Northern Belize is a sleeper. Like a mineral geode, seemingly plain and unassuming on the outside, once cracked, its beauty and charm will dazzle your eyes and sense of adventure.

Cenote near Little Belize

The jungle in the west provide habitat for some of the highest concentration of jaguar in the country, and probably the best chance to see one of Belize's five wildcats. The coastal lagoons to the east are vast feeding grounds for colonies of storks, herons and egrets as well as the endangered manatee. And in between flows beautiful river country, full of crocodile, turtle and tarpon.

The natural wealth of northern Belize was not lost on the ancient Maya. Remains of an estimated 600 Mayan settlements lie scattered throughout the two northern districts of Belize, most unexcavated nor mapped. But the few that have been uncovered are spectacular. Lamanai, arguably Belize's finest archaeological reserve, picturesquely rises from the jungle along the New River lagoon. Fortress Cerros, perched atop a prominence jutting into Corozal Bay, guards the mouth of the New River. And Santa Rita, around which Corozal Town is built, was probably the ancient city of Chetumal.

Today, northern Belize is still populated by Mayans, by Spanish, and by Mennonite farmers. This mix of peoples provides a unique opportunity to experience the mysticism of Mayan wood lore, the celebration of life in spanish dances, and the simplicity of life and worship of imported old world beliefs of the Mennonites.

Welcome to northernbelize.com. Explore. Learn. And see why your next visit to Belize should be to the north.