Content Summary
The Lamanai ruins in Belize are among the most captivating Mayan ruins in Central America, featuring the remarkable ‘Mask Temple’ adorned with giant stone faces carved into its foundation. It evokes an adventurous spirit reminiscent of Indiana Jones!
Lamanai, meaning ‘submerged crocodile,’ was settled by the Mayans for thousands of years, with excavations beginning in the 1970s and continuing to this day. A few temples even allow climbing, providing panoramic views from the top!
You can conveniently visit Lamanai on a day trip from locations like Orange Walk, Belize City, or even San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. The journey includes a scenic river boat ride through the jungle, where you can listen to the calls of tropical birds and howler monkeys rustling in the treetops.
This travel guide will detail how to reach Lamanai, highlight what to see at the Mayan ruins, suggest the best tour packages, and provide essential information before setting off!
Best Lamanai Tours
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Lamanai is via a day tour package.
If you’re traveling from Belize City or the cruise port, Viator offers a highly-rated Lamanai tour featuring a river boat cruise, wildlife observation, and visits to the most significant Mayan temples in the region.
The price encompasses a local Belizean guide, driver, lunch, park fees, and convenient pickup and drop-off services from Belize City hotels, cruise ports, or the airport.
Where Is Lamanai Located? How To Get There
Lamanai is situated in northern Belize, near the New River, and can be accessed by either car or boat.
The nearest major town is Orange Walk, but you can also embark on a day trip to Lamanai from various locations in northern Belize, including Belize City, Ladyville, Los Lagos, Caye Caulker, or San Pedro in Ambergris Caye.
Driving to Lamanai takes approximately 1 hour from Orange Walk town or over 2 hours from Belize City. While the distance isn’t great, the dirt and gravel roads near Lamanai are in poor condition, making a four-wheel drive advisable, particularly during the rainy season.
Moreover, Lamanai tours typically travel to the archaeological site by boat instead of by car. This method is not only enjoyable but also allows you to relax and take in the scenic river views while spotting wildlife.
The boat ride to Lamanai lasts about 1 hour, and I believe it’s a fantastic part of the experience!
Lamanai Ruins: What To Expect
At Lamanai, you’ll find 5 main temples, with a bit of walking required to traverse between them. The site also features a small museum displaying Mayan artifacts and a 19th-century sugar mill engulfed by a strangler fig tree after abandonment.
Most Lamanai tours begin with the Jaguar Temple, followed by visits to the Royal Complex, Ball Court, and High Temple, concluding at the Mask Temple before returning to the visitor center.
Throughout the day, you can expect to walk around 1.5 kilometers (1 mile), though it’s spaced over about 2 hours, so it should not feel overwhelming. Most paths are flat and easy, but climbing the temples involves more exertion.
Wildlife abounds in the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve — bats, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, tarantulas, exotic birds, and numerous other species can be observed here. If fortune smiles, you might even catch sight of a jaguar.
You’ll hear howler monkeys before you see them; their roars are incredibly loud! We encountered a group in the trees near the first temple, and their vocalizations initially sounded like something far more fierce, but they are harmless creatures.
• Jaguar Temple
The Jaguar Temple is typically the first temple you encounter during your tour of the Lamanai Mayan ruins.
This pyramid-shaped edifice boasts 7 levels and stands nearly 30 meters (100 ft) tall, making it the second tallest structure at Lamanai. In fact, the temple’s base remains partially underground; should it be entirely excavated, it would actually become the tallest building at Lamanai.
Some tours venture to climb the Jaguar Temple, although ours opted not to. It derives its name from two blocky stone masks sculpted into the front that symbolize jaguars, although I personally found them to resemble crocodile faces.
Archaeologists have uncovered hidden caches within this temple, revealing jade masks and other Mayan relics, which is truly fascinating!
• High Temple
The High Temple stands as the tallest monument at Lamanai and was likely the tallest structure in the entire Mayan world at the time of its construction!
Measuring at 33 meters (108 ft), it is comparable in height to a modern 10-story building, making it an impressive sight. It remains one of the largest Mayan buildings in Central America.
You usually have the opportunity to climb the High Temple’s steps, although it was under restoration during my visit. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle’s expanse!
It’s a challenging ascent, so proceed with caution, and take your time; some steps are awkward and uneven.
• Mask Temple
Last but not least is the Mask Temple of Lamanai, my favorite part of the entire site, although it’s among the smaller temples.
This temple can also be climbed for stunning views, but its most distinctive feature is the enormous stone faces carved into the foundation, which give it its name.
These masks stand nearly 4 meters tall and are intended to represent an ancient Maya king adorned with a crocodile headdress. This aspect is particularly intriguing to me! There are two masks, with one located on each side of the temple’s front.
Archaeological studies indicate that the stone faces of the Lamanai Mask Temple were affixed by the Mayans around 400 AD, which is nearly 600 years after the rest of the temple was constructed.
A tomb unearthed inside the temple contained the remains of a man alongside jade and shell artifacts, while a second tomb for a woman was discovered nearby.
It’s speculated that these individuals may have once held positions of authority at Lamanai, though certainty eludes us.
