Category: Central America 2025

Boat-billed herons are nocturnal, so we were lucky to catch a glimpse of this one.

As we arrived at the Mayan site of Lamanai, we found this baby howler monkey dangling upside down from a tree

The Mask Temple at the Mayan ruins of Lamanai.  The original masks have been removed for safe-keeping against the elements – this building now has a replica installed

Lamanai means “submerged crocodile”, a creature that would have been seen regularly along the banks of the river.

The High Temple at Lamanai.  Unlike most Ancient Mayan sites, Lamanai wasn’t abandoned and still was inhabited in to the 20th century.

Boat ride back from Lamanai

You know you’ve seen something rare when the boat captain who sails this river every day is excited at the sight.  Our captain said this was only the second Baird’s Tapir he’s ever seen in over 10 years.  Secretive and mostly nocturnal, these are the largest land mammal in Central America, growing to 250 kgs.

The stunning Collared Aracari

A lone ray of sun bursts through the jungle at Cahal Pech.

A central american agouti posing for his portrait