Few travelers choose to stay in Orange Walk [1] or Corozal Town [2], even though both have decent budget and midrange options. Both towns are small enough to be explored in a couple hours each. There are day trips from either town, to Chetumal (Mexico) [3], Lamanai [4], and and Cerro Maya [5] (commonly known as “Cerros”) archaeological sites.
To really dig into the north, plan on at least a night or two at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge [6] or in Indian Church [7] village; by being situated so close to the ruins and not having to travel hours to reach them, this is the best, fullest way to experience Lamanai and the jungle surrounding it.
Add an extra couple of days if you attempt to venture to the Río Bravo Conservation Area [8]or Chan Chich and Gallon Jug Estates [9]. Some travelers link Corozal into a loop that includes Ambergris Caye [10], using the boat service between Corozal and San Pedro, with a chance to stop off at Sarteneja [11], a remote fishing village.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/orange-walk-town
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/corozal-town
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/cancun-the-yucatan/cancun-cozumel-and-the-riviera-maya/tulum-and-southern-quintana-roo/chetumal
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/lamanai-archaeological-zone
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/near-corozal/archaeological-sites-near-corozal
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/lamanai-archaeological-zone/lamanai-outpost-lodge
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/lamanai-archaeological-zone/indian-church-village-artisans-center
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/west-orange-walk-town/rio-bravo-conservation-area
[9] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/west-orange-walk-town/chan-chich
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/the-northern-cayes/san-pedro-and-ambergris-caye
[11] http://www.moon.com/destinations/belize/northern-belize/near-corozal/sarteneja