Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
4.5
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4.5
700 reviews
Excellent
506
Very good
166
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Traveler_2579000
United States22 contributions
Feb 2020
Pictures do not do Lamanai Mayan ruins justice. This is a must see, in-person experience if you are in Belize and you have any interest in history or exploring. I booked a guided group tour of this site from my Carnival Cruise ship that docked in Belize City. One of the coolest parts is that you do get to walk/climb to the top of one of the temples. It deep in the jungle and takes a coach bus and a boat ride to get here. You can even hear the roaring howler monkeys and our group was able to see a few spider monkeys climbing in the trees. It gets hot here, even in February - bring a hat and sunscreen. The tour guides were very knowledgeable and shared a lot of info about Mayan history and Belize culture. Very glad I visited this amazing landmark of Mayan history while I was in Belize.
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter W
Woking208 contributions
Feb 2023
Fantastic site and well worth a visit. You can climb to the top of the Jaguar Temple, and maybe others (although not at the time of our visit). Previous reviewers have mostly visited the site as part of a tour but it's a walk of only a mile or so from Lamanai Outpost Lodge if you happen to be staying there - but it is a hot walk so take plenty of water as you still need to walk around the site as well. The museum has some items that were excavated from the site but they are all damaged and I suspect that the better pieces, especially jade, are kept in a better protected museum elsewhere. But there are 20 or so well-written wall posters providing information about the life and times of the Maya people and it's worth reserving 30 mins for reading them if you can.
Written 4 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
connie p
Madison, WI135 contributions
Mar 2020
We highly recommend this excursion. Hilberto was our guide, and his knowledge and passion for the history of this site immensely enriched our experience. On the boat trip to the site, we saw crocodines, bats, fish, and many different types of birds. We also saw a troop of howler monkeys in the reserve itself. The museum is sparse, but the ruins themselves are incredible.
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen S
Petal, MS806 contributions
Feb 2022
We loved seeing all the ruins but we also enjoyed the river ride over and the short little hike through the rain forest and jungle. You could hear the howler monkeys off in the jungle and there was even a rain shower but we barely got wet thanks to the large leaves of the palms and plants that provided a natural canopy. This is a must do if you ever visit Belize.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire M
Brooklyn, NY45 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Stunning Mayan archeological site on the mainland of Belize. You are allowed to climb up two of the pyramids which is an amazing view & really helps you imagine what life may have been like 1000 years ago. Absolutely go with a guide (shoutout Tuff e Nuff tour agency) to learn about the history, plants, and see some howler monkeys! We took the speed boat ride to reach the site and it was cool to see the wildlife on the shores. Apparently there’s also a road that you can drive there on, but it’s bumpy and takes longer. My main tip would be to apply bug spray and sun screen early and often :)
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James G
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL143 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The Jaguar, High and Mask temples were incredible. We visited with a guide that explained everything to us. If you go by boat from Orange Walk, about an hour, you will be able to see and learn much more. There is a troop of howler monkey's that live in the trees near the visitor center that can be quite entertaining.
Written 15 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark k
Green Valley, AZ179 contributions
Dec 2021
Great, compact set of excavated ruins with very few people. We took a boat down the New River for about 45 minutes to the ruins. That was really fun and we saw lots of wildlife and countryside including some unique birds and crocodile.
There were less than 30 visitors when we were there and our guide, Amir was excellent.
There were less than 30 visitors when we were there and our guide, Amir was excellent.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim P
16 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
My beloved and I visited the Mayan Temple Ruins this past weekend. Anthony, our hospitable driver, picked us up and took us to the Orange Walk tour location from the water taxi terminal. Our tour guide/captain was Brenda, who was fabulous. She was very knowledgeable and passionate. Lunch was provided that was very delicious. I highly recommend this tour!
