I sure would appreciate any advice on which Mayan ruin to see if I can only see one. I am going to spend five days on AC the first week of Oct and will try to tear myself away from the diving to do one mainland tour.
Thanks

Take the Lamanai trip, preferably with Daniel Nunez...a great trip! Or do Altun Ha... both of these trips go from San Pedro by fast boat.

My list of the top Maya sites in Belize looks like this:

1) Caracol, Chiquibul/Mountain Pine Ridge
2) Lamanai, Orange Walk District
3) Xunantunich, Cayo
4) Altun Ha, northern Belize District

After that it's a little hard to rank them in terms of interest to the visitor. Certainly Che Chem Ha or one of the other cave sites would be on the list, along with Lubaantun near PG and several others.

Of these, Lamanai and Altun Ha are the easiest to visit on day trips from San Pedro. I'd personally go to Lamanai. The trip there on the New River is great, and the setting along the New Lagoon is beautiful. Also, you will see howler monkeys at Lamanai, which you won't at Altun Ha.

--Lan Sluder
Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/

I agree with Jesse and take to Lamani tour.It is not as developed as most of the sites are.There are hundreds of structures in the park and only 5% unearthed.However the ones that they have uncovered are breathtaking.The setting is just as spectacular.The the river route to get to Lamani.Go to Lamani lodge for lunch and a cold one.Keep an ear our for the Howler monkies.It's a sound you will not forget.

does anyone know how long that trip to Lamani is? I assume it's a full day. I wonder if I could start from Belize city when I land and then finish at AC by fast boat. (avoiding the flight from belize city)

hey deacon, I bailed on the trip out this morning -- going next week. I hope the storm passes quickly and your trip is ok. weather channel said its moving slowly and hurricane watch in belize city.

Go to Lamanai, besides a great place to see the ruins, the river trip is fantastic. Full of beasties, birdies, and plants of many types...

Its so beautiful how it sits on the lake...

Its an all day trip, start in AC and end in AC the best:
http://AmbergrisCaye.com/tanisha/lamanai.html

is a site for Daniels trip...


[This message has been edited by Marty (edited 09-30-2000).]

I definitely second going to Lamanai with Daniel Nunez of Tanisha Tours if you have only time for one tour. My girlfriend and I have taken both Lamanai and Altun Ha Adventure tour with Daniel.

Although you may not see howlers at Altun Ha, you will certainly see plenty of them on the boat trip in the trees at the shoreline. Whenever Daniel spots them, and he has great vision, he will pull over and stop the boat. They came very close to the boat on our trip and many photos were shot by the tourists on board. Follow the link Marty posted and enjoy your day.

**Jim

Yep, here is another vote for Lamanai with Daniel Nunez. He is the greatest guide and an all round nice guy. You will enjoy it immensely. If you don't feel like Lamanai, Altun Ha with Daniel is next best. You will also visit a jungle spa for lunch and relaxing...it is great too.