The Lamanai Belize Ruins feature the Mayan Mask Temple.

The Lamanai ruins in Belize are a notable example of Mayan ruins in Central America, including a ‘Mask Temple’ with impressive stone faces carved into the foundation. It bears resemblance to archaeological sites depicted in Indiana Jones.

Lamanai, which means ‘submerged crocodile’, was settled by the Mayans for thousands of years and excavation began in the 1970s and is ongoing. Climbing is allowed on some of the temples, providing panoramic views from the top.

Lamanai can be conveniently visited on a day trip from various locations, including Orange Walk, Belize City, or even San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to take a scenic river boat ride through the jungle, accompanied by the sounds of tropical birds and howler monkeys in the treetops.

This travel guide provides information on getting to Lamanai Belize, points of interest at the Mayan ruins, recommended tour packages, and other essential information for your trip.

What to expect when visiting the Lamanai Ruins.

Best Lamanai Tours

A suggested way to visit Lamanai is through a day tour package.

For those traveling from Belize City or the cruise port, Viator offers a highly-rated Lamanai tour that includes a river boat cruise, wildlife observation, and visits to the most prominent Mayan temples in the region.

The price includes a local guide and driver, lunch, park fees, and pickup and drop-off from various locations in Belize City.

We have utilized Viator for numerous tours and activities worldwide, and they have consistently been exceptional. We highly recommend their services.

You can book the Lamanai Tour from Belize City or the Cruise Port.

The location of Lamanai and directions on how to get there.

Lamanai is situated in northern Belize, close to the New River, and can be reached by either car or boat.

The town closest in proximity is Orange Walk, however, it is possible to visit Lamanai on a day trip from any location in northern Belize, including Belize City, Ladyville, Los Lagos, Caye Caulker, or San Pedro in Ambergris Caye.

The travel time to Lamanai by car is approximately 1 hour from Orange Walk town or over 2 hours from Belize City. Despite the short distance, the roads near Lamanai are unpaved and uneven. A four-wheel drive vehicle is advisable, particularly during the rainy season.

Lamanai tours typically transport visitors to the archaeological site via boat instead of car, which is both enjoyable and intriguing. This method allows for relaxation and the appreciation of river views, all while observing the diverse wildlife and bird species.

The boat ride to Lamanai typically lasts around 1 hour, which is considered one of the highlights of visiting this place.

The Lamanai Mayan ruins include the Mask Temple.

What to expect at Lamanai Ruins.

Lamanai has five main temples, which require some walking to reach. The site also features a small museum displaying Mayon artifacts, as well as a 19th-century sugar mill that was engulfed by a strangler fig tree after it was abandoned.

Lamanai tours typically begin with a visit to the Jaguar Temple, followed by stops at the Royal Complex, Ball Court, and High Temple. The tour concludes with a visit to the Mask Temple, before returning to the visitor center.

Throughout the day, you will cover approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) of walking, which is spread out over about 2 hours. The majority of the walking is on flat terrain and not overly strenuous, although climbing the temples may require some additional effort.

A variety of wildlife can be observed at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, including bats, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, tarantulas, exotic birds, and a range of other animals. Occasionally, if one is fortunate, a jaguar may also be spotted.

The howler monkeys are easily heard before they are seen due their loud noises. We came across a group of them in the treetops near the first temple, and despite their intimidating roars, they pose no threat as they are harmless monkeys.

A spider monkey can be seen in the treetops.

• Jaguar Temple

The Jaguar Temple is typically the initial temple encountered during a tour of the Lamanai Mayan ruins.

The temple at Lamanai is shaped like a pyramid, has 7 levels, and stands at a height of nearly 30 meters (100 ft). It is the 2nd tallest structure at Lamanai, and its base is partially underground. If fully excavated, it would become the tallest building at Lamanai.

Some tours include a visit to the Jaguar Temple, which derives its name from the distinctive stone masks resembling jaguars carved into the temple’s facade. However, in my opinion, they more closely resemble crocodile faces.

Archaeologists at this temple have uncovered hidden caches that contain jade masks and other Mayan artifacts, which are intriguing.

Jaguar Temple

This is a mask detail at the Jaguar Temple.

Here is another perspective of the Jaguar Temple.

• High Temple

The High Temple is the tallest monument at Lamanai, and during its construction, it was likely the tallest building in the Mayan world.

The structure has a height of 33 meters (108 ft), which is comparable to a modern 10-story building. It remains one of the largest Mayan structures in Central America.

Visitors can typically access the top of the High Temple, although it was temporarily closed for restoration during my visit. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle canopy.

The climb can be challenging, so it’s important to proceed with caution and take your time. There are some steps that may be awkward and uneven.

The High Temple is the tallest Mayan temple at Lamanai.

• Mask Temple

Additionally, there is the Mask Temple of Lamanai, which was a personal favorite despite being one of the smaller temples.

The Mask Temple is another site that offers the opportunity to climb for scenic views. However, what sets it apart is the presence of giant stone faces intricately carved into the foundation, from which it derives its name.

The masks measure almost 4 meters in height and depict an ancient Maya king adorned with a crocodile headdress. Two masks are positioned on either side of the temple’s facade.

The Temple of Masks

Based on archaeological evidence, the stone faces at the Lamanai Mask Temple were incorporated by the Mayans around 400 AD, approximately 600 years subsequent to the completion of the rest of the temple.

During the excavation of the temple, two tombs were discovered; one containing the remains of a man along with several jade and shell artifacts, and another tomb nearby for a woman.

There is uncertainty about whether these individuals were past rulers at Lamanai.

Pretty face!

