Major Tom

Its not plastic

After much deliberation it was decided to haul ourselves away from our hammocks and have a day of culture on the penultimate day of our stay in Caye Caulker. We took the speedboat back to the mainland where we were met by the very charismatic Major Tom from the inappropriately named Tsunami Tours, who immediately began boasting about his five visits to England and his fondest memory of all.....apple crumble with custard.

An hours drive north to the town of Orange Walk and we were ready to hop aboard a boat that took us 28 miles through the jungle along the New River, passing several crocodiles on route, to the lost Mayan city of Lamanai. The Mayan people were an ancient civilisation who evolved over 3500 years ago and were mysteriously wiped out more than 500 years ago. There are a few decendents left who are believed to be working in the gift shop.

Ancient temple at Lamanai

Lamanai was once a city of 60,000 people but now just 1% of the original dwellings are visible since the jungle reclaimed them all. Its a truly spectacular sight to be walking through nothing but jungle then suddenly a massive ancient temple appears before your eyes. It was a steep climb to the top, not because of the heat or the height, but because our legs had been horizontal for over a week. The impressive view though looking down on the canopy below made the climb worthwhile.