The Maya Ruins of Lamanai

Saying goodbye to the little relaxed paradise of Caye Caulker was not easy for me. But we had to move on, to Orange Walk Town. With Nathan, we first took the boat back to Belize City and from there continued by bus to the 1 1/2 hours away sugar city of Orange Walk Town. We found a cheap and cozy accommodation with Ricky. The city itself doesn't really have much to offer, it is the center of sugarcane cultivation in Belize and the starting point for a trip to the Maya Ruins of Lamanai. Lamanai translates to 'submerged crocodile'. The ruins are among the longest inhabited Maya sites. To reach the ruins, you have to take a 2-hour boat ride on the New River. On the way, we saw not only crocodiles, but also many different bird species, iguanas and bats. And right at the entrance of the ruins, 4 black howler monkeys were waiting for us in the trees. Just don't get too close, otherwise you'll be hit with monkey poop.

During a guided tour of the site, which included several impressive temples, our guide Amir gave us an interesting insight into the history of the Maya culture and of course amazing views over the site. Unlike in Tikal, Guatemala, Belize lacks the funds for further excavations and research, so only a tiny small part of the site has been reconstructed so far.