RC Excursions to Mayan Sites in Belize City

[cmonaco27]

Please share your review/thoughts/opinions on the following two excursions through RC in Belize City. Trying to decide between the two!!

 

Lamanai Mayan Ruins and Riverboat Safari

 

Altun Ha Mayan Site and River Wallace

 

Both are 6 hours. Altun Ha is significantly cheaper than Lamanai, but Lamanai includes an "authentic" Belizean lunch, whereas Altun Ha includes a stop for lunch/shopping, but you are responsible for finding your own lunch. Both also include boat rides. Please share your thoughts if you have been on either of these!!

[purplegrapefruit]

Please share your review/thoughts/opinions on the following two excursions through RC in Belize City. Trying to decide between the two!!

 

Lamanai Mayan Ruins and Riverboat Safari

 

Altun Ha Mayan Site and River Wallace

 

Both are 6 hours. Altun Ha is significantly cheaper than Lamanai, but Lamanai includes an "authentic" Belizean lunch, whereas Altun Ha includes a stop for lunch/shopping, but you are responsible for finding your own lunch. Both also include boat rides. Please share your thoughts if you have been on either of these!!

 

We went on the Lamanai excursion several years ago and is still one of the best excursions we have ever done. The lunch was prepared by a local Belizean family. It was delicious. The ruins were spectacular and still in a state of excavation. It didn't feel manicured or touristy as you are so far off the beaten path, and many ruins are still uncovered. We saw so much wildlife both on the boat ride and in the jungle, including crocodiles and howler monkeys. In either location be sure to wear long pants and shoes as you are in the jungle as there are a lot of mosquitos. Bring bug spray! And water! It is very very hot.

As I recall there were locals selling bug spray when we got to the boat docks and they weren't overcharging.

Overall a fantastic excursion.

[LeeW]

Altun Ha is a great set of ruins to visit. Lots of gift shops at entrance and not crowded. The switch to the boat occurs at a restaurant that also has several good vendors. Restaurant is kind of a loose term - open side lanai with a counter on one end and picnic tables in the middle. Pretty good food and not expensive. No bugs when we went but it poured when we were heading down to the boat. They sell flimsy ponchos but when I opened mine it tore in half (bring your own poncho or just get wet). Boat goes down river, across the bay and ends at the ship.

 

Not positive, but I think the restaurant is the same for either tour but your meal is prepaid with the one excursion. Some tables were set with plastic wear and napkins like they were expecting a group. Even the full meal option was only about $6 and you can get a snack and drink for $3-4.