• Entrance Fees*
- Foreigners: $10 BZD ($5 USD)
- Locals: $5 BZD
*Typically, Lamanai tours encompass the park fee, so there’s no need for separate payment. Otherwise, you can settle it upon arrival at the visitor center.
• Opening Hours
- 8 AM – 5 PM
The Mayan ruins welcome visitors seven days a week, throughout the year, from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Sample Lamanai Tour Itinerary
A typical Lamanai tour itinerary might look as follows:
- 8:00 AM. Depart from Belize City in an air-conditioned van and journey for 1 hour to the launch point for the jungle river cruise.
- 9:00 AM. Commence the 1-hour scenic boat ride on the New River, keeping an eye out for birds and other wildlife.
- 10:00 AM. Arrive at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve and begin your exploration of the Mayan ruins while spotting howler monkeys and other creatures.
- 1:00 PM. Complete your tour of the ruins and enjoy a local lunch nearby. We savored chicken and veggie empanadas with salsa. Delicious!
- 2:00 PM. Take the boat ride back to the starting point (1 hour).
- 3:00 PM. Return drive to Belize City (1 hour).
- 4:00 PM. Arrive in Belize City and conclude the tour.
Note that these timings may vary based on your tour provider and your specific location in Belize. It’s best to confirm details with your service provider.
History of Lamanai
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Lamanai region has been inhabited since 1600 BC, continuing until the 1600s AD, which highlights its exceptionally lengthy occupancy compared to other Mayan sites in Central America.
Lamanai peaked during the Pre-Classic period of Mayan history, from the 4th century BC through the 1st century AD, and its intriguing temples were constructed during that era. It is estimated that the population reached as many as 60,000 inhabitants at its peak!
The Spanish made attempts to convert the Mayans to Christianity in the late 16th century, erecting two Catholic churches near Lamanai. However, the Mayans resisted, resulting in the churches being burnt down. Following this, the city gradually fell into abandonment and became enveloped by jungle.
It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that Lamanai caught the attention of the outside world once again, initiating extensive archaeological excavations that continue today, revealing potential new findings with each dig!
During my visit, our guide noted that UNESCO had recently visited the site, suggesting that it may be considered for protection as a World Heritage Site in the near future, which would be a commendable achievement!
Best Time To Visit The Lamanai Ruins
The optimal time of day to visit the Lamanai ruins is in the morning, allowing you to dodge the peak heat. Tours typically commence with an 8 AM pickup, expecting to arrive at the ruins by around 10 AM.
You can embark on your Lamanai visit at any time of year; however, the dry season from December to May is typically the most favorable. The months of February, March, April, and May experience especially dry and sunny weather, decreasing the likelihood of encountering a rainy day.
Though you can visit during the wet season from June to November, rain is more likely during this period.
Is Lamanai Safe?
Indeed, Lamanai is relatively safe. While Belize does not have the most exemplary safety record, I am not aware of any reported crimes or violent incidents against tourists within the Lamanai area.
I carried my Fuji camera, snapping numerous pictures of the Mayan ruins, yet kept it discreetly stored in my bag while walking around the visitor center and other public areas where it was unnecessary to use my camera.
If you seek additional peace of mind, consider utilizing a hidden travel belt (like this one on Amazon) for securing invaluable items. This is precisely what I did with my phone, cash, and credit cards during my initial visit to Belize.
Other Tips For Lamanai Belize
- Where To Stay: For accommodations near the Lamanai Mayan ruins, a few small guesthouses are available in Indian Church, including the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Additionally, there are numerous comfortable hotels in Orange Walk town.
- What To Wear: Dress appropriately for tropical conditions! Expect hot and humid temperatures during the day; lightweight summer clothing is advisable. I opted for shorts and flip flops. While shoes aren’t obligatory for climbing the temples, they can be beneficial. Remember to dress modestly as Lamanai holds cultural significance for locals.
- Bug Spray: I encountered very few bugs or mosquitoes during the dry season at Lamanai, yet it’s wise to apply bug spray as a precaution. This is particularly relevant during the wet season, where insects are more abundant. While there is some risk of Dengue or Chikungunya from mosquitoes, Malaria is not a concern at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve; I wouldn’t recommend anti-malarials.
- Bathrooms: Clean public restrooms are available at the park’s entrance, located near the visitor center right after disembarking from the boat at Lamanai. There are no restroom facilities further within the ruins, so this is the ideal location to handle any necessary arrangements before exploring.
- Snacks & Drinks: Small shops are present at the park’s entrance where you can purchase snacks, beverages, or souvenirs from the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.
- Cell Service: There is limited cell service available at Lamanai park for making phone calls or sending text messages if needed.
Is Lamanai Worth It?
Absolutely! In my view, visiting Lamanai is an experience not to be missed, whether you arrive as a cruise passenger or while exploring Belize or its neighboring countries!
I believe these ruins are some of the most unique and intriguing Mayan sites in Central America, with history, architecture, and thriving wildlife making it an enriching visit.
Lamanai is well preserved, offering a sense reminiscent of a movie set. This compelling synthesis of factors contributes to why I consider it a must-see in any travel itinerary.
More Central America Travel Tips
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this travel guide to the Mayan ruins of Lamanai in Belize informative.
Don’t hesitate to explore other travel blog posts for additional insights on Central America and South America before your journey!
Happy travels!
