Once known as the "sugar city," the Orange Walk District of Belize is home to a large sugar refining factory, Mayan ruins and a lush rain forest jungle. Hotel accommodations range from budget lodging to luxurious personal cabanas. Area activities include dining, shopping, fishing, jungle tours and ruins tours. Birdwatching is very popular in this area as Belize is home to over 400 species of birds, with 366 species recorded in the Orange Walk District.
The Lamanai Outpost Lodge can be reached by car in about one hour from the downtown area of the Orange Walk District. This property specializes in adventure packages and is located within walking distance to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, a Mesoamerican archaeological site where a large Mayan city once stood. Other on-site activities include sunrise canoe expeditions, night walks and jungle safari tours, with tour groups kept to a maximum of 10 guests. The lodge is comprised of 20 cabanas, each with private baths and hot water. Reservations and package pricing are available through phone or email inquiries only.
St. Christopher's Hotel is 20-room hotel located on the banks of the New River in the downtown area of the Orange Walk District. Rates, as of January 2011, range from $25 to $47.50 U.S. per night. Each room has a private hot shower and air conditioning is available in 15 of the 20 rooms. Property amenities include an on-site phone booth and guest parking. Tours can be arranged through the hotel for area attractions including Crooked Tree, the Altan Ha site, Progresso Lagoon and the Cerros Mayan site.
Chan Chich Lodge is situated on a 130,000 acre private nature reserve in the Orange Walk District. This property is accessible by car from downtown, or by a charter flight from any airport in Belize. As of January 2011, rates for a single occupancy cabana are $175 in the low season of May 1 to October 31, and $215 U.S. in the November 1 to April 30 high season. On-site activities include walking tours, vehicle tours, canoeing, horse-back riding and bird watching. Meal packages are available for $70 per adult and $30 per child ages 12 and under.
The Hotel del la Fuente is located in the heart of the Orange Walk District's downtown area and is within walking distance to the Orange Walk bus terminal, market square, grocery stores and banks. Las Banquita's House of Culture is within two blocks walking distance and houses changing exhibitions on the history and culture of the Orange Walk District. As of January 2011, rates begin at $35 U.S. for a standard room with a double bed and price up to $70 U.S. for a junior suite/apartment room. Every room includes air conditioning, hot water, private bath and complimentary wireless Internet.
