We woke early for a five am transfer to Lamanai Landings Hotel to ensure we were ready before our nine o'clock tour. We were pleasantly surprised that we were able to immediately check-in to our huge over-water room despite arriving before eight in the morning. We took a river boat to the ancient Mayan archeological site of Lamanai, viewing plenty of wildlife (crocodiles, iguanas, black-bellied ducks, river turtles, bats, ibis, herons, etc.) along the way. Lamanai means "submerged crocodile". Despite having previously visited several Mayan ruins, including a few sites within days, we decided to go to Lamanai because of its two distinguishing features - the unique river approach and its unexplained Olmec masks found on a Mayan temple. The next most unique building at Lamanai is the Jaguar Temple. We witnessed the ongoing excavation of the site. We also saw Belize's national flower, the black orchid, an elusive Tayra, and loud Black Howler Monkeys up close . We were not allowed to climb the High Temple. The Mayan ball courts throughout Belize are much smaller than those found in Mexico. We explored the royal residences, learned of Lord "Smoking Shell" from Stela 9, and then enjoyed another great homemade lunch. With few alternatives, we ate dinner at the hotel's restaurant, but in the morning, road side options materialized for breakfast.
2 Comments
Karyn
2/3/2023 10:57:25 pm
I love following your journeys! Thanks for sharing your photos and stories.
Reply
Michael Wiebe
2/3/2023 11:16:18 pm
Thanks for taking a look, Karyn!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
January 2024
Categories |