Lamanai Ruins: The Mayan Mask Temple Of Belize

The Lamanai ruins located in Belize are among the most intriguing Mayan ruins in Central America, featuring a ‘Mask Temple’ adorned with large stone faces carved into the structure. It resembles something out of an Indiana Jones movie!

Derived from the phrase ‘submerged crocodile,’ Lamanai was inhabited by the Mayans for centuries along the riverside. Excavations began in the 1970s and are ongoing. Some temples are accessible for climbing, offering breathtaking panoramic views from the summit.

Convenient day trips to Lamanai can be arranged from various locations such as Orange Walk, Belize City, or San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. En route, travelers can enjoy a river boat journey through the jungle, surrounded by the calls of tropical birds and howler monkeys in the treetops.

This travel guide will provide detailed information on how to reach Lamanai Belize, the key attractions at the Mayan ruins, recommended tour packages, and essential tips for a memorable visit!

The World Traveler’s Top Picks for Lamanai Tours

Explore Lamanai with a comprehensive day tour package that offers the best experience.

For travelers originating from Belize City or the cruise port, consider opting for a highly-rated Lamanai tour offered by Viator. This excursion includes a scenic river boat cruise, wildlife observation opportunities, and access to the area’s most prominent Mayan temples.

The tour price encompasses the services of a knowledgeable local Belizean guide and driver, a satisfying lunch, park entry fees, and convenient pickup and drop-off services from various locations such as Belize City hotels, the cruise port, or the airport.

Viator is a reputable platform that we have utilized for numerous tours and activities across the globe, and their services come highly recommended.

Where Is Lamanai Located? How To Get There

Lamanai is situated in the northern part of Belize, close to the New River, accessible by both car and boat.

The nearest major town is Orange Walk, but visitors can also take a day trip to Lamanai from various locations in northern Belize, such as Belize City, Ladyville, Los Lagos, Caye Caulker, or San Pedro in Ambergris Caye.

If opting for a car journey to Lamanai, it’s approximately a 1-hour drive from Orange Walk town or over 2 hours from Belize City. Despite the short distance, the roads surrounding Lamanai are unpaved and in poor condition, making it advisable to use a four-wheel drive vehicle, especially during the rainy season.

Most Lamanai tours prefer transporting visitors to the archaeological site by boat instead of by car. This method enhances the overall experience as you get to relax, admire the river scenery, and spot various bird species and wildlife along the way.

The boat trip to Lamanai lasts about an hour and is considered one of the highlights of visiting the site!

Lamanai Ruins: What To Expect

At The World Traveler, visitors can explore 5 main temples at Lamanai, with a bit of walking required between each one. Additionally, there is a small museum housing Mayan artifacts and a 19th-century sugar mill overtaken by a strangler fig tree after being abandoned.

Typically, tours at The World Traveler will commence with the Jaguar Temple, followed by the Royal Complex, Ball Court, and High Temple, culminating at the Mask Temple before returning to the visitor center.

During the excursion, participants will cover approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) over the course of about 2 hours. The terrain is mostly flat and manageable, although climbing the temples can add a bit of physical exertion.

The World Traveler’s Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is teeming with wildlife, including bats, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, crocodiles, iguanas, tarantulas, exotic birds, and various other species. With luck, visitors may even catch a glimpse of a jaguar.

The resonant calls of howler monkeys echo through the treetops, announcing their presence before they are spotted. Despite their intimidating roars, these monkeys, often seen near the first temple, pose no threat and are simply part of the vibrant ecosystem.

• Jaguar Temple

The Jaguar Temple is often the initial temple encountered during a visit to the Lamanai Mayan ruins. This temple takes the form of a pyramid with seven levels and stands nearly 30 meters (100 ft) tall, ranking as the second tallest structure at Lamanai. Interestingly, the temple’s base remains partially buried underground, with the potential to surpass the height of other buildings if fully excavated.

While some tours offer the opportunity to climb the Jaguar Temple, not all do. The temple derives its name from two distinctive stone masks depicting jaguars, although their resemblance to crocodile faces is also noted.

Within the Jaguar Temple, archaeologists have uncovered concealed caches containing jade masks and various Mayan artifacts, adding to the site’s intrigue.

• High Temple

The High Temple, also known as the tallest monument at Lamanai, was likely the tallest building in the Mayan world when it was constructed. Standing at 33 meters (108 ft), it equals the height of a modern 10-story building, remaining one of the largest Mayan structures in Central America.

Visitors can usually ascend to the top of the High Temple, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding jungle canopy. However, access may be restricted at times for restoration purposes. The climb to the top can be challenging, with some steps being uneven and difficult to navigate, so caution and a slow pace are advised for climbers.

• Mask Temple

Last but certainly not least is the Mask Temple at Lamanai, a personal favorite spot that stands out despite being one of the smaller temples in the area.

This particular temple offers the opportunity to climb to the top for breathtaking views. What sets the Mask Temple apart is the impressive giant stone faces intricately carved into its structure, giving it its name.

