Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.comLamanai and the New River Safari in Belize
based on Discover ancient Mayan architecture on an excursion through Belize's exotic landscapes. You'll enjoy stunning views and spot diverse wildlife as you make your way to the Lamanai ruins, one of the most famous sights in Belize. Accessible only by water and a brief hike, this adventure is fun for the whole family.
A 45-minute drive up the Northern Highway, passing through villages and lowlands with many bird species, brings you to Tower Hill, where you'll board a riverboat and head up the New River.
While traversing the many creeks and lagoons, you may spot birdlife including hawks, kites and falcons. The river is lined with hardwood trees, orchids and bromeliads, and you might see dainty wading birds called jacanas lightly walking on lily pads while elusive crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight.
At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for submerged crocodile ) rise into view. Once at the site you'll tour the small museum which features many ancient relics found at Lamanai.
You'll then embark on a 1.5-mile (2.5km) jungle hike to visit the Temple of the Mask, one of the tallest Mayan pyramids; the stucco mask of the Sun God "Kinich Ahau"; an elaborate carved stellae; and the Temple of the Jaguar Masks. These impressive sites appear to materialize out of the rainforest amid the chatter of birds 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. For the jungle hike you will need insect repellent and sturdy walking shoes.
At the end of the tour you'll have lunch under thatched palapas near the lagoon's edge. After lunch, free time is available for more sightseeing in the rainforest.
- Full-day excursion to the Lamanai Mayan ruins
- Wildlife-spotting cruise along the New River
- Short jungle hike to the Lamanai Mayan site
- Lunch by the lagoon
- Free time for rainforest sightseeing
- Pick-up and drop-off from most Belize City hotels
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Lamanai
Daily, except Wednesday
Departure Point: Tour departs from most Belize City hotels, the Domestic (Municipal) Airport in Belize City or the San Pedro-Belize Express Water Taxi Terminal in Belize City Departure Time: 7:30amHotel pickups commence prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)- Lunch
- Refreshments
- Entrance fees
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Local taxes
- Gratuities (optional)
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
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Since 1999, over 3 million travelers have experienced more with Viator!
Tour guide brought this ancient city to life for us. Read more ›
Richard W, United States of America, February 2009
From the flora and fauna on the river to the ruins of Lamanai, our guide was able to see and point out ... Read more ›
Debbie P, Canada, March 2009
