About this tour

Altun Ha Belize: An Exclusive Journey into the Heart of the Maya World with Belize Fun Tours

This tour is available to guests staying in Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro Ambergris Caye. Read full details below to see what is included and how to book.

Are you ready to step away from the well-trodden tourist path and venture into the heart of a lost civilization? Journey with us, Belize Fun Tours, to a place where history is not just read about in books, but is felt in the very air you breathe and seen in the monumental stone temples that rise from the jungle floor. This is the Altun Ha Belize Tour, an exclusive expedition into the soul of the ancient Maya world, designed for the discerning traveler seeking both adventure and profound connection.

This is your chance to walk in the footsteps of kings and priests, to stand atop pyramids that have witnessed centuries of history, and to feel the powerful resonance of a culture that continues to fascinate the world.

This is more than just a sightseeing trip; it is a deep, immersive journey into the history, culture, and enduring mystery of the Maya people. The ancient city of Altun Ha Belize, one of Belize’s most iconic and significant archaeological sites, offers a unique window into a sophisticated society that thrived in the tropical lowlands for centuries.

Our exclusive Altun Ha Belize Tour is meticulously designed to provide you with an intimate, educational, and unforgettable exploration of this sacred place. We handle every detail, from the moment of pickup to the delicious local lunch, allowing you to fully absorb the magic and majesty of the ruins, guided by experts who call this land home and carry its stories in their hearts.

Unearthing the Story of Altun Ha: A Rich and Powerful History

To truly appreciate the Altun Ha Belize Tour, one must first understand the significance of the city itself. The name “Altun Ha” is a modern Yucatec Maya translation of the local village’s name, Rockstone Pond, a nod to the large, rock-lined reservoir the Maya engineered.

While its original Maya name remains a mystery, the site’s influence was anything but obscure. Archaeological evidence reveals that Altun Ha Belize was first settled around 900 B.C. during the Middle Preclassic Period. For centuries, it was a small but stable agricultural village, its people living in harmony with the lush, tropical environment. They cultivated maize, beans, and squash, and developed a deep understanding of the local ecosystem.

The city’s golden age, however, began around A.D. 200, during the Classic Period, as it blossomed into a vital ceremonial and trade center in the Maya world. Its strategic location, just six miles from the Caribbean coast and near the Belize River, was the key to its prosperity. Altun Ha Belize became a critical nexus in the extensive trade networks that connected the coastal communities with the powerful inland city-states like Tikal in modern-day Guatemala.

Imagine the bustling plazas filled with merchants bartering exotic goods. Precious jade and razor-sharp obsidian flowed from the volcanic Guatemalan highlands through Altun Ha Belize, while valuable coastal products like salt (a crucial preservative), dried fish, stingray spines (used in ritual bloodletting), and ornate seashells were traded in the opposite direction.

This vibrant economic activity fueled the city’s growth, financing the construction of the impressive temples, elite residences, and grand plazas you will explore on your Altun Ha Belize Tour. At its peak between A.D. 550 and 650, the city was a thriving metropolis, home to an estimated 10,000 people. It was a complex society with a distinct hierarchy: powerful rulers and priests who communed with the gods, skilled artisans who crafted exquisite objects, merchants who managed the flow of wealth, and a large population of farmers who sustained the city.

The heart of the city, which you will explore in depth on your Altun Ha Belize Tour, consists of two primary plazas, Plaza A and Plaza B, surrounded by more than a dozen major structures. The most imposing of these is the “Temple of the Masonry Altars” (Structure B-4), a magnificent pyramid rising 54 feet into the sky. This was not just a building; it was a sacred mountain, a portal to the supernatural world. It served as a place of profound religious importance, where the city’s elite rulers were laid to rest in elaborate tombs filled with precious offerings meant to accompany them on their journey through the underworld.

It was within this very temple that one of the most significant discoveries in Maya archaeology was made in 1968 by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum. While excavating a tomb deep within the structure, his team unearthed a national treasure. Buried with an elderly priest-king was a solid jade carving of the head of the Maya Sun God, Kinich Ahau.

Weighing nearly 10 pounds and standing almost 6 inches high, the “Jade Head” remains the largest carved jade object ever discovered in the entire Maya world. Jade was the most precious substance to the Maya, more valuable than gold, symbolizing life, fertility, and power. This single artifact is a testament to the incredible artistry of the Maya and the immense wealth and power commanded by the rulers of Altun Ha Belize. While the original is safely housed in the Museum of Belize, holding a replica and standing at the spot of its discovery is a highlight of the Altun Ha Belize Tour that connects you directly to this incredible history.

Your expert guide from Belize Fun Tours will bring these stories to life. They will explain the intricate details of the temples, the function of the stelae (carved stone monuments that recorded historical events and lineages), and the complex cosmological beliefs that shaped every aspect of Maya life. You will learn about their sophisticated understanding of astronomy, their complex calendar systems, and their ritual practices.

You will also learn about the decline of Altun Ha Belize, which began around A.D. 900. As trade routes shifted and a prolonged drought gripped the region, the city’s power waned, leading to its eventual abandonment. Walking through the silent plazas on your Altun Ha Belize Tour, you can almost hear the echoes of its glorious past, a powerful experience that sets our tour apart.

Your Exclusive Altun Ha Belize Tour Itinerary with Belize Fun Tours

Your adventure begins the moment we pick you up. Forget crowded buses and rigid schedules that rush you from one spot to the next. Your personal, air-conditioned vehicle will collect you from your hotel, the water taxi terminal, or the municipal airport in Belize City. Your personal, licensed guide will greet you not as a client, but as our honored guest, ready to share their deep love and knowledge of their homeland.

