The Northern Highway, one of the best in Belize, connects Belize City with the border of Mexico 90 miles to the north. The two largest towns in the north, Orange Walk and Corozal, have economies based on sugar cane production and populations of Mexican descent. Orange Walk also has a large Mennonite community. Fishing and archaeological ruins are the main tourist activities in this largely undiscovered area of Belize.

According to the Belize Tourism Board, northern Belize actually provides more variety of nature, history, and culture than any other district of Belize. Indeed, the north is a bonanza of natural wealth and archaeological wonder. Spectacular ancient cities, highlighted by the temples at Lamanai and Altun Ha, evidence the ancient Maya's affinity for the area. Remains of an estimated 600 Mayan settlements lie scattered throughout the two northern districts of Belize, most neither excavated nor mapped.

With jungles, rainforests, coastal lagoons, and rivers, the region is home to an amazing array of animal and plant life that includes the jaguar, manatee, and howler monkeys.

Orange Walk is the second-largest district in Belize. This northwest section of the country is full of contrasts, from the ancient Maya sites to the modern-day Orange Walk Town; from Old Order Mennonite farmers to large scale sugar cane plantations; from the flat, dry plains to thick rainforests and lagoons. For travelers who love adventure and desire to get off of the beaten path, Orange Walk District is an ideal destination.