The red clock tower
Near the main street.
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Orange Walk is the fourth largest town in Belize, on the west bank of the New River, 85 km north of Belize City and 48 km south of Corozal. Despite its English name most residents speak Spanish, and it is a lively working town, the usual starting point for boats to the Lamanai site. In Maya times the area was known as Holpatin, and its people came into contact with Europeans in the 1530s. In 1848 a massive influx of Maya and Mestizos fleeing the Caste War of Yucatán made it grow fast. It saw the Battle of Orange Walk in 1872. The area today lives largely on sugar cane, with its mill and cane trucks a visible part of daily life. The main square has a small park with a kiosk and shady trees, and a red clock tower rises near the main street. Coloured buildings with arches and balconies line the road, and painted buses wait at the bus station. On the river towards Lamanai, thick forest and timber huts by the water make the trip part of the visit. It is a good place for a quick meal or for starting a boat trip to Lamanai, so book early in the morning. Bring repellent and a hat, as it is hot, and watch the sun on the river. The town gets busy with cane trucks in some seasons, so take care crossing the road. Keep your things safe in crowded places, and ask about boat prices in advance.
Near the main street.
A kiosk and trees.
Towards Lamanai.
West bank of the New River, northern Belize
To start a boat trip to Lamanai or for a quick meal.
Spanish, widely, despite the English name.