Lamanai is a unique Mayan Ruin accessible by boat ride to and see loads of wildlife like crocodiles, monkeys and birds. It's the third-largest ruin in Belize.
As the main attraction in Orange Walk, Lamanai is an incredibly unique tour in the area. The archeological site is accessible by boat and by car.
Here's what this short guide includes 👇:
Visitor Essentials
- Location
- Orange Walk District
- Opening Hours
- 8AM–5PM
- Entrance Fee
- $12.50 USD
- Tour Cost
- $75.00 USD
- Tour Duration
- 2 hours
- Essentials
- Water, sunblock, comfortable shoes
- Tour Guide
- Not mandatory
- Amenities
- Restroom facilities, parking, souvenir store
But wait, how do we even say Lamanai? Well, it's actually exactly as it sounds.
Lamanai Pronunciation
LAH MAN AY
How To Get To Lamanai
The two main ways of getting to Lamanai is by boat and by car. The boat tour is 1.5 hours away from Orange Walk while the car ride takes roughly the same time from Orange Walk. The river tour has more wildlife spotting while the car ride passes through traditional communities.
Lamanai River Tour
From Belize City/Airport, the easier way to get to Lamanai is by booking a river tour. The tour guide provides transportation to Orange Walk District (1.5 hrs) by shuttle and then to Lamanai (1.5 hrs) by boat.
This is what the tour includes:
- pickup at your hotel in Orange Walk
- parking space at the boat docking
- Belizean lunch included
- Mayan ruin park fee included
- guide & river tour
Lamanai By Car (Self Guided)
Lamanai can be reached by road as well. From Belize City/Airport, drive north towards Orange Walk Town via Northern Highway. From Orange Walk Town, there are two roads to Lamanai.
The first road passes through the villages of Guinea Grass and Shipyard which is recommended if you are interested in visiting a local Mennonite community. This road is not paved and mostly dirt road. View map route.
The second road passes through the villages of Yo Creek, San Lazaro, Trinidad, August Pine Ridge and San Felipe. This road is fully paved with a few bumpy sections. View map route.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
River Tour
The archeological site is actually beside a river bank and is one of the few Mayan ruins you can travel to by boat. The boat trip lasts about 1.5 hours one way.
Wildlife
Because the tour includes a trip up the New River, you get a chance to spot wildlife like crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas and many birds. Howler monkeys are on site too.
Mask Temple
Besides being near the river, Lamanai has a unique Mask Temple with a well-preserved and detailed mask of a Mayan ruler on the wall of a temple.
Facts About Lamanai
- 🗿 The Archeological Reserve encompasses 958.5 acres of land in Northern Belize.
- ⏳ Lamanai has one of the longest occupational periods with more than 3000 years.
- 🏯 The High Temple is the third-largest Mayan ruin in Belize measuring 108ft (33m).
- 💧 Mercury was discovered under the Ball court (Also found at Caracol Mayan Ruin).
- ⛪️ Remnants of Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill are viewable at the site.
What To Expect
- drive through small local villages
- fun jungle boat tour along river
- unique and interesting temples
- wildlife like birds and crocodile
- local souvenir shops at the site
Wildlife At Lamanai
- Kingfisher
- Morelet’s crocodile
- Toucans
- Howler Monkeys
- Coatimundis
- Falcons
- Iguanas
- Spider Monkeys
Helpful Information
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
Frequent Questions
Where is Lamanai located?
Lamanai is located in the northern district of Orange Walk Town in Belize.
How far is Lamanai from Orange Walk Town?
The Mayan Ruin is about 1.5 hours north of Orange Walk Town.
How much time do you need at Lamanai?
The river tour lasts about 2 hours excluding the transportation by boat which takes 1.5 hours each way.
How tall is the the largest ruin at Lamanai?
The tallest structure is 77ft (23.5m) tall.
Resources
Leave A Comment 👇
Do you plan on visiting Lamanai by river or by land?