Third Larges Mayan Temple in Belize - 125' Feet
Lamanai Mayan Ruins - To understand how insightful the Mayans who built Lamanai were before the name Submerged Crocodile was bestowed upon this 958.5 acre spread by 17th century Franciscan missionaries, look at this ruin from the air. Doesn’t it resemble that ferocious amphibian raising its head amid miles of jungle? Considered one of Belize’s most spectacular ceremonial centers, much of Lamanai is obscured by forest, so only by making an in-person visit to this epicenter of folklore, superstition and history can you appreciate this splendid ruin.
Located along the banks of the New River Lagoon, Lamanai’s structural ruins include temples, a ball court, living quarters and commercial buildings constructed by generations of dwellers that range from indigenous Mayans to Spanish colonists. Coexisting on the complex are statues to pagan deities and the Spanish churches Mayans were forced to build when conquistadors instituted slave labor practices in the 1500s. The most recent building addition—-all but destroyed—-is a symbolic 19th Century sugar mill, making this one of the most continually inhabited Mayan ruins in Central America.
Why Should You Visit the Lamanai Mayan Ruins?
Lamanai Mayan Ruins deserve your attention because they uniquely reflect centuries of occupation by differing societies. You’ll see ruins built in 200 BC and those built in the last century. A highlight of this stop is the iconic, 13-foot-high, stylized mask of a half man/half crocodile carved on Stele #9 that pays tribute to one of the most revered deities of all: Lord Smoking Shell. Stroll the ball court that separates three temples located along the compound’s perimeter. Trees shade so much of this area, thus getting into the complex is the only way you’ll be able to see for yourself the full extent of the evolution of this ancient Mayan stronghold.
What is the Best Way to Experience Lamanai?
For national monuments (such as Lamanai), the Belize Government requires that you be accompanied by a licensed-trained tour guide.  This is not only for your safety, but the governments way of protecting their historical monuments.  
Start with Jaguar Temple, move onto Mask Temple and save the High Temple for last (since it's the most dramatic).  Be sure to visit Stele #9 to see the 13-foot man/crocodile statue and you’ll be in close proximity to the ancient residential complex believed to be the quarters of Mayan elite. While the ball court is one of the smallest among Central America’s Mayan compounds, it’s no less fascinating when you imagine this as a gathering place for generations of villagers.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
If you’re eager to peek into every nook and cranny—climb 125 feet to the High Temple’s summit and explore the other temples and buildings in this massive compound—visiting during the green season may not deliver the most enjoyable experience. On the other hand, if you could care less about rain and feel comfortable scaling ruins wearing proper shoes, come any time during the year because the park is always accessible.
Where is Lamani Located in Belize?
The district that’s in closest proximity to Lamanai Mayan Ruins is Orange Walk and, specifically, the villages of San Filipo and Shipyard. Use them as your point of origin when planning your trip.
Lamanai is located on the banks of the New River Lagoon and the most spectacular way to travel to the site is by means of water taxi up the river. The trip by river is also a nature-lover’s heaven for numerous species of water birds live along this rich and diverse waterway. You may even be lucky enough to view iguanas and crocodiles as they sun themselves on the river banks. There are also interesting flora and fauna to be seen at the Lamanai reserve.Another way to reach Lamanai is via an all weather dirt road (approximately 28 miles) which runs from Orange Walk through several villages including San Felipe and Shipyard. The site is located in the village of Indian Church.
What is the Best Way to Reach Lamanai?
If you’re not vacationing in Orange Walk, travel there first. Choose between the water taxi that goes up the New River Lagoon or rent an all-terrain vehicle for the 28-mile-long drive through both San Felipe and Shipyard to reach Lamanai. A packaged tour is the most relaxing way to travel—particularly if you dislike driving dirt roads.

Facts About Lamanai

  • Lamanai is the Maya word for “submerged crocodile.”
  • The site’s name – “Lamanay” or “Lamayna” was recorded by Franciscan missionaries in the seventeenth century.
  • It is one of the only sites retaining its original name and is among one of Belize’s largest ceremonial centre.
  • Crocodile effigies appear on figurines, vessel decorations, and on the large headdress on a limestone mask at one of the principal structures at the site.
  • While the site was recorded by missionaries and also mentioned by Thomas Gann in the 1920’s, it was not until 1974 that formal excavations were carried out at the site by Dr. David Pendergast up until 1986.
  • Lamanai boasts the third tallest Maya structure in Belize, aptly called High Temple, which stands 33 meters tall.
  • The most iconic feature of Lamanai is the Mask Temple.
  • The masks featured on this temple is 4.2 m high.
  • The mask was built up of limestone blocks which were mortared together and then overlaid with a thin layer of lime plaster and a finishing coat of stucco.
  • On the mask, some blocks appear to be quite large (for example the upper section) of the face whereas on the sides of the face, the edges of smaller blocks can be seen.
  • The mask nose was made up of two pieces of stone either side; the nostrils and middle section were then infilled with mortar and smaller pieces of stone.
  • Each mask ear flare is also carved from one single block of stone.

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