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Lamanai Archaeological Site Description
Lamanai, Mayan for "Submerged Crocodile", is one of Belize's largest ceremonial centers and the most impressive archaeological site in northern Belize. The ruins are located on the banks of the New River and are set in secondary tropical forest. Inhabited from 1500 BC to the 19th C, Lamanai has the longest occupation span of any Mayan site and the ruins also include the remains of two Christian churches and a sugar mill.

Lamanai flourished in Late Pre-Classic times and was a major ceremonial center long before most other Mayan sites. The site features large temples and excavations at Lamanai have revealed representations of crocodiles on buildings, figurines and pottery; indicating that the crocodile was an important figure
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Hobbies & Activities category: Archeological exhibit, museum;  Archeological site or ruin;  Natural area
Lamanai Archaeological Site Highlights

Ball Court

Lamanai's ball court features a large marker, underneath which a ceremonial vessel containing liquid mercury was found. Archaeologists believe the mercury came from Guatemala.

Lag (Structure N10-43)

This structure is the tallest temple at Lamanai, rising 125ft/33m above the jungle canopy. Excavations indicate that construction of the structure began as early as 100 BC, and that it was a ceremonial temple built in a residential area.

Lamanai Museum

Lamanai's museum exhibits pottery, obsidian and jade jewelry, and some flint stone figurines.

Mask Temple (Structure N9-56)

Structure N9-56 has a 13ft/4m high mask of a man in a crocodile-mouth headdress etched on its southwest face. Called the "Mask Temple", the structure was built and modified between 200 BC and 1300
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Stela 9

This Late Classic stela, a column or pillar monument, represents Lord Smoking Shell. The date depicted on Stela 9 celebrates the anniversary of the lord's reign and the conclusion of the year. The
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Temple of the Jaguar (Structure N10-9)

This Early Classic temple is part of a complex of residential buildings. Several modifications on the temple attest to the Maya's longevity at Lamanai.
Hours
Always open, even if weekly hours indicate otherwise
New Year's Day (January 1)
Baron Bliss Day - Belize (March 9)
Easter - Christian
Commonwealth Day - Belize (May 25)
National Day - Belize (September 10)
Independence Day - Belize (September 21)
Pan American Day - Belize (October 12)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
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Cost
Adult2.50
All values are in local currency.
Tips
Bring lunch and beverages.
Most visitors choose to reach Lamanai by boat ride up the New River.
Several excursions are offered to Lamanai from all over Belize.
Typical Visit
3 hours
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