The Lamanai Mata Ruins is one of the biggest Maya ceremonial centers. Learn about the many things that you can expect to see and experience while visiting Lamanai.

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Lamanai Maya Ruins, one of Belize’s biggest Maya ceremonial centers, is a Mesoamerican archaeological site that is found on the banks of the New River Lagoon in the Orange Walk District location in northern Belize. These ruins posses a unique characteristic from most Maya ruins: it is close to a body of water. Because of this, Lamanai managed to have the longest occupation span of any Maya site, spanning from the 16th century BC until 17th century AD, before the severe drought that led to the decline of the civilization in 900 AD. The name Lamanai comes from a Yucatec Maya word that means ‘submerged crocodile,’ a name fit forthis place as the New River Lagoon is filled with crocodiles.

Getting to Lamanai Maya Ruins

To get there, you should take a scenic 26-mile boat ride up the New River Lagoon from Orange Walk Town. This is the easiest way to get to Lamanai, with the hour-long journey as interesting as Lamanai itself because the virgin banks of the river are teeming with local fauna and flora, making it perfect for crocodile spotting and bird watching. If weather conditions are not favorable, you can drive or take a bus ride to the site. This route is almost as good as the boat ride because you will cross through the Mennonite villages and see how they really live. You can also stay at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge, which is a mere 3-minute boat ride from the ruins.

Highlights of Lamanai Maya Ruins

The Lamanai submerged crocodile has the second biggest Pre-Classic structure in the Maya wild. Unlike many other Maya ruins, most of Lamanai was built in layers where successive populations built upon the temples of their ancentors, rather than destroying them. While big excavations of the site started in 1974, there are still so many unexcavated ruins in the nearby jungle. However, three of the most impressive Lamanai temples of the site have already been unearthed that you will see while visiting Lamanai: The Temple of the Jaguar, Mask Temple and High Temple.

• Jaguar Temple – Popularly known for its boxy jaguar face shape, this Early Classic temple was a part of complex of residential buildings. Numerous modifications on the temple how the Maya’s longevity at Lamanai. Near it is a Maya calendar resting on the floor, which is one of the famous calendars that allegedly predict the end of the world on the 21st of December in 2012.

• Mask Temple – Adorned with two 13-foot carved limestone masks fo an ancient Maya king, the Mask Temple shows the high artistry of the Middle Early Classic and Late Classic periods of the Mayas from 200 BC to 1300 AD. Excavations of the temple revealed two burial tombs.

• High Temple – The tallest temple at Lamanai, the High Temple rises 125 feet above the jungle canopy, offering a panoramic view from the summit. Excavations show that its construction started as early as 100 BC, and a ceremonial temple built was built in a residential area. Visitors can climb to the top but care should be taken as it is a steep climb, but the forest view is beautifully rewarding.

Other Sights in Lamanai Maya Ruins

• Ball Court – Even though Lamanai’s ball court is one of the smallest in the Maya world, it shows the biggest marker found today. Below it is a ceremonial vessel that contains liquid mercury, which is believed to have come from Guatemala.

• Stela 9 – This stela was erected in 625 CE is the Yucatec language of the Maya. This Late Classic stela shows Lord Smoking Shell and celebrates the anniversary of the lord’s reign and the end of the year. The burials of five children were discovered under the stela, showing a site of high significance as human offerings are not mostly associated with the dedication of monuments.

• Lamanai Museum – This small museum houses pottery, flint stone figurines, jade and obsidian jewelry and information on the historical development of Lamanai. This is a great place to start the visit as the general overview helps you understand this site’s importance. The Maya lived in Lamanai until the arrival of the Spanish, and the items in the museum depict the strained relationship between the Spanish and Mayas.

Not to be missed is the jungle itself which is an interesting site. It is made up of giant Bread nut and Guanacaste trees, Strangler Figs, Allspice and the Black Orchid, Belize’s national flower. There are also Ceiba trees that are full of howler monkeys relaxing on its branches, along with toucans and many other bird species. Of course, there is also the crocodiles, which is the most important and sacred figure in the site. You do not have to worry, though, as they stay in the water so you can enjoy the scenery and ruins. Ask about affordable Lamanai Mayan ruins tour now.