Embark on a thrilling day trip from San Ignacio to the hidden Mayan city of Lamanai. Explore fascinating ruins, encounter wildlife, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Belize. Book now!
After hotel pickup, relax on an approximate 2-hour drive along Belize’s Western and Northern Highways, keeping an eye out for lowland villages and a variety of bird species that inhabit the region close to Lamanai.
Board a riverboat and embark on a scenic cruise along the New River, traversing multiple creeks and lagoons en route to the Mayan site. Your guide will point out raptors like black hawks, kites and falcons, as well as local flora such as orchids and bromeliads among the hardwood trees. Observe herons, Jabiru storks and jacanas around the lily pads, spider monkeys overhead, and crocodiles basking on sunny riverbanks.
The breathtaking ruins of Lamanai rise into view at the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the largest body of freshwater in Belize. From here, set out on a 1.5-mile (2.5-km) jungle hike to reach the site nestled in the rainforest. Upon arrival, discover Mayan artifacts at the small museum before touring the Mayan city—the largest and oldest in Belize.
Follow your informative guide on foot to the plazas and temples, such as the Temple of the Mask, which dates back to 450 AD and is the smallest of the excavated main temples. Here, two 13-foot (4-meter) stone faces adorn each side. At the Stela Temple you’ll see a stone monument depicting the Mayan ruler Lord Smoking Shell in ceremonial dress. Visit the Jaguar Temple, where a jade mask was unearthed, and pass the ceremonial ball court before ascending the High Temple, which rises 100 feet (33 meters). Listen to the chatter of birds and the calls of howler monkeys as you appreciate the extraordinary views from the top of the site still buried in the hillside.
After lunch, free time is available for more sightseeing in the rainforest. On your way back to the New River Lagoon, your guide will point out medicinal flora such as the copal and ramon trees used by the Mayans. After returning by riverboat, you’ll be driven back to San Ignacio and dropped off at your hotel.
Points of Interest
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Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
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Belize Family Adventure
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio town limits
- Local guide
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Hotel pick up and drop off for hotels outside San Ignacio town limits
Embark on a journey to Lamanai, Belize’s intriguing archaeological wonder tucked away in secrecy. This meticulously guided day escapade originates from San Ignacio, leading you through the rainforest inhabited by monkeys and tropical birds. Visit hillside carvings and structures like the Mask Temple, Jaguar Temple and High Temple. The remote site of Lamanai, named ‘submerged crocodile’ in Mayan for its partially unearthed remains, is reachable by a navigational adventure on a riverboat across the New River (Rio Nuevo), capped off with a brief hike. The package includes round-trip hotel transportation.
- It is recommended you wear comfortable shoes and clothing
- Please note: a minimum of 2 passengers is required in order for this tour to operate. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. Hotel pick up and drop off applies for hotels within San Ignacio town limits. For hotels outside San Ignacio town, surcharge applies.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
