Belize Mayan Tour: Lamanai River Tour and Maya Site

Our Belize Mayan Civilization Tour to Lamanai is a great way to see Belize birds and wildlife along the river, then embark at the Lamanai Maya Site cradled on the shores of the New River Lagoon. On the way, you will get to enjoy a scenic boat ride up the New River, providing a great opportunity for wildlife spotting. At the site you will get to marvel at panoramic views of the rainforest and lagoon from atop the High Temple.

This amazing tour is offered for $110 USD per person and can be scheduled with 24 hours advance notice to Black Orchid Resort front desk tour office. Email them to make arrangements.

 You can also learn about other Belize Tours and Adventures from Black Orchid Resort.

Lamanai is the largest Mayan ceremonial site in Northern Belize, one of the largest in Belize; it has more than 719 mapped structures, including two 16th century Christian churches as well as an intact 19th century sugar mill. The most impressive of these is the High Temple – a massive stepped structure built into the hillside overlooking the New River Lagoon – one of the largest Pre-Classic structure in Belize (108 ft / 33 m high). 

Lamanai features many large temples fully exposed to visitors.

Ruins of numerous dwellings, a ball court, and several other temples also remain. Earliest evidence dates to 1500 BC and as the populations grew, so did the center, becoming one of the largest in the region. Situated on a major trade route, Lamanai is one of the longest occupied Mayan cities and was inhabited for over 2000 years. People were living in the area in the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived and built a series of churches (right on top of Mayan temples). 

Archaeological museum has precious findings from the site on display portraying well over 2000 years of Mayan history. One of Belize's finest stelea is found here, which depicts an elaborate carving of the ruler Smoking Shell.

Some of the birds we may encounter on this trip include Black-Collared Hawk, Northern Jacana, Mangrove Swallow, Olive-Throated Parakeet, American Pygmy Kingfisher, and occasionally a Purple Gallinule. Other types of wildlife such as the endangered Morelete's Crocodile and Green Iguana are also a common sighting on the way to Lamanai. After arriving, we will have the chance to explore the ruins and have the opportunity to view birds such as Red-Lored Parrot, Blue-Crowned Mot-mot, Collared Aracari Toucan, Lineated and Pale-Billed Woodpeckers, and Black-Headed and Violaceous Togons. In addition, Yucatan Black Howler Monkeys are usually seen or heard here.  

The name Lamanai means “Submerged Crocodile” in Mayan. The name helps to explain the numerous crocodile motifs at the site. Crocodile effigies appear on figurines, vessel decorations, and on the large headdress on a limestone mask at one of the principal structures at the site.

To reserve your spots on this Belize Mayan Tour with Black Orchid Resort, please email us at info@blackorchidresort.com or call our front desk at +501 - 225 9158.