The journey to Altun Ha Belize is a scenic 31-mile drive north of Belize City along the Old Northern Highway, taking you from the urban landscape into the lush, green Belizean countryside. This is more than just a transfer; it’s part of the experience. Your guide will point out fascinating local flora, like the cohune palm and the gumbo-limbo tree (often called the “tourist tree”), and you might even spot colorful tropical birds. You’ll pass through small, charming villages, getting a glimpse into the daily life of modern Belizeans, setting the stage for your archaeological exploration.

Upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice the serene and majestic atmosphere of the site. The grounds are beautifully manicured, with the stone temples rising dramatically from the vibrant green grass. Because you are on an exclusive Altun Ha Belize Tour, we move at your pace. Your guide will lead you through the site’s core, starting with Plaza A and its surrounding temples. You’ll learn to identify different architectural styles and understand the purpose of each structure, from the residences of the elite to the platforms used for sacred ceremonies.

The climax of the walking tour is arriving at Plaza B and seeing the Temple of the Masonry Altars up close. You will have the opportunity to climb this magnificent structure, following in the footsteps of Maya priests and kings. The ascent is a journey in itself, and as you climb the stone steps, you can feel the history beneath your feet. The reward at the top is a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire site, the surrounding jungle canopy, and the nearby reservoir. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and a moment of quiet reflection, allowing you to appreciate the genius of the Maya engineers. This is a pinnacle moment of the Altun Ha Belize Tour.

Next, your guide will recount the thrilling story of the Jade Head’s discovery, pointing out the exact location of the royal tomb within the temple. This is where the history you’ve learned becomes tangible, a truly awe-inspiring moment. Throughout the tour, feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Our guides are passionate storytellers and educators, eager to share every detail and ensure your Altun Ha Belize Tour is as informative as it is memorable.

After your comprehensive exploration of the ruins, we will treat you to a delicious, authentic Belizean lunch at a local restaurant. This isn’t a generic tourist buffet. You’ll savor traditional flavors like rich stewed chicken with recado spice, classic rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, and sweet fried plantains—the perfect way to refuel and discuss the morning’s discoveries. Your tour concludes with a comfortable and relaxing drive back to your original pickup location, leaving you with a lifetime of memories from your incredible Altun Ha Belize Tour.

Why Choose Belize Fun Tours for Your Altun Ha Belize Adventure?

In a world of generic tours, Belize Fun Tours stands apart. We believe that travel should be personal, profound, and perfectly tailored to you. We are the leading expert tour operator in Belize because we are dedicated to creating authentic connections between our guests and our country.

Exclusive Experience: This is your day. No large, impersonal groups. You’ll have the undivided attention of your guide, allowing you to delve deeper into the subjects that fascinate you most. We cater to your pace and interests, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for everyone, from history buffs to casual travelers. Your Altun Ha Belize Tour is yours alone.

All-Inclusive, No Hidden Fees: Your Altun Ha Belize Tour price includes everything you need for a perfect day. There are no surprise charges or last-minute upsells. We provide transportation for your group, your personal expert guide, all park entrance fees, a delicious Belizean lunch, and purified water. Your only extra costs would be for personal souvenirs or gratuities for your guide.

Expert Local Guides: Our guides are the heart of our company. They are born and raised in Belize, fully licensed, and have years of experience leading tours. They are not just reciting facts from a script; they are sharing their heritage, their culture, and their personal stories with passion and pride. This local perspective is invaluable and transforms a good tour into an extraordinary one.

Easy & Secure Booking: We believe in making your vacation planning stress-free. To confirm your unforgettable Altun Ha Belize Tour, we only require a small, secure deposit. The remaining balance is not due until the day of your tour at the time of pickup. It’s that simple and secure, giving you a flexibility and peace of mind.

Detailed Tour Information

What is Included in Your Altun Ha Belize Tour:

• Transportation for your group in an air-conditioned vehicle from Belize City.
• A dedicated, licensed, and experienced local guide.
• All park entrance fees for the Altun Ha Archaeological Site.
• Complementary authentic Belizean lunch
• Purified water to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

What’s Not Included:

• Gratuities for your guide and driver (optional, but greatly appreciated).
• Personal expenses and souvenirs.

What to Bring Along for Your Adventure:

• Comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for walking in a tropical climate.
• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are a must.
• Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Insect repellent.
• Your camera to capture the stunning scenery and memories.
• A small amount of cash for any souvenirs you may wish to purchase.

Additional Info:

• This tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness, as it involves walking and climbing stairs.
• The site is not wheelchair accessible.
• Infant seats are available upon request; please notify us at the time of booking.
• This is an exclusive tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
• Pickup Information: We offer complimentary pickup from any hotel, water taxi terminal, or the municipal airport within Belize City. We can also arrange for pickup from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). Please provide your pickup details when booking.

Altun Ha Belize Tour Pricing: $95.00 USD per Adult, US65 per child under 13 years (verified)

If you are arriving in Belize at the PGIA (International airport and want to do our tour to Altun Ha Belize, select the date, the afternoon time (1:30pm) and more options, select 1 for the PGIA pickup. then book. If you arrive later than 1:30pm please email belizefuntours@gmail.com before booking.

If you are a family traveling together, email us at belizefuntours@gmail.com before booking.

Book Your Journey into the Past

The temples of Altun Ha Belize are more than just ancient stones; they are a testament to human ingenuity, a sacred space of immense power, and a story waiting to be told. Let Belize Fun Tours be your storyteller. Join us for an exclusive Altun Ha Belize Tour and create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to secure your place in history.

Altun Ha on Wikipedia
Altun Ha on the National Institute for Culture and History.
Belize Tours