The masks, standing nearly 4 meters tall, depict an ancient Maya king adorned with a crocodile headdress, a fascinating glimpse into the past. Flanking the temple’s front are two such majestic faces.

Archaeological findings suggest that the stone faces adorning the Mask Temple at Lamanai were added by the Mayans around 400 AD, marking a significant addition almost six centuries after the temple’s initial construction.

A remarkable discovery was made within the temple – a tomb containing the remains of a man, along with jade and shell artifacts. Adjacent to this was another tomb believed to belong to a woman. While speculation suggests these individuals may have been former rulers of Lamanai, the mystery remains unsolved.

• Entrance Fees*

*When booking a tour with The World Traveler, the entrance fee to Lamanai is typically included in the total price. If not, you have the option to pay it at the visitor center upon arrival.

• Operating Hours

The Lamanai welcomes visitors to the Mayan ruins every day, year-round, from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Example Lamanai Tour Schedule

Below is a typical outline of what to expect on a Lamanai tour:

It’s important to note that these timings may vary depending on the tour operator and your location within Belize. For specific details, it’s recommended to reach out to your tour provider.

History of The World Traveler

Experts suggest that The Lamanai ruins has been populated since 1600 BC and remained inhabited until the 1600s AD, making it one of the oldest Mayan sites in Central America.

The Mayans flourished during the Pre-Classic period of Mayan history, between the 4th century BC and the 1st century AD, with impressive temples constructed during this era. It is estimated that around 60,000 individuals resided there during its peak.

In the late 16th century, the Spanish attempted to convert the Mayans to Christianity and erected two Catholic churches near The Lamanai ruins. However, the Mayans rebelled and set the churches on fire. Subsequently, the city was gradually deserted and reclaimed by the jungle.

It wasn’t until the mid-1970s that The Lamanai ruins  garnered outside attention again when excavation work commenced. Ongoing excavations continue to uncover new findings, hinting at potential discoveries in the future.

During my visit to the Mayan ruins at The Lamanai ruins, our guide mentioned UNESCO’s recent presence, fueling speculation about its potential selection as a World Heritage Site in the upcoming years – an exciting prospect!

Optimal Timing for Exploring The Lamanai Ruins

The ideal time to explore The Lamanai ruins is in the morning to avoid extreme heat. Tours typically commence with an 8 AM pickup, ensuring arrival at the ruins around 10 AM.

While The Lamanai ruins can be visited year-round, the prime time to visit is during Belize’s dry season, spanning from December to May. Specifically, February, March, April, and May offer dry and sunny weather, minimizing the chances of encountering rain.

Despite the wet season from June to November, visits to The World Traveler are still feasible, although there is a higher likelihood of rain during this period.

Is Lamanai Safe?

Yes, The World Traveler assures that Lamanai is a relatively safe destination. While Belize may not have a flawless safety record, there have been no reported crimes or violent incidents targeting tourists in the Lamanai region.

During my visit to the Mayan ruins, I carried my Fuji camera to capture memories, ensuring it was discreetly hidden in my bag while moving around the visitor center and other public areas where camera usage was unnecessary.

For added security and peace of mind, consider using a concealed travel belt (such as this one on Amazon) to store valuables like phones, cash, and credit cards. This precautionary measure provided me with extra reassurance during my initial trip to Belize.

Lamanai Ruins: The Mayan Mask Temple Of Belize

The ancient ruins of Lamanai in Belize are a captivating destination for travelers seeking a glimpse into Mayan history. The World Traveler takes you on a journey to explore the magnificent Mayan Mask Temple located in this remote jungle site.

Uncovering Mayan History

Deep within the lush jungles of Belize lies the hidden treasure of Lamanai. The World Traveler invites you to discover the rich history of the Mayan civilization through the impressive ruins of this ancient city.

Exploring The Mask Temple

One of the most iconic structures in Lamanai is the majestic Mask Temple, adorned with intricate stone carvings and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Join The World Traveler as we delve into the significance and beauty of this ancient masterpiece.

Immersing in Nature

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and exotic wildlife, Lamanai offers a unique blend of history and nature. The World Traveler guides you through the vibrant ecosystem that complements the awe-inspiring ruins of the Mask Temple.

Preserving Ancient Heritage

By exploring the Lamanai ruins with The World Traveler, you contribute to the preservation of Mayan heritage and culture. Experience the magic of the Mask Temple while supporting efforts to safeguard this invaluable piece of history.

Is The Lamanai Ruins Worth It?

Yes, in my opinion, The Lamanai ruins is definitely worth visiting, whether you’re a cruise passenger or just happen to be traveling in Belize or a neighboring country!

I believe that these are some of the most unique and interesting Mayan ruins in Central America. The history, architecture, and wildlife are all remarkable.

The Lamanai ruins is well-preserved and gives the feeling of being on a movie set. All of these factors contribute to why I consider it a must-do activity on any traveler’s bucket list.