Written 4 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jabiru12
San Francisco, CA13 contributions
Jan 2011
My friend and I decided to go with Jungle River Tours in Orange Walk to see the ruins at Lamanai. I'm so glad we did. It's owned/run by two brothers, and, for a very fair price, picked us up in and brought us back to Belize City. Antonio, one of the brothers, picked us up and was the nicest, nicest guy. He even took us to his house to use the restroom before getting on the boat, and we met his equally nice wife. The actual river boat guide, Hilberto, was very knowledgeable and always slowed down when there was something to see so we could take photos. Among some of the things we saw were: young crocodiles, a basilisk, an iguana, bats, some very beautiful birds, and a Jabiru-the animal I stole my screen name from-which was almost like seeing a pterodactyl-it had such a large wing span and looked so unusual. The "village" at the the ruins site was really nice and once there we were fed a delicious meal of chicken, potato salad, green salad and plantains. And rice, of course! Really great lime and manjo juice too. After lunch we did the ruin "loop'. The ruins are just amazing. I definitely recommend climbing to the top of the High Temple if you have the legs for it. The view is spectacular. On the way back, Hilberto pulled over to some trees and these two spider monkeys came up to the boat. One of them, the female (we only knew she was female because Hilberto told us) jumped on board and we started giving her bananas. She was crawling all over us and we were petting her...stopping her from getting into the motor oil and the ice chests...it was a like a dream come true. Hilberto was very sensitive to the needs of the male monkey, asking that some of us give bananas to him as he doesn't like coming on the boat so doesn't get as much food. Anyway, it was great way to end the trip. Then, to top it off, Antonio was waiting to take his back to Belize City, with wife, daughter and son in tow. They were wonderful! I really recommend them for the tour.
302-2293
302-2293
Written 17 February 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Purplegrapefruit
Belleville, Canada595 contributions
We booked the excursion "Lamanai and the New River Safari" through Royal Caribbean International, while on a Western Caribbean cruise in February 2010 and it was the best decision we made on our vacation.
The guide met us on time at the Belize City cruise port and we were ushered to a comfortable, clean air conditionned bus. Our guide, Mario, was extremely friendly and knowledgable and gave us a great explanation of the scenery we were passing on our way to the river. The bus ride was approximately 45 minutes, but it was exciting to see the Belizian countryside.
We arrived at the dock, where there were ample clean washroom facilities and plenty of time for a break before we got on the boat. The boat ride was incredible. Mario would stop the boat periodically and point out wildlife. We saw crocodiles, iguanas, sleeping bats, a plethora of tropical birds and interesting flora. After approximately 25 minutes, the river opened up into a jungle lake, and we could see the top of a pyramid peeking out over the jungle canopy.
The site entrance was extremely well maintained and very nicely landscaped, again with ample washroom space, and an area for local merchants to sell souvenirs. We were taken on a hike through the jungle, and were able to see some of the amazing ruins that are in the process of being excavated. Mario would also continue to point out interesting wildlife and plants, and even found howler monkeys. We had ample time to take photographs at each of the sites. We were even allowed to climb up the tallest excavated pyramid there for an unbelievable view above the treetops.
The terrain was pleasantly challenging, although I would strongly recommend that people wear appropriate footwear (no flipflops!). Also keep in mind that this is deep in the Central American jungle, so be prepared for the mosquitos! We were wearing long pants and sleeves which we had pre-treated with repellant (permethrin). We had absolutely no problem with being bitten, although there were several people on the tour in tank tops and shorts who didn't seem as comfortable. Come prepared and it will be no problem.
Following the hike, we had a wonderful Belizian style lunch, served by a local family. The fresh salsa was unbelievable. Throughout the tour, plenty of bottled water was supplied. We had an unbelievable time and I would definately recommend this tour to anyone who is adventurous and wants an authentic experience!
The guide met us on time at the Belize City cruise port and we were ushered to a comfortable, clean air conditionned bus. Our guide, Mario, was extremely friendly and knowledgable and gave us a great explanation of the scenery we were passing on our way to the river. The bus ride was approximately 45 minutes, but it was exciting to see the Belizian countryside.
We arrived at the dock, where there were ample clean washroom facilities and plenty of time for a break before we got on the boat. The boat ride was incredible. Mario would stop the boat periodically and point out wildlife. We saw crocodiles, iguanas, sleeping bats, a plethora of tropical birds and interesting flora. After approximately 25 minutes, the river opened up into a jungle lake, and we could see the top of a pyramid peeking out over the jungle canopy.
