Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

Archaeological site · Orange Walk

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

Archaeological site · Orange Walk

3

Q87X+M4J, Water Bank, Belize

Photos

Lamanai Archaeological Reserve by Image by Todd Lawson / Getty Images
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve by null
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve by  
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve by  

Highlights

Discover the enchanting Lamanai, a major Maya archaeological site in Belize where jungle trails lead to impressive ancient ruins and vibrant wildlife.  

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Q87X+M4J, Water Bank, Belize Get directions

lamanaimayanruinstour.bravesites.com

Information

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Q87X+M4J, Water Bank, Belize Get directions

+501 668 4889
lamanaimayanruinstour.bravesites.com

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 9, 2025

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@afar

"Visit Maya Ruins of Lamanai In the Orange Walk district, in Northern Belize, lies one of the largest Maya ruins in the country: Lamanai. It is accessible by road but I arrived after a one-hour boat ride up the New River. The name “Lamanai” is roughly translated as “Submerged Crocodile.” Apparently, there was once a thriving population. The ruins may date back to 700 B.C. and estimates put the number of structures, which are part of the ruins, at around 700 buildings; however, less than 5% has actually been excavated. Thick jungle, filled with howler monkeys, birds and jaguars, conceal the remaining structures. The walk through the jungle from the landing dock is certainly evocative. Tall palm trees form a dense ceiling and thick underbrush conceals everything around the path, still littered with pottery shards and artifacts because excavation is still ongoing. The Mask Temple has the most well preserved details but the view from the top of N10-43 (or High Temple) is thrilling. I don’t recommend it for those who are afraid of heights because the climb down is steep and challenging. If you can make it, it’s worth every moment of struggle. I am no expert judge, but I would revisit Lamanai again in a heartbeat; of all the Maya historical places I have been, it was the most interesting and complete in terms of narrative and historical detail. A museum toward the entrance to the complex could easily take an entire afternoon to get through because of the volume of information it houses."

The Best Thing To Do in Belize
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@afar

"Visit Maya Ruins of Lamanai In the Orange Walk district, in Northern Belize, lies one of the largest Maya ruins in the country: Lamanai. It is accessible by road but I arrived after a one-hour boat ride up the New River. The name “Lamanai” is roughly translated as “Submerged Crocodile.” Apparently, there was once a thriving population. The ruins may date back to 700 B.C. and estimates put the number of structures, which are part of the ruins, at around 700 buildings; however, less than 5% has actually been excavated. Thick jungle, filled with howler monkeys, birds and jaguars, conceal the remaining structures. The walk through the jungle from the landing dock is certainly evocative. Tall palm trees form a dense ceiling and thick underbrush conceals everything around the path, still littered with pottery shards and artifacts because excavation is still ongoing. The Mask Temple has the most well preserved details but the view from the top of N10-43 (or High Temple) is thrilling. I don’t recommend it for those who are afraid of heights because the climb down is steep and challenging. If you can make it, it’s worth every moment of struggle. I am no expert judge, but I would revisit Lamanai again in a heartbeat; of all the Maya historical places I have been, it was the most interesting and complete in terms of narrative and historical detail. A museum toward the entrance to the complex could easily take an entire afternoon to get through because of the volume of information it houses."

Seven Maya Sites to Visit in Belize
View Postcard for Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
@afar

"Visit Maya Ruins of Lamanai In the Orange Walk district, in Northern Belize, lies one of the largest Maya ruins in the country: Lamanai. It is accessible by road but I arrived after a one-hour boat ride up the New River. The name “Lamanai” is roughly translated as “Submerged Crocodile.” Apparently, there was once a thriving population. The ruins may date back to 700 B.C. and estimates put the number of structures, which are part of the ruins, at around 700 buildings; however, less than 5% has actually been excavated. Thick jungle, filled with howler monkeys, birds and jaguars, conceal the remaining structures. The walk through the jungle from the landing dock is certainly evocative. Tall palm trees form a dense ceiling and thick underbrush conceals everything around the path, still littered with pottery shards and artifacts because excavation is still ongoing. The Mask Temple has the most well preserved details but the view from the top of N10-43 (or High Temple) is thrilling. I don’t recommend it for those who are afraid of heights because the climb down is steep and challenging. If you can make it, it’s worth every moment of struggle. I am no expert judge, but I would revisit Lamanai again in a heartbeat; of all the Maya historical places I have been, it was the most interesting and complete in terms of narrative and historical detail. A museum toward the entrance to the complex could easily take an entire afternoon to get through because of the volume of information it houses."

Two Weeks in Belize
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Nick Shamhart

Google
One of the more elaborate Mayan Sites to reach, but worth the effort. The dramatic effect of arriving at the site after an hour boat ride lends the trip a cinematic feel. The park grounds are well-maintained and the jungle sculpted to provide many easy to traverse walking trails.

Arch S

Google
Was glad to get to visit the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. You are able to climb the Temple of the Masks and the Temple of the Jaguar, but not the High/Great Temple. Entrance fee is BZD $10. “Lamanai is the community with the longest history of human habitation in Belize. It was settled around 900 B.C and was still occupied two and a half thousand years later, when Spanish missionaries arrived to the site in 1544.”

Alyssa James

Google
Visiting the Lamanai ruins was an amazing experience. I traveled from San Pedro which was quite the journey, but it was more than worth it. This was my first time seeing Mayan ruins. Our guide Brenda was extremely knowledgeable and taught us so much about the history of the site. We had a small group of 4 which was really nice. The ruins are simply magnificent. There’s also a lot of cool plants and animals around the ruins which our guide taught us about. I’ve never seen monkeys and there were quite a few in the surrounding trees which was also really cool. They also have a museum and some gift shops on the grounds.

Andrew Best

Google
I enjoyed a small private tour and the boat ride to and from the site. Apparently, I chose a day with none of the herds from the cruise ships, so the place was quite deserted except for the holler monkeys. The driver's car broke down on the way back to my hotel.

Beth Wade

Google
Did a tour of these ruins while on a cruise and enjoyed learning about the history and seeing the structures up close. We were also able to climb one of the ruins.

Robert De Raeve

Google
Great Maya temple complex. Best reached by boat, a one hour ride along a beautiful river (New River) and ending at a lake. Place not crowded. The boat tour with temple complex visit includes guide and lunch. Recommended!

Nathan Hodson

Google
The jungle river cruise to get there adds to the experience. A great combination of jungle nature watch and Mayan ruins.

Steve Paniccia

Google
Great trip, guides had lots of great info. Make sure you climb the Pyramid, it's easier than it looks.