United States
Belize Travel and Destination Guide
LAMANAI
58km (36mi) from Orange Walk by road; 39km (24mi) by river
North Belize
This impressive Mayan site is located in its own archaeological reserve. It features 60 significant structures including a grand Pre-classic building, a small temple and a ball court. Lamanai (aka 'submerged crocodile' - the original Mayan name of the place) was occupied from 1500 BC and became a major ceremonial center long before most Mayan sites.
The Maya lived here right up until the arrival of the Spanish; two ruined Indian churches nearby prove there were still Maya here to be converted. The 90-minute boat trip up the New River from Orange Walk is an adventure in itself - floating by the Mennonite community of Shipyard gives you the opportunity to see plenty of birdlife and crocodiles.
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