Lamanai was built more than 3,000 years ago and people lived there continuously for a very long time — much longer than most ancient cities. The site has several tall temples that are beautifully preserved, including the High Temple which stands 33 metres tall. From the top you can see the glittering New River Lagoon through the treetops.
One of the most famous things at Lamanai is a large stone carving of a crocodile mask on the face of one of the temples. Crocodiles were sacred animals to the Maya — perhaps because they are so ancient and powerful. Even today, real crocodiles live in the lagoon right next to the ruins.
Howler monkeys often sit in the trees above the temples and make their incredible booming calls, which sound a little like a roar and can be heard kilometres away through the jungle. Many visitors say the combination of ancient temples, jungle sounds and river views makes Lamanai one of the most magical places they have ever visited.
Getting to Lamanai by boat is half the fun. Along the river, guides point out kingfishers, herons, iguanas sunbathing on branches, and Morelet's crocodiles floating near the bank — so the wildlife spotting begins long before you arrive at the ruins.