Lamanai, Maya archaeological site in Orange Walk District, Belize
Lamanai stretches along the New River Lagoon, featuring multiple stone temples and pyramids within dense tropical forest near the river banks.
The archaeological complex maintained continuous human occupation from 1500 BCE through the arrival of Spanish missionaries in the 16th century.
The name translates to 'submerged crocodile' in Yucatec Maya, reflecting the presence of these reptiles in the adjacent New River during ancient times.
The archaeological site contains three primary structures: the 33-meter High Temple, the Mask Temple with stone faces, and the Jaguar Temple.
Copper artifacts discovered at Lamanai indicate extensive trade networks and technological advancement during the Postclassic Maya period.
Location: Orange Walk District
Elevation above the sea: 28 m
Website: http://lamanai.com
GPS coordinates: 17.75257,-88.65447
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:40
Belize protects over 300 miles of the second largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and a substantial number of pre-Columbian Maya sites, many located deep within rainforests. The country combines marine protected areas, archaeological remains, and extensive nature reserves within a relatively compact territory. Visitors can explore the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, a circular sinkhole roughly 1,000 feet (305 meters) across and 410 feet (125 meters) deep, one day and walk through the ruins of Caracol the next, the country's largest Maya site with pyramids rising over 140 feet (43 meters). The islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker provide direct access to the reef and stretches of sandy shoreline. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary preserves approximately 150 square miles (390 square kilometers) of rainforest as a protected area for jaguars and other mammals. Underwater protected areas like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve safeguard coral gardens, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests that support marine life. Archaeological sites such as Xunantunich, Lamanai, and Altun Ha showcase different building styles and periods of Maya civilization. Actun Tunichil Muknal cave combines geological formations with archaeological artifacts and is accessed by wading through underground rivers. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve offers pine forests, waterfalls, and limestone formations in the western highlands.
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