The temple in Lamanai is called the Mask Temple.

• Entrance Fees*

• Foreigners:$10 BZD ($5 USD)
• Locals:$5 BZD

Lamanai tours typically include the park fee in the total price, so it is already accounted for. Alternatively, you can pay the fee upon arrival at the visitor center.

• Opening Hours

• The operating hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM.

The Mayan ruins have operating hours of 8 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week, year-round.

Sample Lamanai Tour Itinerary

A typical Lamanai tour itinerary usually includes the following.

• The departure time from Belize City is 8:00 AM. Guests will travel in an air conditioned van for approximately 1 hour to reach the starting point for the jungle river cruise.
• At 9:00 AM, begin a 1-hour scenic boat ride on the New River to observe birds and other wildlife.
• At 10:00 AM, you will arrive at Lamanai Archaeological Reserve and begin your tour of the Mayan ruins, where you may have the opportunity to spot howler monkeys and other animals.
• At 1:00 PM, we finished touring the ruins and had a local lunch nearby. We had chicken and veggie empanadas with salsa.
• The boat ride back to the starting point takes one hour and is scheduled for 2:00 PM.
• At 3:00 PM, we will return to Belize City, which is approximately a one hour drive.
• Arrive in Belize City and complete the tour at 4:00 PM.

Please note that the times may vary depending on your tour provider and the location of your accommodation in Belize. For specific details, we recommend contacting your tour provider.

Lamanai ruins

History of Lamanai

Archaeologists have determined that the Lamanai area has had a continuous history of human habitation from 1600 BC until the 1600s AD, making it one of the Mayan sites in Central America with the longest recorded history.

Lamanai experienced its highest level of prosperity during the Pre-Classic period of Mayan history, ranging from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD, when its impressive temples were constructed. It is estimated that the population of Lamanai during that time could have reached up to 60,000 individuals.

In the late 16th century, the Spanish attempted to convert the Mayans to Christianity and constructed two Catholic churches near Lamanai. However, the Mayans revolted and destroyed the churches. Subsequently, the city gradually fell into disuse and was reclaimed by the surrounding jungle.

Lamanai received attention from the outside world in the mid-1970s after hundreds of years. Excavation work began at that time and is continuing today, potentially leading to new discoveries.

During my tour of the Mayan ruins at Lamanai, the guide mentioned that UNESCO had visited recently, possibly considering it for World Heritage Site status in the future.

A close-up of one of the stonefaces at Lamanai.

Optimal time to visit the Lamanai Ruins

The optimal time to visit the Lamanai ruins is in the morning to avoid excessive heat. Typically, tours begin with an 8 AM pickup, which will bring you to the ruins by approximately 10 AM.

Lamanai can be visited throughout the year, but the optimal time to go is during the dry season in Belize, which lasts from December to May. Specifically, the months of February, March, April, and May offer the highest chances of clear and sunny weather, minimizing the likelihood of encountering rain during this period.

During the wet season, visiting Lamanai is still possible, however, there is a higher chance of encountering rain. The wet season in Belize extends from June to November.

Is Lamanai Safe?

Lamanai is generally considered safe, although Belize as a whole has had some safety concerns. To my knowledge, there have been no reported crimes or violent incidents involving tourists in the Lamanai area.

I brought my Fuji camera and captured numerous photos at the Mayan ruins. However, I kept it discreetly stored in my bag while I explored the visitor center and other public areas where photography wasn’t necessary.

For added security, bringing a concealed travel belt (such as one available on Amazon) and storing some of your valuable items in it is recommended. This precautionary measure can include your phone, cash, and credit cards, as I personally did on my initial trip to Belize.

Additional Tips for visiting Lamanai, Belize

• If you are looking for accommodations near the Lamanai Mayan ruins, there are several small guest houses in the town of Indian Church, such as the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. Additionally, there are also numerous comfortable hotels available in Orange Walk town.
• When visiting Lamanai, it is recommended to dress for the tropics. The temperatures can be hot and humid during the day, so lightweight summer clothing is advised. I personally wore shorts and flip flops. While shoes are not necessary for climbing the temples, they can be useful. It is important to dress modestly as Lamanai holds significance for the locals.
• I didn’t see any bugs or mosquitoes at Lamanai during the dry season. However, it’s still a good idea to use bug spray as a precautionary measure. This is particularly important if you visit during the wet season, as there may be more bugs. While there is a slight risk of Dengue or Chikungunya from mosquitoes, Malaria is not a concern at the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. Therefore, taking anti-malarials is unnecessary.
• Public toilet facilities are available at the entrance to the park, near the visitor center, and upon disembarking from the boat at Lamanai. However, it is important to note that there are no restroom facilities located at the ruins themselves, so visitors are advised to use the facilities at these designated areas before and after exploring the ruins.
• At the park entrance, there are small shops where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and souvenirs from the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve.
• Cell service is available at the Lamanai park for making phone calls or sending text messages.

A sign is displayed at the entrance that says “Welcome.”

Is Lamanai Worth It?

Lamanai is worth visiting, whether you’re a cruise passenger or happen to be traveling in Belize or a neighboring country.

These Mayan ruins in Central America are considered unique and interesting, with a rich history, impressive architecture, and diverse wildlife.

Lamanai is remarkably well preserved, creating an immersive experience that can transport you to the setting of a movie. These factors make it a highly recommended activity for your bucket list.

Here are some travel tips for Central America.

Thank you for checking out this travel guide for the Mayan ruins of Lamanai in Belize.

Before your departure, please ensure to review my additional travel blog entries on Central America and South America.

Happy travels!