Belize City: Lamanai Maya Ruins & River Boat Safari w/ Lunch in Belize City

Are you looking for the perfect combination of exciting adventure, history and relaxation? Look no further than a daytrip to the Maya Ruins at Lamanai and a riverboat safari tour with lunch in Belize City. This is a great way to experience the culture and beauty of Belize from the heart of the city.

The trip begins in downtown Belize City, where you’ll take an air-conditioned van with a knowledgeable guide to the bank of the New River in Orange Walk District. From there, you’ll take a relaxing boat trip upstream to the ancient Maya Ruins of Lamanai. As you navigate along the river, your guide will point out fascinating wildlife including toucans, howler monkeys, and more.

Exploring the Ancient Maya Ruins at Lamanai

Once you arrive at Lamanai, you can explore the ruins on your own or take advantage of a guided tour. Here, you’ll learn about the various archaeological sites and their importance as well as the history of Lamanai as a thriving city during the Maya Civilization. You’ll also have the chance to climb some of the ruins and take pictures of the amazing views.

Relaxing Riverboat Safari and Delicious Lunch

After exploring Lamanai, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride back to the dock while your guide provides commentary. Once you arrive back in Belize City, you will be treated to a delicious lunch before heading back to your hotel.

Conclusion

A daytrip to Lamanai and a riverboat safari tour with lunch in Belize City is an unforgettable experience. It’s an amazing way to learn about the Maya civilization while exploring the culture and beauty of Belize City. To book this unique activity, visit GetYourGuide, where you can find all the information and services related to this promising day trip.

An Insider’s Guide to Belize City

Belize City is the commercial and cultural hub of Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America. The city is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the best attractions, dining, cultural experiences, history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that Belize City has to offer.

Local Attractions

Belize City boasts an array of attractions that are must-visits for any tourist. Here are some of the top attractions to include in your itinerary:

1. Lamanai Maya Ruins: Located in the heart of the rainforest, the Lamanai Maya Ruins are an ancient archaeological site filled with history and mystery. The site is made up of various temples, pyramids, and ball courts that date back to the Maya civilization.

2. Altun Ha Archaeological Site: Another fascinating archaeological site to see in Belize City is the Altun Ha. This site was once an important Maya trading center, known for its impressive pyramids, tombs, and jade carvings.

3. Belize Zoo: The Belize Zoo is one of the country’s top tourist destinations, and for a good reason. The zoo is home to various animals, including jaguars, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and a wide range of exotic bird species.

Dining Spots

Belize City offers a wide range of dining experiences, from humble street food vendors to upscale restaurants. Here are some of the best dining spots in the city:

1. Hour Bar: Hour Bar is an upscale bar and restaurant that offers gourmet burgers, fresh seafood, and craft cocktails. The restaurant also boasts a beautiful rooftop view of the city.

2. Riverside Tavern: Located on the Belize River, Riverside Tavern serves up authentic Belizean cuisine, including fresh seafood, chicken, and rice and beans. The restaurant also has live music performances, making it an ideal spot for a night out.

3. Grace Kitchen: Grace Kitchen serves up affordable and delicious street food, including tacos, burritos, and pupusas. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, which makes it a great spot to enjoy the beautiful Belizean weather.

Cultural Experiences

Belize City offers an array of cultural experiences, from the Afro-Caribbean culture to the ancient Maya civilization. Here are some of the best cultural experiences to have in the city:

1. Museum of Belize: The Museum of Belize is the country’s largest museum, featuring a wide range of exhibits that highlight the country’s history, culture, and natural heritage. Some of the museum’s highlights include Maya artifacts, colonial-era artifacts, and information on Belize’s various ethnic groups.

2. Garifuna Collective: The Garifuna Collective is a vibrant and lively musical group that performs traditional Garifuna music, which is a blend of African, Caribbean, and indigenous influences. The group often performs in various venues in Belize City, including bars, restaurants, and music festivals.

3. Belizean Creole Culture: Belizean Creole is a unique dialect that is spoken in Belize. It is a blend of English, African, and Spanish languages. To experience Belizean Creole culture, consider visiting some of the city’s local markets and interacting with the vendors.

Local History

Belize City has a rich and complex history that spans over 4000 years. Here are some of the most significant historical events and places in the city:

1. St. John’s Cathedral: St. John’s Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in Central America and the only remaining building from British colonialism in Belize. The cathedral dates back to the 19th century and features Gothic Revival architecture.

2. Baron Bliss Lighthouse: The Baron Bliss Lighthouse was built-in 1885 and is a symbol of Belize’s maritime history. The lighthouse is named after Baron Bliss, an English aristocrat who left his fortune to Belize upon his death.

3. House of Culture: The House of Culture is a historic building in Belize City that was built-in 1857. Today, the building serves as a cultural center, showcasing the country’s history, art, and culture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations, consider adding these off-the-beaten-path suggestions to your itinerary:

1. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about two hours from Belize City, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary boasts lush rainforests, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. The sanctuary is home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and various bird species.

2. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, featuring over 300 bird species. The sanctuary is located on a lagoon and is also home to various reptiles and mammals.

3. Belize City Art Tour: Belize City is home to various local artists and art galleries. Consider taking an art tour of the city to discover unique, local art and the stories behind them.

In Conclusion:

Belize City boasts a rich history, vibrant culture, and an array of attractions and experiences. From exploring ancient Maya ruins to dining at local restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city. With this insider’s guide to Belize City, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip to this stunning destination.