Lamanai, a Maya site located in northern Belize, is an anglicized mispronunciation of the Maya phrase for "sleeping crocodile". To get there, you have to take a boat for about an hour and a half up the river, where you then have lunch before going to see incredible ruins and hiking up to the top of the tallest temple. Despite my terror of heights, I made it to the top and stood there, terrified, buffeted by the wind, and in awe of the beauty that lay in front of me. I could see all the way to the river, over the jungle that surrounded the excavated area. Howler monkeys were howling at the intruders from the trees, owls blinked sleepily at the people staring at them, and parrots flitted their way through the foliage. I went back multiple times during my time in Belize, and each time saw something new and different.
Leaving for the ruins via boat.
Baby crocodile-- if you look closely, you can see mama crocodile's snout in front of him.
Owls in the jungle.
View from the top of the tallest temple. You can still climb the temples in Belize, which is amazing.
Looking from the bottom to the top of the temple.
