A Local’s Guide to the Lamanai Ruins in Belize

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like an archaeologist rediscovering a lost city hidden deep within the jungle, Lamanai needs to be on your Belize bucket-list!

After spending two months traveling throughout the country, Lamanai is my favorite archeological site in Belize—it’s remarkably well preserved, with temples you can climb and striking faces carved into rock.

But a trip to Lamanai isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the journey… to reach the ancient city, you have to embark on an hour-long boat ride up the New River, passing crocodiles and dense mangroves along the way.

And then finally you arrive at Lamanai, beckoned by the haunting cries of the ruins’ resident howler monkeys.

Lamanai, which means ‘submerged crocodile” in Mayan, was inhabited for over 2,500 years and home to 35,000 people at its height. Some of the main sights include:

• 🐆 Jaguar Temple: 97-foot-tall temple, decorated with intricate carvings resembling a jaguar’s face. You can still climb to the top and gaze out on the dense jungle while standing in the same spot where Mayan priests and rulers stood thousands of years ago.
• 🐊 Mask Temple: Perhaps the most unique thing to see at Lamanai, with the faces of rulers carved into the wall!
• 🏛 High Temple: A 109-foot-tall temple that likely dates back to the 5th century CE. You can no longer climb to the top of High Temple.
• ⚽ Ball Court: This ball court is significant because underneath the structure archaeologists discovered a vessel filled with liquid mercury and jewels. 
• 🐒 Howler Monkeys: You’ll likely hear them before you see them, their haunting calls echo through the trees.
• 🏺 Lamanai Museum: Small museum with artifacts from around Lamanai.

Logistics of Visiting Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

The boat launch point to get to Lamanai is located in Orange Walk district in northern Belize, over an hour from Belize City, and nearly three hours from San Ignacio.

Since it’s a bit out of the way from major tourist areas, many visitors skip Lamanai! But if you’re staying in Belize City at any point during your Belize trip, Lamanai is an easy day trip.

As I mentioned, Lamanai is almost inaccessible by land. There is a road, but its horribly bumpy, so much so that my local family (who are very used to driving on back roads) recommended we take a boat instead.

Plus, driving to Lamanai requires you to drive on that bumpy road for two hours each way, whereas a boat tour will get you to the archaeological site in an hour, with a serene scenic boat ride!

So, your best bet is to join a boat tour that takes you along the New River, optionally with roundtrip transportation from Belize City.

My local tour recommendation is the 6-hour Lamanai tour from Belize City, led by Lamanai Belize Tours, the highest rated and most respected company. Of course, it includes roundtrip transfer (with AC) from Belize City, plus a delicious Belizean lunch, a guided tour of the site, the boat ride, and entry fees for the park.

Visiting Lamanai from Orange Walk

If you don’t need transporation from Belize City you can also join a Lamanai boat tour in Orange Walk. Most tours include a boat ride down the New River and a tour of Lamanai with a knowledgeable guide.

Just keep in mind that none of the local companies have online booking, so you will need to call to reserve your spot. Contact Lamanai Belize Tours via WhatsApp: +011-501-630-5170. 

Photo by Megan Blay

Where to Stay Nearby Lamanai

If visiting Lamanai is a huge priority of yours, and you like exploring off the beaten path, you might decide to spend some time in northern Belize!

Although its a bit off the tourist radar, northern Belize is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time here since its where my family lives! I mention it in my full guide of Where to Stay in Belize, but here’s a quick overview of places to stay in the northern part of the country:

• 💎 Crystal Creek Lodge: This single villa beside a turquoise creek in northern Belize makes the perfect romantic getaway! It’s located deep in the jungle beside Mennonite farmland in an exceptionally beautiful area few vacationers ever experience. My sister-in-law got married here and I can’t put into words how special this place is. The owners are lovely and live onsite, so there’s always someone near if you need anything, but you have to bring all your own food. Check prices.
• 🦜 Chan Chich Lodge: A historic lodge on a 30,000 acre nature preservation in northwest Belize, near the Guatemala border. The resort features a farm-to-table restaurant, a pool, and hiking trails. You can book a variety of adventurous day trips to places like the ATM Cave and several striking Mayan ruins including Tikal, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. Check prices.

Keep Planning Your Belize Travels

• The Ultimate Guide to Belize for First Time Visitors
• Where to Stay in Belize: The Best Resorts in Every Area
• The Perfect 10 Day Belize Itinerary: Islands + Jungle
• 15 EPIC Things to do in Caye Caulker, Belize
• 7 Unforgettable Stops Along the Hummingbird Highway
• 8 Best Things to do in Belize’s Mountain Pine Ridge
• Worth It? Belize’s ATM Cave Tour

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