Pristine tracts of
jungle and savanna never cleared for
sugar cane surround this great Maya ceremonial center
....
Lamanai means "submerged crocodile," in the Maya language and it's also the name of the third largest, and possibly most interesting, archeological site in Belize.
Located in the Orange Walk District, the Lamanai temple complex sits atop the western bluff of the New River Lagoon and is surrounded by pristine
rainforest.
Lamanai was occupied continuously for over 3,000 years and it's remoteness contributed to it's continuous
occupation, well beyond most other Maya sites, until at least
1,650 AD.
Set in tropical forest and providing spectacular views from several of its large temples, Lamanai provides a unique experience into the culture of
the Maya and the biological diversity of the
tropical forest.
Lamanai 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, instead of destroying them.
Although hundreds of ruins are said to remain unexcavated in the nearby jungle, 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.
What
remains of two 16th century Catholic missions are
also nearby. Maya natives rebelled and burned the churches
to the ground as part of a regional uprising. A make-shift
Maya stelae standing in front of what remains of one church,
is widely interpreted as renouncing all allegiance to
Christianity.
The sites protected status provides
for an abundance of wildlife inside the park. There are
a growing number off howler monkeys that make Lamanai
their home and you will most likely see 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, including crocodiles.
The on-site museum houses an amazing
collection of impressive artifacts depicting Maya gods
and animals.
Facilities include restrooms and a covered
picnic area for visitors.
Getting To Lamanai ....
A scenic boat ride 26
miles up the New River is the
easiest way to get to Lamanai and the journey is as interesting as Lamanai itself and for the aware "birder" it may be the most productive of rare and unusual sightings Belize has to offer as you travel through miles of virgin river fauna, viewing majestic trees with overhanging air plants and colorful Orchids.
The up-river boat ride is a wonderful 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. The excursion by boat
begins near toll booth entrance to Orange Walk Town.
Up arrival, Your boat will dock at the Lamanai Welcome Center where your exploration will begin with your guide. Well kept paths though ancient jungle will lead you to the monuments and Temples, Howler Monkeys relaxing on many of the huge Ceiba trees can be seen all over the site, Toucans are ever present as well as countless other bird species.
For Cruise Ship Visitors - Belize Explorer offers a more personalized
Inland-Excursion Service for Cruise-Ship Passengers visiting Belize ....
Avoid the Cruise ship crowds by signing on to one of our Private and personally, conducted tours.
From Ambergris Caye - Once you reach the mainland, then head north over-land to just outside OrangeWalk Town where boats are waiting to ferry passengers the 22 miles up-river to the site.
Set in tropical forest and providing spectacular views from several of its large temples, Lamanai provides a unique experience into the culture of 
Although hundreds of ruins are said to remain unexcavated in the nearby jungle, 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.
The sites protected status provides
for an abundance of wildlife inside the park. There are
a growing number off howler monkeys that make Lamanai
their home and you will most likely see 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, including crocodiles. 
