4-Hour Altun Ha Archaeological Tour from Belize City

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Discover Altun Ha, one of the wealthiest ancient Mayan city-states near Belize City
• 02 Explore two plazas and thirteen structures at a site famed for the Jade Head
• 03 Walk through the lush Altun Ha Nature Reserve, home to armadillos, agoutis, foxes, and deer
• 04 See a man-made Maya pond that still serves as home to large crocodiles

Located 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Belize City, Altun Ha, Mayan for "rock stone water," was once one of the wealthiest Mayan empires in the Americas. Famous for its Jade Head, the site features two plazas and thirteen structures, while rich tombs suggest that the elite enjoyed an exotic life. Beyond its magnificent temples, Altun Ha is surrounded by the lush Altun Ha Nature Reserve, where armadillos, agoutis, foxes, deer, and even large crocodiles may be seen near a man-made Maya pond. Dating back to around 200 BC, with construction lasting until about AD 900, the site reflects a large and sophisticated ancient population.

Beyond its magnificent temples, Altun Ha is surrounded by the lush Altun Ha Nature Reserve, where armadillos, agoutis, foxes, deer, and even large crocodiles may be seen near a man-made Maya pond.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Belize, Altun Ha

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Explore Altun Ha from Belize City

• Depart from Belize City and drive 25 miles north. Along the way, your guide will interpret the area you are passing through and share the history of Belize. This portion of the journey also includes a restroom break.
• After lunch, gather by the museum area before beginning your walk through the reserve. Your guide will interpret the site trail and explain the structures in situ as you explore the archaeological reserve.
• After the tour, enjoy 30 minutes of shopping on site before departing for the return journey, with arrival timed to help you catch your connection to the hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Licensed tour guide
• A/C vehicle
• Lunch
• Water and sodas
• Entrance fees
• Guided tour on site

What's Not Included

• Bug spray, sunscreen lotion, and umbrellas

What to bring

• Insect repellent
• Light clothing
• Water
• Good hiking boots
• Cash/credit card
• Medication, if necessary

Know before you go

• Location: 31 miles (50 kilometers) from Belize City
• Meaning of Name: "Altun Ha" means "rock stone water" in Mayan
• Historical Significance: Once one of the wealthiest Mayan city-states in the Americas
• Key Feature: Famous for the "Jade Head," a large jade artifact
• Main Structures: Two plazas and 13 temples/structures
• Tombs: Rich tombs suggest that the elite enjoyed an exotic lifestyle
• Nature Reserve: Altun Ha Nature Reserve is home to diverse wildlife like armadillos, agoutis, foxes, and occasionally deer
• Pond: A man-made pond created by the Maya is still inhabited by large crocodiles
• Historical Timeline: Dates back to around 200 BC, with construction lasting until around AD 900
• Cultural Insight: The impressive temples and infrastructure indicate a large and sophisticated population

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Belize City, Belize

Tour start

Belize City, Belize

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.