After being picked up from the hotel, enjoy a relaxing drive of about 2 hours along Belize’s Western and Northern Highways. Keep an eye out for lowland villages and the diverse bird species that inhabit the area near Lamanai.

Hop on a riverboat for a picturesque cruise along the New River, navigating through various creeks and lagoons on the way to the Mayan site. The guide will highlight raptors such as black hawks, kites, and falcons, as well as local plants like orchids and bromeliads among the hardwood trees. Look out for herons, Jabiru storks, and jacanas around the lily pads, spider monkeys in the trees, and crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks.

The stunning ruins of Lamanai come into view at the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the largest freshwater body in Belize. From here, embark on a 1.5-mile (2.5-km) jungle hike to reach the site nestled in the rainforest. Upon arrival, explore Mayan artifacts at the small museum before touring the Mayan city—the largest and oldest in Belize.

Accompany your knowledgeable guide on foot to the plazas and temples, such as the Temple of the Mask, dating back to 450 AD and the smallest of the excavated main temples. Here, two 13-foot (4-meter) stone faces adorn each side. At the Stela Temple, view a stone monument depicting the Mayan ruler Lord Smoking Shell in ceremonial attire. Visit the Jaguar Temple, where a jade mask was discovered, and pass the ceremonial ball court before climbing the High Temple, which stands 100 feet (33 meters) tall. Enjoy the sounds of birds and howler monkeys as you take in the remarkable views from the top of the site still buried in the hillside.

After lunch, there is free time for further exploration in the rainforest. On the return journey to the New River Lagoon, the guide will point out medicinal plants such as the copal and ramon trees used by the Mayans. After returning by riverboat, you will be driven back to San Ignacio and dropped off at your hotel.

Points of Interest

• Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

• Belize Family Adventure

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from within San Ignacio town limits
• Lunch
• Bottled water

• 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.