The Lamanai Ruins Belize cruise tour provides a distinctive experience, enabling you to still ascend a Mayan pyramid. I frequently hear other cruisers mention that there isn’t much to do in Belize or that they intend to use it as a day at sea. What many people fail to understand is that Belize presents one of the most exceptional opportunities remaining in the area.
A few years back, numerous Mayan ruins across the Western Caribbean, such as those in Cozumel, prohibited climbing to preserve the ancient buildings. Currently, in Belize, only three significant sites permit visitors to ascend to the top: Caracol (Sky Palace), Xunantunich (El Castillo), and Lamanai (High Temple). Out of these three, Xunantunich and Lamanai are usually included in cruise tours.
Highlights
- You can still ascend the Xunantunich and Lamanai Ruins, which one should you pick?
- You’ll need to embark on a 25-minute scenic boat journey to reach Lamanai.
- Scaling the tall temple that stands 108 feet above the ground
- Here’s the Lamanai Belize Cruise Tour available for booking via Viator
What Sets the Lamanai Ruins Apart
What sets Lamanai apart is its long history. Although many Mayan cities were left behind around 900 AD, known as the Classic Maya collapse, Lamanai was continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years, starting from approximately 1500 BC until the 17th century. When Spanish missionaries came in the 1500s, the city was still populated. Ascending here isn’t just about experiencing something old. It’s about feeling something that has lasted.
Scaling a Mayan pyramid had been on my wish list for years, and Lamanai provided one of the most unforgettable cruise days I’ve ever experienced.
Selecting Between Xunantunich and Lamanai
Xunantunich’s El Castillois technically several feet higher than Lamanai’s High Temple, but it takes about a two-hour bus ride each way. For me, that was just too much time to spend traveling on a port day. TheLamanai excursionincludes a one-hour bus trip, a twenty-minute riverboat journey along the New River Lagoon, a Belizean lunch, and a guided tour of three temples. The price was approximately $200.
Throughout history, Lamanai’s position along the New River was advantageous. The river network served as a key trade route, linking inland Maya settlements with coastal commerce. Researchers have found signs of trade items such as obsidian, jade, and pottery, indicating that Lamanai held economic importance for many years. The mix of forest, water, and ancient structures created an engaging experience, both in appearance and historical context. If I come back to Belize, I would definitely go to Xunantunich, but for this visit, Lamanai provided a more rewarding experience.
Submitting to the Shore in Belize
Belize City lacks a conventional cruise dock. Vessels moor outside to preserve the coral reefs, requiring passengers to use a shuttle boat to reach the shore. When you reserve your tour with the cruise company, you usually get early access to tender tickets the evening prior. If you arrange your trip separately via a service such as Viator, you just pick up a departure ticket in the morning.
Tip: if you’re on an early tour, kindly inform the staff handing out tender tickets. They are usually happy to assist you in boarding one of the first boats. Since we arrived early in the morning, the tender ride was actually enjoyable. It was cool, windy, and calm, quite different from a midday tender I had in Cancun that was hot, humid, and unpleasant. The crew even offered to take pictures and videos for us during the trip, creating a friendly start to the day.
The Journey on a Bus Through Belize
After reaching the shore, it was simple to follow the indicated numbers and connect with our tour guide. We got on a cozy, air-conditioned bus for the one-hour journey inland. Our guide shared anecdotes about growing up in Belize and discussed how contemporary Belizean culture showcases a mix of Maya, Mestizo, Creole, and Garifuna influences. Learning about the country’s ongoing culture provided background for the ancient civilization we were about to discover.
The Wild Outpost Near the River
After the bus journey, we reached what appeared to be a big hut hidden within the Belizean jungle. It had a small snack stand, a bar, and bathrooms. We had roughly twenty minutes until we boarded the boat that would carry us downstream to the ruins. I purchased a bag of plantain chips because I was already starting to feel hungry. The selection of snacks was restricted, so it’s a good idea to bring something small. This location is also your final dependable restroom opportunity before venturing further into the jungle.
Items to Carry to the Lamanai Ruins
Belize can be hot and humid, here is what I recommend bringing on your Lamanai Belize cruise tour.
