Visiting A Mayan Ruin or site of an ancient Mayan city is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have of the former empire that existed in Mesoamerica. That is now in modern day Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and western Honduras.
There are still a number of ruins and structures across the Mayan world that still to this day undergoing excavation work. Thankfully In the past century, archaeology has brought back to life many of these ruins. This includes Lamanai, a Mayan site I visited upon my first return to Belize.
The Periods of the Mayan Civilization
The Mayan civilization has been divided into three distinct eras:
- Pre-classic Period (2000 BC to 250 AD)
- Classic Period (250 AD to 900 AD)
- Post-classic Period (900 AD to 1500 AD)
A Super Summarized History
Lamanai dates back to 2,000 BC classifying it as part of the Pre-classic Era. Which means it’s one of the oldest and earliest settlements in the age of the Mayans. How this is also determined, the High temple located on the site, was studied and found to be built for the gods and for religious purposes opposite of temples of newer sites. Lamanai had been occupied until the age or Spanish conquest of the Yucatan peninsula.
Lamanai or Lama’anayin meaning submerged crocodile, sits along the banks of Belize’s largest freshwater lagoon on the New River.
What’s to See & Enjoy
High temple being the prime example, is the oldest structure on the site dating back over 2000 years and had been used for religious purposes, according to our guide that day.
Jaguar Temple, the first temple we explored on the tour is adorned with a Jaguar face on it’s front, hence the name of the temple. Much of this temple is still underground with much excavation still yet to be completed. This is the only temple we were able to climb up and down delivering a nice little view of the New River lagoon.
Mask Temple, the smallest temple, was the final stop along the tour and contains two reconstructed faces along the corners of the temple. They were reconstructed to protect the faces from further erosion.
Other sites we walked by and through were the Royal Complex right after the Jaguar temple, which I believe were solely for the elite Maya.
As well as the Ball Court prior to visiting the High Temple, which was used for recreation and sport. Check out the reenactment of this Mayan sport.
Not sure if this was played there exactly like this, but damn it looks insanely difficult.
What Makes this place special to visit.
Lamanai is truly unique as it’s the only Mayan site I’ve been to so far that required boat travel. We started our tour by boat via Lamanai Eco Adventures outside of Orange Walk with a colorful and scenic tour down the New River. About 45 minutes later, you land at Lamanai Archaelogical Reserve for about a couple of hours to explore the ancient city.
With that being said, a visit to Lamanai requires some extra commitment which makes appreciating this site that much more grand.
In short, if you were to ask me if it was worth it, I would say that this blog and the above Youtube video would vouch to say, ABSOLUTELY.
Enjoy my blogs on Belize, check out this blog about why I returned and why Belize is officially home for my family and I.
