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Includes  Why Go? . . . . 129 Many travelers save a chunk of change by flying into Can- Lamanai...... 135 cún and bussing or driving down to their final destination. Rí­o Bravo Passing through the flat farmland and provincial towns of Conservation & Northern Belize, they may not be inspired to linger. Management Area. . . . 139 But what are they missing? This is a chilled-out stretch ...... 141 of Belize that is entirely void of crowds, with unbeaten Cerro Maya & paths, abundant wildlife and prices a fraction of those in Copper Bank...... 147 the rest of Belize. Northern Belize comprises two districts: Corozal and Sarteneja...... 149 Orange Walk, both traversed by the straight, flat Hwy. Off the main road, adventurous travelers will find pretty fishing villages, pristine jungles, ancient Maya cities and anachronistic Mennonite communities. Best Places to Eat Then there’s the food. Exhibiting influences from Mex- ¨¨Maracas Bar & ico, Northern Belizean cuisine is more diverse and more Restaurant (p133) daring than its southern counterpart. If you’re ready to trade rice and beans for seafood ceviche, you’ve come to ¨¨Nahil Mayab (p134) the right place. ¨¨Patty’s Bistro (p145) ¨¨Cocina Sabo (p134) ¨¨Venky’s Kabab When to Go Corner (p145) ¨¨Jan–Apr The dry season opens up top trekking opportunities throughout the region. ¨¨Mar–Jun Spot flocks of water birds while cruising in a Best Places to canoe on stunning Shipstern Lagoon. Sleep ¨¨Sep Residents from all over Belize come to party at Orange Walk’s famous Carnival. ¨¨ Beach Resort (p148) ¨¨Serenity Sands (p143) ¨¨Chan Chich Lodge (p133) ¨¨Almond Tree Resort (p145) ¨¨Backpackers Paradise (p150) d

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