8. Belize City: Lamanai Maya Ruins & River Boat Safari w/ Lunch
Meet your guide at the Cruise Ship Terminal or in your hotel lobby, depending on the option selected. Relax as you board the air-conditioned vehicle and set off for a 1-hour road trip. Along the way enjoy views of the old Belize river, rural villages, fruit trees, and birds. When you arrive at the dock, board your boat for the 1-hour cruise on the New River. Be sure to watch for iguanas, crocodiles, turtles, birds, and water-lilies. At the Lamania Maya Site, your guide will lead you on a walk through the rainforest, scattered with ancient structures, to arrive at the Mask Temple. Your guide will share in-depth archeological information about the site. The Lamania Maya site is known for being the longest continually-occupied site in Mesoamerica. The thriving crocodile population in the nearby New River lagoon gave Lamanai its name. Lamanai is the Spanish historic name for Lama’ an/ayin, which means “submerged crocodile.” Many of the site's main structures and excavated artifact exhibits represent the famed reptile. You'll have the chance to climb to the summit of the highest temple and see the awesome view of northern Belize and the lagoon. Then continue your walk through the Ball Court, Stelas, the Jaguar temple, stelae, and residential buildings. Then board your boat for the return trip to Belize City, with drop-off at the Cruise Ship Terminal or at your hotel lobby, depending on the option you selected.