Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Back to Lamanai

In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.

Voykit pocket guide · Belize

Lamanai

Take a 6‑7 h river boat from Orange Walk (or pre‑arranged cruise ship tour) and spend a half‑day exploring the ruins; one day is enough.

Lamanai is a remote Maya site in northern Belize reachable only by a 26‑mile boat ride up the New River. The ruins and wildlife can be seen in a single guided tour, so a one‑day visit is sufficient.

Ambergris CayeBelize CityBelmopanCorozal TownCrooked TreeDangrigaHopkinsOrange Walk TownPlacenciaPunta GordaSan AntonioSeine BightSt. George's CayeTobacco CayeLamanai100 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Belize
Best months
Dec–May
Avoid
Jun–Nov (rainy season)
Stay
1 night

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
BZD
Money
Currency is the Belize dollar (BZD, $), fixed at 2 to 1 US dollar; US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Check which dollar a price is in.
Daily spend
Budget BZD 120–180 excl. lodging · Mid BZD 180–250 excl. lodging (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Digi (Belize Telemedia) and Smart sell SIMs at the airport and in towns; bring your passport.
Emergency
Police/Medical 911
Plugs
Types A, B, G · 110 V (some 220 V) · 60 Hz · US plugs usually fit.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10–15% if no service charge.; Tour guides and boat crew: BZ$20–40 per person per day.; Taxi drivers: Not expected; round up.
Water
Treated water in Belize City and San Pedro; most visitors drink bottled or filtered.
Toilets
Western toilets; bring paper for bus stops.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Boat trip (round‑trip)BZD 150–200
Entry fee to LamanaiBZD 30
Meal at Outpost LodgeBZD 20–35

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

BZE · Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport
Main international gateway; about 2 h drive to Orange Walk (check)

Typical fares

Orange Walk → Lamanai boat
about BZD 150 round‑trip, 2 h each way (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

Boat from Orange Walk or cruise‑ship departure is the only access; walking paths at the ruins are uneven – not wheelchair‑friendly.

See and do

Known for

  • Maya ruins with temples
  • New River wildlife

Day trips

WhereHowTime
Lamanai ruinsBoat from Orange Walk (≈26 mi river trip) arranged by local hotels or cruise‑ship operator6–7 h tour

Sleep

Lamanai Outpost Lodge
Only lodging near the site; higher price, basic amenities.

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
How much does the boat cost?¿Cuánto cuesta el bote?
Where is the restroom?¿Dónde está el baño?

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Say 'good morning' or 'good evening' when entering shops and buses; avoid: Skipping greetings
  • Pace: Relax; service is slow; avoid: Showing impatience
  • Photography: Ask first; avoid: Photographing Mennonites and Maya villagers without consent
  • Dress: Cover up away from the beach; avoid: Swimwear in town

Scams and watch-outs

  • River boat trips depend on water level; check schedules in advance.
  • No wheelchair access on the walking trails.

Generally safe; watch for river currents and wildlife; keep valuables secure on boat.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Lamanai yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Maya ruins with temples
  • New River wildlife

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Lamanai

A esta dirección, por favor

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

  • Police/Medical911

US consulate in Belize City; Belize embassy in Washington, D.C.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/lamanai). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.