Lamanai Tour from Belize City: Climb the High Temple

Ancient Temples & Jungle Waterways from Belize City

You get picked up in Belize City, driven north to Orange Walk, then ride a boat up the New River spotting wildlife before reaching Lamanai. Lunch is a traditional Belizean buffet, and the afternoon is spent climbing three main temples and walking jungle paths while your guide explains the ruins and the Maya history. Everything (transport, entry, food, and the guide) is handled, so you show up and explore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lamanai Mayan Ruins and Nature

• Drive 1 hour from Belize City
• Boat cruise 1 hour on New River
• Enjoy Belizean buffet lunch
• Walk jungle trails spotting wildlife
• Visit Mask Temple
• Climb High Temple for views
• Explore Ball Court and residential area
• See Jaguar Temple carvings

The experience

Picture this: a narrow wooden boat cutting through dark water, the jungle wall rising on both sides, and a howler monkey's roar echoing across the canopy. That's the New River approach to Lamanai, and it's the part of this tour that stays with you. You start at Belize City port in an air-conditioned van for a one-hour drive north through Orange Walk, then swap wheels for a boat. The river ride takes another hour, and your guide points out spider monkeys hanging from branches, crocodiles sunbathing on the banks, and toucans you'd otherwise miss. By the time you reach the ruins, you've already crossed two ecosystems.

Once you're on solid ground at Lamanai, lunch happens first: a buffet of rice and beans, potato salad, coleslaw, fried plantains, and a habanero sauce that actually has heat. The food is straightforward Belizean comfort, and it breaks up the day in a way that makes sense. After eating, you walk into the jungle on marked paths, and the temples emerge from the trees like they've been waiting. The Mask Temple comes first, then the High Temple, which you climb via the original Mayan stairway. The steps are worn and uneven, and the view from the top is lagoon and endless green in every direction. The Ball Court and residential areas give you a sense of how the city actually worked, not just how it looked from above. The Jaguar Temple closes the loop, its carvings still sharp enough to read the story they're telling.

The whole day is roughly eight hours round trip: one hour driving, one hour on the river, then four to five hours at the ruins with walking and climbing mixed in. Your guide handles the history and the wildlife calls, so you're not guessing what you're looking at. Park fees, lunch, the boat, and transport from Belize City are all included, which means you don't have to negotiate or arrange anything once you're booked. The only thing to plan for is the heat and the uneven ground. Wear shoes that grip, bring a rain jacket just in case, and expect to be moving most of the afternoon.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Belize City, air-conditioned van transport to Orange Walk, one-hour jungle boat ride on the New River, park entry fees, guided exploration of the Mask Temple, High Temple, Ball Court, residential areas, and Jaguar Temple, buffet lunch with traditional Belizean dishes including rice and beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and fried plantains, refreshments throughout the day, and a knowledgeable guide who shares insights into Maya history and wildlife.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 85 years) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2)

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Lamanai Belize Tours

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see Lamanai's main temples and wildlife without arranging your own transport from Belize City: the boat ride and the guide are what make the full experience possible in one day. Plan for a full day out with several hours of walking on uneven jungle paths and optional temple climbing. That's what lets you see three major sites and the river approach.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the boat ride on the New River?

About one hour each way. You'll see spider monkeys, crocodiles, and birds along the way.

Is climbing the High Temple required?

No. Climbing is optional, but there are many steps to consider. You can explore other parts of the site at ground level.

What's included in the lunch?

A buffet with rice and beans, potato salad, coleslaw, fried plantains, and habanero sauce. If you have dietary needs, mention them when booking.

How much walking is involved?

Several hours on jungle paths between temples. The ground is uneven, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

What time does the tour start and end?

The tour is roughly eight hours total, including one hour driving each way and about four to five hours at the ruins.

What should I bring?

Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, and water. The weather can change, so dress for heat and possible rain.

Is the van air-conditioned?

Yes, the van from Belize City is air-conditioned. The boat ride is open-air.