Belize City: Lamanai Maya Ruins, River Safari, & Lunch
Belize District, Belize
Join a tour from Belize City to Lamania Ancient City, and see sugar cane fields, the Mill, and a distillery with a native guide. Cruise on the New River looking for birds, crocodiles, and monkeys.
This guided tour from Belize City to the Lamanai Maya Site suits wildlife enthusiasts and history lovers seeking nature and ancient culture.
Highlights
- Boat ride with wildlife observation including birds, crocodiles, and turtles
- Walk along a forest path through lush rainforest trees
- Explore ancient temples with panoramic lagoon views
- Visit the onsite museum to learn about Mayan culture
- Enjoy a picnic lunch
- Pickup available at city Airbnb, hotels, water taxi, or cruise port
Description
Meet your guide at the airport, cruise ship terminal, or your Airbnb or hotel lobby, depending on your chosen pickup option. Board an air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy scenic views of the Old Belize River, rural villages, fruit trees, and birds. Pass by mangrove forests, pine trees, natural wetlands, sugar cane fields and factory, distillery, farms, residences, and local businesses.
Arrive at the dock to board a one-hour boat cruise on the New River, where you can spot iguanas, crocodiles, turtles, birds, and waterlilies.
At the Lamanai Maya Site, your guide will lead a walking tour through the rainforest, exploring ancient structures en route to the Mask Temple. Learn archaeological insights from a native guide. Lamanai is recognized as the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica. Its name comes from the thriving crocodile population in the nearby lagoon—“Lamanai” means “submerged crocodile.” Many main structures and artifact exhibits reference this reptile. Visit the onsite museum to see these artifacts.
Climb to the summit of the highest temple for views of northern Belize and the lagoon. Continue your walk through the Ball Court, Stelas, Jaguar Temple, and residential buildings, while listening to birds and howler monkeys. Enjoy a local Belizean lunch featuring rice and beans with stew chicken and coleslaw.
Return by boat to Belize City with drop-off at your hotel lobby, cruise ship terminal, or another selected location. Inform us of your accommodation for pickup arrangements.
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off at Belize Marine Terminal, Belize City hotels, or Cruise Ship Terminal (based on selected option)
- Entrance fees
- Bilingual tour guide
- Lunch (rice and beans with stew chicken and coleslaw)
- Soft drinks and water
Excludes
- Gratuities
- 6:00 am water taxi departure from San Pedro Ambergris Caye
- 6:30 am water taxi departure from Caye Caulker
Important Information
- This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility.
- The tour operates rain or shine.
- To reach the temple summit, expect to climb approximately 200 steps.
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Morning departures are recommended to avoid midday heat.
