Orange Walk! Follow that rule, and you’ll be fine.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Orange Walk Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel to Orange Walk. They are included here because they consistently find deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the ones I use the most and are always the starting points in my search for travel deals.

Momondo – This is my favorite booking site. I never book a flight without checking here first.
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is another great flight search engine which searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss. While I always start with Momondo, I use this site too as a way to compare prices.
Airbnb – Airbnb is a great accommodation alternative for connecting with homeowners who rent out their homes or apartments. (If you’re new to Airbnb, get $35 off your first stay!)
Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
Couchsurfing – This website allows you to stay on people’s couches or spare rooms for free. It’s a great way to save money while meeting locals who can tell you the ins and outs of their city. The site also lists events you can attend to meet people (even if you’re not staying with someone).
Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have a no money down policy, great interface, and the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all bookers.
Intrepid Travel – If you want to do a group tour around Belize, go with Intrepid Travel. They offer good small group tours that use local operators and leave a small environmental footprint. If you go on a tour with anyone, go with them. And, as a reader of this site, you’ll get exclusive discounts when you click the link!
STA Travel – A good company for those under 30 or for students, STA Travel offers discounted airfare as well as travel passes that help you save on attractions.
Rome 2 Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
World Nomads – I buy all my travel insurance from World Nomads. They have great customer service, competitive prices, and in-depth coverage. I’ve been using them since I started traveling in 2003. Don’t leave home without it!

Orange Walk Gear and Packing Guide

If you’re heading to Orange Walk, here are my suggestions for the best travel backpack and tips on what to pack for your trip.

The Best Backpack for Orange Walk

What’s the best backpack for traveling around Orange Walk? I recommend the REI Flash 45 Pack. It’s light and comfy, front loading, and fits perfectly in an airplane’s overhead bin.
Size: 45-47L
Straps: Thick and cushy with compression technology that pulls the pack’s load up and inwards so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
Features: Removable top lid, large pocket at the front, hydration compatible, contoured hip belt

If you want something different, refer to my article on how to choose the best travel backpack for tips on picking a pack and other backpack suggestions.

What to Pack for Orange Walk

Clothes

1 pair of jeans (heavy and not easily dried, but I like them; a good alternative is khaki pants)
1 pair of shorts
1 bathing suit
5 T-shirts
1 long-sleeved T-shirt
1 pair of flip-flops
1 pair of sneakers
6 pairs of socks (I always end up losing half)
5 pairs of boxer shorts (I’m not a briefs guy!)
1 toothbrush
1 tube of toothpaste
1 razor
1 package of dental floss
1 small bottle of shampoo
1 small bottle of shower gel
1 towel
Deodorant

Small Medical Kit (safety is important!!!)

Band-Aids
Hydrocortisone cream
Antibacterial cream
Earplugs
Tylenol
Hand sanitizer (germs = sick = bad holiday)

Miscellaneous

A key or combination lock (safety first)
Zip-lock bags (keeps things from leaking or exploding)
Plastic bags (great for laundry)
Universal charger/adaptor (this applies to everyone)
LifeStraw (A water bottle with a purifier)

Female Travel Packing List
I’m not a woman, so I don’t know what a woman wears, but Kristin Addis, our solo female travel guru, wrote this list as an addition to the basics above:

Clothing

1 swimsuit
1 sarong
1 pair of stretchy jeans (they wash and dry easily)
1 pair of leggings (if it’s cold, they can go under your jeans, otherwise with a dress or shirt)
2-3 long-sleeve tops
2-3 T-shirts
3-4 spaghetti tops
1 light cardigan

Toiletries

1 dry shampoo spray & talc powder (keeps long hair grease-free in between washes)
1 hairbrush
Makeup you use
Hair bands & hair clips
Feminine hygiene products (you can opt to buy there too, but I prefer not to count on it, and most people have their preferred products)

For more on packing, check out these posts:

Orange Walk Travel Guide: Suggested Reading

Walking the Americas, by Levison Wood
This is the true story of Levison Wood’s 1,800-mile trek across the Americas, through eight countries from Mexico to Colombia. He works his way down through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama – meeting refugees in Nicaraguan camps, friendly locals, and dangerous wildlife along the way. Some of his tales are harrowing, but mostly you’ll want to be right there with Wood, enjoying secret waterfalls and making awkward negotiations with policemen.

Understanding Belize, by Alan Twigg
Despite its small size, Belize has a fascinating history and a cultural background with roots in Creole, Maya, English, East Indian, Mennonite, Chinese, Lebanese, and more. In this book, Alan Twigg starts from Belize’s early days as a pirate hub to its colonial period to its current position as a prime place for Mayan archaeology. It might seem like a dense book but it’s full of original photography and makes for a good base of knowledge before your trip to Belize.

The Last Flight of the Scarlet Macaw, by Bruce Barcott
This might not be something you’d typically read, but bear with me. This is the true story of Sharon Matola, an animal rights activist who cared for orphaned animals at her zoo in Belize. When a multinational corporation began building a dam that would destroy the nesting ground of the only scarlet macaws in the country, Matola became the symbol of resistance, leading a crusade to stop the company in its tracks. With some brave locals, she she sparked protests around the globe and took the company to court. The author, Bruce Barcott, does an excellent job of telling the story.

If Di Pin Neva Ben, by Timothy Hagerty
If Di Pin Neva Win is a collection of Belizean oral tradition that recounts tales and legends that reflect Belize’s amazing cultural diversity. They include supernatural stories, mythical animals, and entertaining tales that originate from Africa, the Maya kingdom, and Europe. It’s a good read to browse before your trip if you want a better understanding of Belizean folklore (and you can read it in bits and pieces).