Belize Maya Temple Tour

Lamanai

Lamanai, meaning “Submerged Crocodile” in the Maya language, is one of Belize’s most fascinating and longest-occupied Maya cities. Nestled along the banks of the New River Lagoon, this ancient city is unique due to its remote jungle setting, well-preserved temples, and stunning wildlife. Unlike many other Maya sites, Lamanai was continuously inhabited for over 3,000 years, from 1500 BC to the 17th century AD, making it a must-visit destination for history lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Things to Do at Lamanai

• Climb the High Temple: Standing at 108 feet tall, the High Temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and lagoon. Visitors who climb to the top are rewarded with a stunning vista stretching across the Belizean rainforest.

• Explore the Mask Temple: This temple is famous for its massive stone-carved masks, depicting ancient Maya rulers or deities. The intricate detail and size of these masks make it one of the most photographed structures in Belize.

• Visit the Jaguar Temple: Named after the jaguar-like carvings on its façade, this temple was likely an important ceremonial structure. Walking through its ruins gives visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and political significance of Lamanai.

• Wildlife and Nature Viewing: Since Lamanai is surrounded by lush rainforest and a vast lagoon, it is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, and colorful butterflies as you explore the site.

• Take a Scenic Boat Tour: One of the highlights of visiting Lamanai is the boat journey along the New River, where you’ll pass through mangroves, wetlands, and rich birdlife before arriving at the site. We provide a boat tour that adds a sense of adventure which sets Lamanai apart from other Maya ruins.

The Journey to Lamanai

Lamanai is located in northern Belize, about 60 miles (96 km) from Belize City. The most popular way to reach Lamanai is via a guided boat tour from Orange Walk Town, which takes about 1 hour along the New River. Travelers can also drive to the site, but the boat trip provides a more immersive experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the wildlife and scenery along the way.

History of Lamanai

Lamanai was a powerful city, with evidence of continuous occupation from 1500 BC to the 1600s AD, making it one of the longest-inhabited Maya sites. Unlike many Maya cities that were abandoned after the Classic Period (900 AD), Lamanai thrived well into the Spanish Colonial era. The site features Spanish churches and colonial structures, remnants of the Spanish attempt to convert the Maya to Christianity. However, the Maya eventually rebelled, forcing the Spanish to abandon the area.

The name “Lamanai” translates to “Submerged Crocodile,” a fitting name due to the many crocodile-shaped carvings found at the site and the abundance of crocodiles in the surrounding waterways.