Off the Beaten Path in Belize

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on September 22, 2007

Belize is the only country in Central America that uses English as its official language. Though it does not share the notoriety of the Caribbean's island destinations, Belize has its own its own set of postcard-picture beaches and a first-rate tourist infrastructure. However, there is more to the island that sun-tanning with a rum-based cocktail in hand.

The ancient ruins of Lamanai have a very natural feel. Once the site of a major Mayan city, archaeologists believe that they city was inhabited as long as 2500 years ago. Some of the buildings in Lamanai are quite heavily eroded, as can be expected with structures dating to pre-Colombian times. The largest of these buildings are thought to be temples. They are impressively large, pyramid shape buildings.

Only a portion of the site has been excavated, leaving the sheer size of Lamanai up to the visitor's imagination.

Lamanai can be reached from Orange Walk Town, which is a mere hour's ride from the Belize City. The trip to Lamanai is made more colorful by the local birds, monkeys, and other tropical species.