Lamanai
General Info
Name means “submerged crocodile”
First settled around 900 BC
77 miles northwest of Belize City, in the Orange Walk District.
The Tour
Duration: 6 hours (includes lunch)
Belize was once home to more than 2 million Mayas with a legacy known for sacred temples, pyramids, palaces, advanced science, agriculture, and mathematics. Multiple sites exist today to educate and share that knowledge with future generations. We offer various tours to some of the largest sites and our guides have boundless information to share with you about the rich history of the Mayan people. Lamanai is one of the most unique of these sites.
Lumanai means “submerged crocodile” in Yucatan Mayan. Lumanai is one of the only sites retaining its original name, and is one of the largest Maya ceremonial centers. The site was first settled around 900 BC. 3000 years later, when the Spaniards arrived in AD 1544, they found a vibrant community that was practicing many of their ancient traditions. The Spaniards dominated Lamanai for almost 100 years but in 1640, Maya at Lamanai rebelled and drove the Spaniards out. Most of the site remained unexcavated until the mid-1970s, and to this day a significant portion remains buried underground.
Travel to Lamanai by road through San Felipe, Orange Walk, is an experience in itself, and preferred by most visitors rather than by boat. The road trip is considered a “jungle cruise”, and is an excellent chance to see birds, exotic plants and crocodiles.
Pick up locations:
- Airport
- Cruise Port
- Hotels within Belize City
Tour Fees
- Adult – $125.00 per person (up to 5 people)
- Adult Groups – $90.00 per person (groups of 6 to 12)
- Children 3 to 12 y.o. – $75.00 per child
- Children Under 3 – Free
- Private Tour – $150.00 per person (2 to 5 people)
- Tours are run with a 4 person minimum, contact us for special group rates for 5 people or more
* All prices listed are U.S. Currency
Fees above include:
- Water
- Lunch
- Entrance fee
- Transportation to and from
- Tour guide
What to bring
- Comfortable Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito Repellant
- Sun hat/visor
- Water bottle or canteen (water is provided)
- Camera
Images of Lamanai
“The view from the top of High Temple was gorgeous. Standing ontop you can imagine what life might have been like for the Mayan during a different era. Do yourself a favor and visit Lamanai, you’ll love the history and the amazing things the Mayans created.”
~ Darrel, Austin TX
Tour Tip
All sites have vendors located on-site or nearby. We recommend if you are interested in purchasing any souvenirs, bring plenty of cash as there are few ATMs or banks nearby and vendors do not accept debit or credit cards.