Belize| Maya City of Lamanai




Take the boat tour to Lamanai for an exciting wildlife encounter down the New River Lagoon. Get a quick photo-op of the pristine setting while your tour guide educates you on all the wildlife you encounter!

Located in Orange Walk District, Lamanai (meaning “Submerge Crocodile”) is situated on the bank of the New River. Be free. The tour typically lasts about 45 minutes, and if you’re lucky you may catch a glimpse of crocodiles or manatees!

Like most of the ancient Maya sites found in Belize, Lamanai features numerous other Maya structures perfectly preserved. Lamanai is said to have had thousands of ancient Maya residents whose main means of survival was trading, using the river.

What-you-need-to-know about Lamanai:

  • Located 25 miles south of Orange Walk Town.
  • New excavations currently underway.
  • Has a Maya “Ball Court.”
  • “N 10-43” temple is one of the tallest pre-Classic structures of the Maya world and dates back to the first century B.C.
  • “N 10-9” temple features a large mask, believed to have been that of a ruler. Atop the mask is a crocodile designed headdress.

Exploring the temple grounds at Lamanai is worth it! From the chattering howler monkeys leaping from tree to tree, to the colorful chirping birds, is quite an experience.

Facts such as the Maya’s traditional use of the Maya ball court to conduct games give you a true understanding of the culture and beliefs of this ancient civilization. In these games (depending on the God the leaders wanted to please), the winner or loser would be chosen for sacrifice, and they would gladly accept.

This ancient civilization’s legacy is intriguing, even for archaeologists. Come explore the wonders, and immerse yourselves in the diversity of Belize.

Learn more about the spectacular Maya temples awaiting your discovery! Feel free to contact us for more information via email at: info@travelbelize.org, or call us TOLL free at: 1-800-624-0686.