A combination of river and ruins, this is one of the most interesting tours in Belize. After an hour’s drive up the Northern Highway, you board a riverboat at Tower Hill and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter a large diversity of flora and fauna, including hawks, kites and falcons. You may also see dainty Jacanas lightly walking on the lily pads while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Maya for “Submerged Crocodile”) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys. Your guide will point out the Copal and Ramon trees, which were of great importance in ancient times.

The collection of ceramics gathered from the site is one of the most interesting to be found anywhere in the Mundo Maya. A good picnic lunch will be offered before moving around the site where your guide will explain how each temple and plaza fitted into the larger picture, and how Lamanai was such an important centre to the Maya in the region.

After a climbing a temple and your return trip down the river, you will be able to relax and enjoy the comfortable drive back to Belize City.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Mayan Ruins

Journey by Boat

Picnic Lunch

Howler Monkeys