Lamanai: Belize's Ancient Mayan City

Lamanai, meaning submerged crocodile in Yucatec Maya, is a Mesoamerican archaeological site located in the Orange Walk District in northern Belize. It is one of the largest Maya sites in Belize, with over 800 structures, and is distinguished by its proximity to a body of water, the New River Lagoon. Lamanai was occupied for an exceptionally long period, from as early as the 16th century BC until the 17th century AD, spanning the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic periods of Maya civilisation.

Lamanai's location on the New River Lagoon

Lamanai is located on the west bank of the New River Lagoon, in the Orange Walk District of Belize. The New River Lagoon is 30 miles long, and Lamanai is accessible by boat from Orange Walk Town, or by road through the Mennonite area of Shipyard. The boat ride takes around an hour and offers the opportunity to see local flora and fauna, including birds and crocodiles. The road route is along a dirt and gravel road, and a four-wheel drive is recommended.

Lamanai is one of the largest Maya sites in Belize and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited archaeological zones in the Maya world. The site covers around 860 acres and is the second-largest site in Belize. It was occupied for over 3,000 years, from around 1500 BC to the 17th century AD, and was still inhabited when Spanish missionaries arrived in 1544. The site features monumental architecture, including temples and palaces dating from the Classic and Pre-Classic periods.

The name Lamanai comes from the Yucatec Maya word 'Lam'an'ain', which means "submerged crocodile". This is fitting, as the New River Lagoon is known for its crocodiles. Lamanai is also renowned for its exceptionally long occupation, which spanned three millennia and continued through the Spanish and British Colonial periods.

The Lamanai Archaeological Reserve contains a museum with ancient Maya artefacts, as well as the remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill established in 1860. The site includes well-preserved temples, such as the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and the High Temple, which rises 125 feet above the jungle canopy.

The site's archaeological significance

Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec Maya, is a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site in Belize. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited archaeological zones in the Maya World, with a history of occupation spanning three millennia, from the Early Preclassic Maya period to the Spanish and British Colonial periods in the 20th century.

The site is located in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize, along the west bank of the New River Lagoon. Lamanai was a prominent centre in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD, and continued to be occupied until the 17th century AD. The city-state was never abandoned, unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, and provides valuable insights into the Maya civilisation and its trade networks.

The archaeological significance of Lamanai lies in its long and continuous occupation, with evidence of human habitation dating back to around 1500 BCE. The site contains monumental architecture, including temples and palaces, dating from the Classic and Pre-Classic Periods. The main ceremonial structures, such as the Jaguar Temple, the Mask Temple, and the High Temple, have been restored, while most of the site remains unrestored. The site also includes remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill, reflecting the historical forced religious conversion and indigenous resistance.

The presence of copper artifacts at Lamanai is another significant aspect of the site. Copper objects, such as bells, rings, tweezers, clothing ornaments, and tools, indicate broader trade relations and technological advancements. The variety and number of copper artifacts suggest their importance in ritual performances and as symbols of social status. Lamanai has yielded the highest number of copper artifacts in the ancient Maya world, providing valuable insights into the cultural and economic dynamics of the Maya civilisation.

The Lamanai Outpost Lodge

Getting There

You can travel to the lodge by car, boat, aircraft, or helicopter. The lodge has its own private airport and helipad. Most guests arrive via a scheduled transfer from Belize International Airport, which includes about 60 minutes by road and 60 minutes by Jungle Riverboat.

Accommodation

The outpost has 17 jungle cabanas built using bush materials, offering a comfortable and elegantly rustic experience. All cabanas feature air-conditioning (optional upgrade), high-output ceiling fans, complimentary WiFi, stocked refrigerators, complimentary toiletries, 24-hour electricity, electronic safes, memory foam mattresses, daily housekeeping, available hair dryers, private baths with endless hot water, and covered verandahs with outdoor seating.

The lodge offers various cabana options, including:

• King Cabanas for couples
• Special Family Cabanas for parents and grandparents with children
• Double Cabanas for groups and extended families
• Researcher Cabanas for group leaders, visiting scientists, and conservation research teams, available in Team, Three-Bedroom, and Individual formats.

