Lamanai: A Jungle Trek From Belize City

Lamanai, a Mayan archaeological site in Belize, is about a 1-hour drive north of Belize City. The site is located in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize, on the banks of the New River Lagoon.

The easiest way to get to Lamanai is by taking a tour, which includes transportation from Belize City, a boat ride, and a tour of the site. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus to Orange Walk Town and then take a 26-mile boat ride up the New River Lagoon to Lamanai.

The distance from Belize City to Lamanai is covered by a combination of road and river

Upon arrival at the Tower Hill Bridge, visitors board a boat for a spectacular journey up the New River. The boat ride to Lamanai is often considered the highlight of the trip, as the river is full of wildlife and local flora and fauna. The riverbanks are lined with majestic trees, colourful orchids, and air plants. The river is also home to freshwater crocodiles and spider monkeys.

The boat ride takes around an hour, and upon arrival at the Lamanai Welcome Centre, visitors can explore the onsite museum, which details the history of the site and displays Mayan artefacts. The archaeological site is expansive, with over 800 structures, and visitors can expect to walk along well-kept paths through the rainforest to reach the various monuments and temples.

The river route is preferred by most tourists as it is more scenic and comfortable than the road

Lamanai is a Mayan archaeological site in the Orange Walk District of Belize, around 26 miles from Orange Walk Town. It is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, with over 800 structures spread across a vast expanse on the Belize New River.

The river route to Lamanai is a popular choice for tourists as it offers a more scenic and comfortable journey compared to travelling by road. The river route provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of the New River Lagoon and its surrounding wildlife. The boat ride takes about an hour and offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It is a great way to spot local flora and fauna, including birds, crocodiles, and monkeys.

The river route also offers a more immersive experience, allowing visitors to travel the same route that the ancient Mayans would have taken to reach Lamanai. This adds to the overall experience of exploring the ruins and learning about the rich history and culture of the Maya civilisation.

The river route usually involves a drive of about an hour from Belize City to the Tower Hill Bridge, where boats can be boarded for the journey upriver to Lamanai. This drive offers a true Belizean country tour, taking travellers across rivers and vast expanses of land.

The river route is not only scenic and comfortable but also provides a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. It is a great way to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of Belize. The journey by boat is an adventure in itself, offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience for tourists.

Overall, the river route to Lamanai is a preferred choice for tourists due to its scenic beauty, comfort, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and natural environment of the area. It offers a more enjoyable and memorable journey compared to travelling by road.

The road route involves driving on unpaved, bumpy, and rough roads

The road route from Belize City to Lamanai involves driving on unpaved, bumpy, and rough roads. The route is roundabout and requires careful navigation. While it is possible to drive to the ruins, the journey can be long and unpleasant.

Step 1: Northern Highway

Take the Northern Highway north from Belize City. The road is well-paved, but there are frequent speed bumps until you get out of the city. Adhere to the speed limits and drive with caution.

Step 2: Carmelita and Tower Hill

Watch for signs of Carmelita, a small town you will pass through. Shortly after, you will reach Tower Hill, where you need to turn left off the Northern Highway. Look out for a large maroon sign pointing towards the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.

Step 3: Guinea Grass

The road from Tower Hill bends back towards the south, and the roads are in poor condition. They are mostly stone with large potholes, so drive slowly and carefully. You will eventually pass through the village of Guinea Grass, which is a good landmark to know you are on the right track.

Step 4: Mennonite Community

After Guinea Grass, the road will turn sharply to the right (west). You will be driving through a Mennonite community, so be mindful of the many horse and buggies on the road. Maintain a safe speed and avoid dusting them out.

Step 5: The Feedmill

The road will come to a T-junction, where you need to turn left (south) towards the feedmill. Take a picture of this landmark to help you find your way back, as it is easy to miss on the return trip.

Step 6: Shipyard Community

Going south, you will pass through the Mennonite Shipyard community. This is a long stretch of road, and signs advise drivers not to exceed 30 mph.

Step 7: Lamanai Sign

Eventually, the road will angle to the right. After a short drive, look out for a left turn following a small green Lamanai signpost. This will lead you towards the village of Indian Church and the Lamanai ruins.

Step 8: Indian Church

Continue straight along the east edge of Indian Church. You will see a large entrance sign to the Lamanai ruins on your left. Turn left at the sign and proceed to the entrance, where you can park your car and pay the entrance fee.

The drive from Belize City to Lamanai can take around 2 hours to 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road route offers a different experience from the river cruise, taking you through Mennonite communities and providing a glimpse of local life. However, it is important to note that the roads are unpaved and bumpy, requiring careful navigation and a slower pace.

The river route involves a boat ride on the New River, which is full of local flora and fauna

The distance from Belize City to Lamanai, one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, is approximately 50 miles by road. The river route involves a boat ride on the New River, which is full of local flora and fauna. The New River winds through a rich haven of flora, fauna, and wildlife. The boat ride is a wonderful opportunity for wildlife spotting, with 100+ varieties of tropical birds and occasional freshwater crocodiles floating near the river's edge. The river banks are full of majestic trees with overhanging air plants and colorful orchids. Spider monkeys are often encountered on the excursion.

The river route begins at the Tower Hill Bridge, where travellers board a boat for a spectacular boat ride upriver. The journey is about an hour long and is as exciting as the destination, as the virgin banks of the river are full of local flora and fauna. The river is also great for bird-watching and crocodile-spotting.

The Lamanai ruins themselves are impressive, with the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and the High Temple being some of the most notable structures. The site also features a small museum that exhibits pottery, obsidian and jade jewellery, flintstone figurines, and information on the historical development of Lamanai. The surrounding jungle is also an interesting sight, with giant Guanacaste and Breadnut trees, Allspice, Strangler Figs, and Belize's national flower, the Black Orchid.

Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize and has several temples that can be climbed

Lamanai is located in the Orange Walk District of Belize, around an hour's drive from Belize City. It is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize and has several temples that can be climbed.

Lamanai is a Mesoamerican archaeological site and was once a major city of the Maya civilisation. The site's name, "submerged crocodile", comes from the Yucatec Maya language and was recorded by early Spanish missionaries. Lamanai has an exceptionally long occupation history, spanning three millennia, from the Early Preclassic Maya period through to the Spanish and British Colonial periods, and into the 20th century.

The site covers 950 acres and includes over 100 minor structures, a ball court, at least 12 major buildings, and three temples: the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and the High Temple.

The Jaguar Temple is named for its boxy jaguar decoration and is approximately 65 feet high. The Jaguar was considered the God of the Underworld and was connected to fire rituals. The Jaguar Temple was built during 200 BC and has two massive limestone heads carved into either side.

The Mask Temple is adorned by two 13-foot stone masks of an ancient Maya king. The temple dates to between 200 BC and 1300 AD and excavations have revealed two burial tombs.

The High Temple is the tallest temple at Lamanai, rising 125 feet above the jungle canopy. It was built as early as 100 BC and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle and a nearby lagoon.

Lamanai is accessible by boat from Orange Walk Town or by dirt road through the Mennonite area of Shipyard. Many visitors opt to take a tour from Belize City, which includes transport, a guided tour of the site, and often a boat ride along the New River.

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