05 Jun A Visit to Lamanai Ruins
A Visit to Lamanai Ruins
As an elementary student I remember reading about the Mayan Civilization and imagining one day setting foot on the historical site. The photographs are breathtaking and marvellous but actually climbing up these temples is a privilege. I predict the time will come when tourists are no longer permitted to climb the temples so if you have the chance to visit a temple I highly recommend it.
I chose to join a tour of the Lamanai Ruins and it did not disappoint. Lamanai ruins contain some of Belize’s oldest ruins and is probably the most important archaeological site in Belize. An interesting fact about Lamanai Ruins is it was built in layers populations that followed built upon the temples of their ancestors rather than destroying them. The name Lamanai means “Land of the Submerged crocodile” Located on the New River in Orange Walk District. It is quite a journey from San Pedro compared to Belize but is still worth the trip and an enjoyable one. If you are coming from San Pedro you will take a 90 minute ferry followed by a 50 minute bus ride before venturing onto another boat that takes you up the New River right to the Lamanai ruins nestled in the forest. The river cruise is gorgeous and a lot of wildlife can be spotted on the trip. I was able to see crocodiles, lizards, birds.
Once you arrive at Lamanai you will pay 5 USD/10 BZ fee for park entrance and than be guided roughly 10 minutes to Mask Temple.
Mask Temple
As we walked toward the temple the sounds of Howler Monkeys filled the air.
I was impressed by the 15 foot stone mask that adorned the temple. It’s human head and crocodile headdress reminded me of the ruins in Cambodia and this temple quickly became my favourite. Built in the Early Classic and Late Classic Periods dating back to the late 5th to early 6th century.
Jaguar Temple
The Jaguar Temple (N10-9) was given its name because of the jaguar decoration that adorns the front of the temple. Rising to 9 tiers and 65 ft featuring a wide stairway makes this temple a fun climb. The Jaguar Temple was original build in the sixth century. In the 13th century the temple was redone. A a large amount of this temple still lays unexcavated, the memories still buried deep under the ground.
Ball Court
Lamanai’s ball court features a circular stone center marker, underneath which a ceremonial vessel containing liquid mercury was found. The ball game was a common activity of the Mesoamerican people which featured 2 teams wearing protective gear to protect from the hard rubber ball (10 pounds). Players used only their elbows, knees, or hips to try and bounce the ball through the stone hoops attaches to the sides of the ball court. They could not use their hands. A short walk away is the High Temple.
High Temple
The High Temple “El Castillo” (N10-43) is the largest Pre-Classic structure in Belize at 33m (108 feet) from the ground. It was built in 100 AD and completed by 700 AD. I highly recommend climbing the temple but be sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes. The views from the top are stunning.
Today hundreds of ruins are said to remain unexcavated in the nearby jungle, the most impressive temples have been renovated/
If you are in Belize visit Lamanai and wonder at this spectacular ruins.
Don’t Forget
Good shoes, sunglasses, sun shade, sun bloc, bug spray, camera and if you like birds binoculars are a must.
Upon returning to the guesthouse it was time for dinner and I was ready to eat after that climb. A large bowl of vegetable soup with carrots and potatoes and a plateful of rice topped with a potato and tomato omelette was quickly devoured. I was impressed at how the women create so many different dishes using the same limited ingredients.
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