- sunglasses,
- a hat equipped with a chin strap (to prevent it from blowing off during the boat trip)
- sunscreen
- bug spray
- a lightweight snack
- comfortable footwear for walking with traction
The Journey to Lamanai
The tour description refers to it as a beautiful river cruise. It is indeed beautiful, but it’s also a high-speed boat ride that will definitely take your breath away if you’re not ready. The best places to sit are on the sides or near the back. As we raced down the river, our guide showed us wildlife such as birds and sometimes a crocodile along the shore.
Journeying to Lamanai via river seems fitting. For the ancient Maya, water routes served as main roads. Arriving at the city through the water provides a view of how merchants and travelers might have come hundreds of years ago.
Jaguar Temple at the Lamanai, Belize ruins
Reaching the Lamanai Ruins
Upon arriving at the Lamanai ruins, our guides cautioned us to be careful with each step because the terrain can be uneven and filled with rocks. We then ventured into the jungle. The tour features three main structures: the Jaguar Temple, the High Temple, and the Mask Temple. Dark clouds were gathering in the sky, and since climbing is prohibited during rain, our guide urged us to keep moving.
The Jaguar Temple
The first building we explored was the Jaguar Temple, constructed between 500 AD and 600 AD during the Classic Period of the Maya civilization. The temple gets its name from the prominent stone mask incorporated into its design, which looks like a jaguar, an animal that held significant meaning in Maya culture. Jaguars symbolized strength, the underworld, and royal power. Numerous Maya leaders linked themselves with jaguar imagery to emphasize their godly position.
Positioned in front of it, encircled by the dense jungle, it was simple to envision rituals occurring in the square beneath.
High Sanctuary at Lamanai, Belize ruins
Climbing the High Temple
Because of our guide’s timing and my fast walking, we reached the High Temple before any other groups arrived. The High Temple is 108 feet high above the ground and probably served for ceremonial events and activities reserved for the elite. From the summit, rulers and priests would have enjoyed a powerful view of the nearby city and river network.
A tall wooden staircase was placed on the side to help visitors climb safely. I quickly recorded and then started climbing. It is steep and requires effort, but it’s doable if you move slowly. When I got to the top, the wide view was amazing. A vast jungle spread out in all directions, broken only by old stone buildings emerging from the trees. Experts think that at its height, Lamanai would have been heavily populated, with wooden and thatched buildings occupying the areas now covered by the jungle.
There is also a gap in the staircase that opens up into the central section of the pyramid. I entered the middle level and had it entirely to myself. It turned out to be one of the top photography locations of the day.
The Mask Temple
The Mask Temple includes two large 13-foot limestone carvings from approximately 200 BC, which puts them in the Preclassic era of Maya culture. These masks probably represent a Maya leader or possibly a sun-related deity. The extended facial characteristics and headdress show early artistic techniques seen in other Preclassic locations.
To keep them safe, a protective layer of fiberglass has been added over the masks to stop wear and tear. You are able to approach the structure closely to capture images and recordings. Once more, we were lucky to arrive prior to other groups and had the opportunity to observe everything thoroughly.
One lesson I’ve learned from traveling alone is to overcome my shyness. People are usually willing to assist with taking pictures, and I always make sure to offer to do the same for them.
View of the upper part of the High Temple at the Lamanai Ruins in Belize
How to Reserve the Lamanai Ruins Tour
There are multiple methods to reserve theLamanai excursion. Reserving your tour through the cruise line is usually pricier but offers ease and ensures your return to the ship. Using services such as Viator or contacting a local operator directly may often be more affordable. For this activity, I had $200 in onboard credit, so it made sense to book directly with the cruise line.
But you can secure a more favorable price for this tour by booking throughViator.
Is Lamanai Worth Visiting on a Western Caribbean Cruise?
Certainly. Lamanai is more than just a visit to ancient ruins. It is a location that endured political collapse, went through Spanish encounters, and stayed inhabited longer than most Maya cities. Being 108 feet above the rainforest on a pyramid constructed over a thousand years ago is not something easily overlooked.
If ascending a Mayan pyramid is on your travel must-see list, don’t overlook Lamanai.
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