Lamanai Eco Tours Ltd. - Lamanai Maya Ruins

LAMANAI MAYAN RUINS

The great Maya ceremonial site of Lamanai is nestled in tracts of virgin jungle and savanna. Located in the Orange Walk District the Lamanai temple complex sits atop a bluff overlooking the New River Lagoon. It features the second largest Pre-Classic structure in the Maya world and unlike other ruins, much of Lamanai was built in layers where successive populations built upon the temples of their ancestors. Lamanai was occupied continuously for over 3,000 years and its remoteness contributed to its continuous occupation, well beyond most other Maya sites, until at least 1,650 AD.

Although hundreds of site ruins remain unexcavated, three of the most impressive temples have been renovated: the Jaguar Temple, named for its boxy jaguar decoration; the Mask Temple, adorned by a 13-foot stone mask of an ancient Maya king; and the High Temple, offering visitors a panoramic view from its summit.

There is an abundance of wildlife inside the park surrounding Lamanai. There are at least seven families of howler monkeys that make Lamanai their home and you will most likely see a couple of them peering down through the branches as you wander the trails. In addition, the marshlands around the lagoon supports many species of water birds and wildlife. Gettting To Lamanai - A scenic 25 mile boat ride up the New River is the easiest way to get there and the journey can be as interesting as Lamanai itself and for the aware "birder" it may be especially productive for spotting some of the rarest and most unusual sightings Belize has to offer. The up-river excursion is also an opportunity for wildlife spotting. Along the way see crocodiles floating near the river's edge, turtles, camouflaged bats and the "Jesus Christ Bird" walk on water.