Lamanai Archaeological Site, Northern Belize

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.

Picture - Detail of the Lamanai archeological site.

Picture - Stone face of the Great Jaguar at Lamanai.

View a slideshow of Lamanai Archaeological Site Pictures

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.

Unlike other Mayan sites, the Maya inhabited Lamanai until the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th C. The Spanish found a thriving community at Lamanai and the site's ruined churches reveal the Spanish friar's attempts in converting the Maya. Conversion efforts were successful, however by 1640 the Maya had rebelled against Christianity and reverted to their ancient customs.

The archaeological site features a museum and is situated in an attractive natural setting. The dense jungle surroundings are comprised of giant guanacaste and breadnut trees, allspice, strangler figs and Belize's national flower, the black orchid. Excavations of Lamanai began as early as 1917, and Canadian archaeologist David Pendergast led major excavations of the site beginning in 1974. Over 800 structures are found at Lamanai, and major excavation efforts continue presently.

Opening hours:

Always opened on: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Baron Bliss Day - Belize (Mar 9), Commonwealth Day - Belize (May 25), Independence Day - Belize (Sep 21), National Day - Belize (Sep 10), Pan American Day - Belize (Oct 12), Christmas - Christian (Dec 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (Dec 26), Easter - Christian

Useful 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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Lamanai Archaeological Site Highlights

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 burials of five children ranging in age from newborn to eight have been discovered beneath the stela, indicating a site of high significance since human offerings are not usually associated with the dedication of monuments.

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 AD. Excavations of the temple have revealed burial tombs and other structures lying beneath the temple.

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.

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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.