The site entrance was extremely well maintained and very nicely landscaped, again with ample washroom space, and an area for local merchants to sell souvenirs. We were taken on a hike through the jungle, and were able to see some of the amazing ruins that are in the process of being excavated. Mario would also continue to point out interesting wildlife and plants, and even found howler monkeys. We had ample time to take photographs at each of the sites. We were even allowed to climb up the tallest excavated pyramid there for an unbelievable view above the treetops.
The terrain was pleasantly challenging, although I would strongly recommend that people wear appropriate footwear (no flipflops!). Also keep in mind that this is deep in the Central American jungle, so be prepared for the mosquitos! We were wearing long pants and sleeves which we had pre-treated with repellant (permethrin). We had absolutely no problem with being bitten, although there were several people on the tour in tank tops and shorts who didn't seem as comfortable. Come prepared and it will be no problem.
Following the hike, we had a wonderful Belizian style lunch, served by a local family. The fresh salsa was unbelievable. Throughout the tour, plenty of bottled water was supplied. We had an unbelievable time and I would definately recommend this tour to anyone who is adventurous and wants an authentic experience!
Written 20 February 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to do a day trip from Caye Caulker, what is the best way to do this? A tour that encompasses everything (includes water taxi, other transportation and lunch) or is it manageable to break it up? I am on a budget and would like to keep the cost low however I still want to enjoy the experience and not worry about missing the ferry back to CC.
Written 7 November 2019
Hello,
What tour did you use? We are thinking of taking the ferry from San Pedro to Belize City and then connecting with a guide.
Family of 4 with grown children. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
Thanks for your review.
Gail
Written 9 March 2019
Hello. Sorry this is so late. I booked it through the Carnival cruise line. It took most of an hour and a half one way to reach the ruins, but so worth it. Take cash if you want to buy a Coke or souvenirs from the little shops at the end.
Written 7 July 2019
Hola viajeros! Quisiera que me indicaran si existen guias que hablen castellano!
Muchas gracias por su tiempo.
Written 17 September 2018
Hallo, leider kann ich Ihre Frage nicht mit Ja beantworten, unser Reiseführer hat Englisch gesprochen. Aber da in der Karibik auch Spanisch gesprochen wird, gehe ich mal davon aus, das es auch Reiseführungen gibt bei den Spanisch gesprochen wird. Lamanai ist auch ohne Reiseführer toll. Viel Spass.
Written 23 September 2018
nicolebd2016
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida
Is there a way to purchase this, without going through a cruise line?
Written 16 January 2018
Yes. You specifically ask about tours other than those from cruises; there are many other organized tours that aren't affiliated with a cruise line that you could book yourself. Access to Lamanai is either by boat (a very scenic and enjoyable ride) or you rent a car and make a 90 minute drive on an unpaved road from Orange Walk Town. Most people use an organized tour and I think it's worth the money because you get an interpretation of the deep history of the site and you don't have the hassle of figuring out how to get there on bumpy roads. Hope that helps.
Written 16 January 2018
Some Could give the email contact for this tour to Lamanai?
thanks
Written 28 February 2017
Hi, my husband, myself and another couple are arriving on March 27/15. Very excited, picked this resort because of all the great reviews and we wanted an Adult only vacation. When we booked we(both couples) upgraded our rooms from a standard to a Superior room have more room and to ensure we have a terrace as my husband has mobility issues and we wanted quieter part of the resort. Our travel agent put the request for building 7 or 8 near the spa area. I was wondering how do we ensure that all four of us are put in either building 7 or 8.
I look forward to hearing back. We are so excited about this trip and we can't wait to get there.
Written 12 August 2015
Hi folks
I'm getting the overnight ADO bus from Cancun (excuse the lack of accent, my computer is ooooold) which stops in Orange Walk and plan to go to Lamanai. I think the bus gets in at about 6.30 AM ish (not 100% sure).
Can anyone advise how I would get to Lamanai from there? I understand you have to go on a river cruise to get there, which sounds fun. Can you just turn up, or do I need to book in advance?
thanks
Mig
Written 25 June 2015
Do the tour through Hotel de la Fuente!!! We did it that way and the guide was WONDERFUL very friendly, knowledgable, we got lunch, etc. It cost us $50/person.
Written 26 June 2015
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