Tour name: Lamanai (Submerged Crocodile), Orange Walk (Belize)

Tour Length: Tour normally takes between 2- 3 hours.

Tour Type: MILD Tour requires alot of walking and climbing, depending on the weather, it can be humid, hot, wet or just that perfect cool day.

 

Price:

 

What to Bring:

  1. Bug repellant

  2. Sun Block

  3. Hats/Caps

  4. Binoculars

  5. Comfortable walking/climbing shoes

  6. Dress to the weather.

  7. Life jackets for kids.

 

Tour Chronolology: 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

Upon 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.

Tour Description: 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 of 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.