Lamanai Temples and River Cruise: An Insight into Ancient History with Wildlife Encounters
4.7
99 Ratings
Belize City
Embark on a full-day guided tour of the Lamanai Temples and River Cruise in Belize City. Explore ancient history, encounter wildlife, and enjoy panoramic views on this small-group adventure.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lamanai Archaeological Reserve - Following pickup, you will embark on a drive with your guide, who will provide commentary along the way. Then, you will board a boat for a sightseeing river ride, where you’ll get to observe birds, orchids, water lilies and possibly crocodiles. You will pass near the Amish community of shipyard, before you arrive at the new river lagoon at the footsteps of the Ancient city of Lamanai.

Your guide will then lead you through forest paths, where you will look at huge Guanacaste trees and the Cohune palm forest, and listen to the sounds of the howler monkeys. Your next stop will be the Mask Temple, where you will have the opportunity to take photos and go up the top, and get a panoramic view of the plaza down below. Next, you will go on a 5 minute walk through the forest path to see the High Temple. Your guide will explain the secrets revealed through excavations at the site, before providing you with the opportunity to climb to the top and see all of the Northern Belize lowlands and small villages.

Following you descent, you will head to the Ball Court and the Altar in the center. Your guide will shed light on the findings and the ritual game. You will then pass through the residential area and see the famous Stela #9, which features an intricate carved drawing of the Lamanai dynasty and its ruler, Lord Smoking Shell. Moving along, you will next visit the Jaguar Temple, where you get to see the mask of the Jaguar on the Temple Wall.

You will then stop for lunch. Next, you’ll visit the on-site museum to see some of the Red clay pots with drawings on them that were used at Lamanai. Likewise, you will see Altars and stelas now housed in the facility. Your tour will conclude with drop-off.

What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Bottled water
  • Luggage storage during tour
  • Experienced driver/guide
  • Lunch included
  • National park fees covered
  • Water taxi service to and from water taxi or city hotels
  • Transport in air-conditioned minivan
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Depart from Belize City for a comprehensive full-day guided exploration of the Lamanai Temples, ball-courts, and museum. The adventure includes a river cruise with bird spotting opportunities, as well as a tour of the Mask Temple, the High Temple, and the Jaguar Temple, complete with historical insights from your guide. Appreciate the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife, including listening to Howler Monkeys, on this small-group journey. The tour package covers lunch, transfer via a cool, air-conditioned minivan, and pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel or the airport.

  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately (poncho, rain jacket, and tennis shoes for walking on uneven foot paths and climbing structures recommended)
  • You may bring a towel and change of clothes should there be a downpour in the Rainforest, when you return to the car park, there is changing rooms
  • We pickup at the Belize Airport, sir barry bowen municipal, san pedro expresss, cruise port marine terminal ocean ferry
Location
Baron Bliss lighthouse
Fort Street
We pickup at the San Pedro Express Water Taxi Terminal, Belize City Cruise Port FSTv, Belize mumicipal Airport, Belize City Hotels, the guide will have a V.i.V. sign
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(99 Ratings)
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Bradley_w
Apr 10, 2024
Fun fun fun - Wowwww The river cruise was so relaxing. The Mayan ruins were fantastic. Our guide was so knowledgeable. Great time. Would do it again!!!
Review provided by Viator
P7039dggregg
Apr 3, 2024
Mayan Ruins - It was an amazing experience. Our guide, Brenda was very knowledgeable. We kearned a great deal. We would definitely recommend this experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q4448manh
Mar 28, 2024
Amazing Excursion! Must-see. - Great tour!! The river cruise itself was also amazing. Recommend and our guide, Amir, was so nice and knowledgeable. Would definitely go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Logan
Mar 22, 2024
Great - The tour was absolutely wonderful, Narciso and Brenda were incredibly friendly and never hesitated to tell us all about what we were seeing on the tour. Would absolutely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ryan_e
Mar 19, 2024
Captain Brenda rocks! - Captain Brenda was a great guide. Very skilled boat driver and knowledgeable native of the Lamanai village. Lunch was delicious. The temples were gorgeous. Lovely day trip from Belize City.
Review provided by Viator
Neyshmarie_g
Mar 19, 2024
Great experience, must go! - I had an amazing time on this experience, I came from Caye and the driver was already right there at the water taxi. The experience was not rushed we took our time on the River tour and our driver was very knowledgeable about all the flora and wild life!
Review provided by Viator
Jorge_g
Mar 15, 2024
A day in Lamanai - It was a nice whole day tour. Pick up was on time. The drive was very long as well as the river cruise but worth it because you get to see a lot of things. Our guide/ driver Ferdie or Freddie was very good, explained a lot of things about Belize and he also gave us time to take pictures of the different temples .
Review provided by Viator
Deborah_s
Mar 12, 2024
Great tour! - History, explanation of how Mayans lived, how temples were built and excavated. It's interesting that only 1% of Ruins are actually excavated and more is yet to be done.
Review provided by Viator
Bob_b
Mar 23, 2024
the boat trip was great... - the boat trip was great and the Mayan ruins were remarkable. Brenda was a great captain and guide for the ruins.
Review provided by Viator
Glyn_s
Mar 19, 2024
A good small group tour with an experienced guide - A good small group tour with an experienced guide. The boat ride added to the experience. It's just a shame the air con in the minibus wasn't too good
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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