Dining

Activities

• Sunrise canoe expedition
• Sunset cocktail cruise
• Jungle dawn walk
• Night walk to spot nocturnal creatures like tarantulas, scorpions, and porcupines
• Visit to the Lamanai Mayan Ruins, including a museum with ancient artefacts and well-preserved masks of Maya rulers
• Crocodile encounter and conservation project
• Birdwatching, with the opportunity to spot toucans and howler monkeys
• Cultural visit to Indian Church to learn traditional corn tortilla and tamale-making
• Medicine walk
• Swimming in the lagoon
• Sunset lagoon cruise
• Traditional Maya lunch
• Fishing
• Airboat cruise

Practical Information

• The lodge provides free and secure parking.
• Mosquitoes are generally minimal to non-existent, and no guests have contracted malaria or mosquito-borne infections in the lodge's 30 years of operation.
• The lodge is situated on a hillside, with gradients and steps to navigate. They can accommodate mobility issues if informed in advance.
• Complimentary bottled water is provided in boats, vehicles, and the lodge, and purified water is used for meals and making ice.
• Laundry service is available for an additional charge.
• The lodge is staffed 24 hours a day and provides after-hours assistance.
• The lodge is in a jungle setting, so bugs and creepy crawlies may be present, including geckos, moths, and beetles.
• Tipping is encouraged but not mandatory, and guests can choose to tip individually or put money in a tip box at reception.

Cost

Room-only rates vary by season and cabana type. The following are the lowest, middle, and highest room prices:

• Summer (June-October): US$112.00-US$289.00 per night plus government tax for double occupancy.
• Winter (November-May): US$160.00-US$414.00 per night plus government tax for double occupancy.

The All-Inclusive Package, which includes three meals a day and two excursions per day, costs $350 per night.

How to get to Lamanai

Lamanai is located in the Orange Walk District of Belize, on the west bank of the New River Lagoon. The site is accessible by boat or road, with the boat option being the more popular choice.

By Boat

The most popular way to get to Lamanai is by boat from Orange Walk Town. The scenic 26-mile boat ride up the New River Lagoon takes about two hours and offers the opportunity to spot local flora and fauna, including birds, crocodiles, turtles, and monkeys. Tours from Orange Walk Town typically last about four hours and cost $50 or more. It is recommended to ask around in Orange Walk Town for boat operators and their schedules.

By Road

Alternatively, it is possible to drive or take a bus to Lamanai, although the route can be bumpy and challenging, especially during the rainy season. The drive from Orange Walk Town takes about one to one and a half hours and passes through the Mennonite community of Shipyard and the village of Indian Church. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for this route.

Tours

For those looking for a hassle-free experience, there are full-day tours departing from Belize City that include transportation and a guided tour of the site. This option eliminates the need to worry about logistics and provides an all-encompassing experience.

Accommodation

For those who want to spend more time at Lamanai, the Lamanai Outpost Lodge is located just a three-minute boat ride from the ruins and offers accommodation options.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins Tour

Getting There

Your exploration of the Lamanai Mayan Ruins begins in Belize City, where you will be transported in an air-conditioned van for about an hour to the north of Belize, to the Orange Walk District. The drive will take you across rivers and vast expanses of land, providing you with a true Belizean country tour.

You will arrive at the Tower Hill Bridge, where you will board your boat for a spectacular boat ride upriver. The boat tour is by far one of the highlights of the excursion! You will travel through miles of virgin river fauna, viewing majestic trees with overhanging air plants and colourful orchids. The boat ride is a wonderful opportunity for wildlife spotting, with over 100 varieties of tropical birds and occasional freshwater crocodiles floating near the river’s edge.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins

Lamanai, which means "submerged crocodile" in the Maya language, is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, spanning a vast expanse on the Belize New River. The Lamanai Mayan Centre holds over 800 structures deep in the Tropical Forest.

Lamanai was occupied as early as 1500 BC and was one of the longest-occupied sites in the Maya World. The site became prominent in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC through the 1st century AD. The earliest monumental architecture began to appear in the Late Pre-Classic (300 BCE-250 CE), mostly in the northern area of the site. These were mainly platforms with structures of a perishable nature built on top.

Three of the most impressive ruins have been renovated: the Jaguar Temple, named for its boxy jaguar decoration; the Mask Temple, adorned by a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Maya king; and the High Temple, offering panoramic views from its summit. Climb the 125-foot Mayan temple above the jungle canopy for a spectacular view of the surrounding jungle and lagoon. Keep an eye out for a family of Howler Monkeys that reside in the jungle canopy overhead.

The Lamanai Mayan Ruins exploration will be approximately 2 hours. You will be guided to the Ball Court, the Jaguar Temple, and the Lag Temple, where you are able to climb to the top and gain an unforgettable view of the whole Lamanai Mayan Ruins. The view of the New River Lagoon and the vast Lamanai Archeology Reserve is spectacular.

Lunch

During your Lamanai Mayan Ruins Tour, you will have the chance to relax and enjoy a wonderful traditional Belizean lunch, which is included in your tour.

Frequently asked questions