Keel-Billed Toucan spotted near Blue Creek

The Mennonites of Orange Walk settled there in the 1950's.   In 1958 the group split into two distinct communities.   The Mennonites of Shipyard and Barton Creek have maintained their strict conservative and religious beliefs, whereas, the more progressive, modern communities of Blue Creek and Spanish Lookout have chosen the use of machinery to aid in their agricultural lifestyle.   While still rooted to their religious and cultural beliefs, the Mennonites of Blue Creek are one of the most productive agricultural communities in the entire country.   With the ecotourism boom running through Orange Walk, Blue Creek is no exception.

Blue Creek Village is located 30 miles southwest of Orange Walk Town. There are two roads that lead to Blue Creek, one through the villages of Yo Creek and August Pine Ridge, and the other through Shipyard. The Yo Creek Road begins near the Center of Orange Walk Town.  

Cattle Pasture

The 24-mile stretch from Orange Walk to San Felipe is fairly good road, with paved areas through the main villages of Yo Creek, August Pine Ridge, and San Lazarus.   It is another 14 miles to the closest gas station, from San Felipe to Blue Creek. Their agricultural expertise is displayed as visitors approach the village.   Suddenly the landscape transforms into neatly laid out fields of rice, corn, sorghum, citrus and cattle pastures all on green rolling hills. The Rio Hondo and the Belize-Mexico border can be seen off the banks of Blue Creek, before the journey continues further west.  

The village itself is spread over soft hills overlooking breathtaking views of green landscapes. Nice wooden farmhouses with perfectly manicured yards dot the hillsides.  

Cattle Rancher in village

A small cozy Bed & Breakfast, probably the only Mennonite owned tourism facility in the country, is perched atop a hill offering visitors the unique opportunity to experience the rural lifestyle of Blue Creek. Apart from agriculture, the community is well known for furniture building, and engineering capabilities (many Mennonites families from Blue Creek have helped in building shrimp farms throughout the country).