Community Baboon Sanctuary and Altun Ha Maya Ruins Tour
About This Tour
This comprehensive adventure begins with a stress-free 8:00 AM pickup. We collect you directly from your hotel, Airbnb, the Water Taxi terminal, or the Municipal Airstrip in Belize City, whisking you away from the urban center and into the lush Belize River Valley. This tour is a curated combination of two of the country's most celebrated highlights, blending the living conservation of the Community Baboon Sanctuary with the stone legacy of the Altun Ha Maya Ruins.
Our first destination is the village of Bermudian Landing, home to the world-renowned Community Baboon Sanctuary. This is not a zoo, but a groundbreaking grassroots conservation effort where local landowners have pledged their forests to protect the Black Howler Monkey. As you walk the nature trails under the canopy, your guide—often a local expert who knows the troops by sight—will demonstrate the unique call that draws these wild primates from the treetops. Hearing the guttural roar of the Howler Monkey, one of the loudest animals on earth, and seeing them move effortlessly through the branches just feet above your head, is a visceral connection to nature you will never forget.
From the living jungle, we travel back in time to the Altun Ha Maya Ruins. This ancient trading post was once a seat of immense wealth and power. As you enter the plazas, you will explore the very ground where the famous Jade Head of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, was discovered. You will have the opportunity to climb the Temple of the Masonry Altars, ascending the stone steps to gain a panoramic view of the surrounding rainforest—a vantage point once reserved for Maya royalty and high priests.
To complete this authentic Belizean experience, we treat you to a traditional Creole lunch that rivals the sights themselves. You will savor a plate of Rice and Beans cooked in rich coconut milk, paired with tender Stew Chicken and cool, crisp coleslaw. It is the perfect savory finish to a day spent exploring the wild roar of the jungle and the silent majesty of the temples.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Altun Ha - major ceremonial and trading hub of ancient Maya
- See where the famous 10-pound jade head of Kinich Ahau was discovered
- Climb Temple of the Masonry Altars for 360-degree panoramic views
- Experience Community Baboon Sanctuary - home to Black Howler Monkeys
- Hear the powerful howler monkey roar that travels for miles
- Watch monkey families in their natural habitat
- Authentic Belizean feast with coconut rice and plantains
- Perfect blend of ancient culture and living nature
What's Included
What's Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Baboon Sanctuary and Altun Ha combo tour?
Will I see howler monkeys at the Baboon Sanctuary?
Can you climb the pyramids at Altun Ha?
Is this combo tour too rushed?
Is this tour suitable for families?
Is lunch included?
How long is this tour?
Itinerary
Pickup from Belize City
Convenient pickup from hotels, Airbnbs, or cruise terminal. Scenic 60-minute drive through lush Belizean countryside.
Arrive at Altun Ha Maya Ruins
Explore the main plaza and monumental stone temples. Learn about the 10-pound jade head discovery. Walk where priests tracked constellations.
Climb Temple of the Masonry Altars
Ascend the same steps royals climbed 2,000 years ago. Reach the top for breathtaking 360-degree views of emerald rainforest stretching to the horizon.
Journey to Community Baboon Sanctuary
Travel to the protected riparian forest, home to over 2,500 Black Howler Monkeys (locally called 'baboons').
Explore Community Baboon Sanctuary
Guided walk through shaded jungle trails. Learn about medicinal plants and ecosystem. Hear the powerful howler roar and watch monkey families in treetops.
Authentic Belizean Lunch
Enjoy slow-cooked stew chicken, coconut rice, and sweet fried plantains under a traditional thatch palapa (optional).
Return to Belize City
Relaxing drive back with plenty of time for cruise passengers to return to ship.
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Information on Belize
→ Official Belize Travel Information (travelbelize.org)Customer Reviews
Sarah Thompson
Seattle, Washington
Howler monkeys stole the show
We booked this tour on a whim and it turned out to be the highlight of our trip. The Community Baboon Sanctuary was incredible. Our guide called out to the howler monkeys and within minutes they were swinging right above us. The sound they make is unreal, like nothing I have ever heard. Then we drove to Altun Ha and climbed the main temple for a stunning view of the jungle. Learning about the Jade Head discovery was fascinating. Lunch was authentic Belizean rice and beans with stew chicken and it was delicious. Honestly one of the best tours we have ever taken anywhere.
January 18, 2025
Marcus Johnson
Toronto, Ontario
Perfect mix of nature and history
This tour gave us the best of both worlds. Started at the Baboon Sanctuary where we saw black howler monkeys up close in the wild. They were just hanging out in the trees above us, completely calm. Our guide was a local and knew every troop by name which made it so personal. Then off to Altun Ha where we explored the temples and learned about the ancient Maya civilization. Climbing to the top of the main temple was a workout but the view was absolutely worth it. Great lunch included too. Would do this again in a heartbeat.
February 3, 2025
Jennifer Adams
Denver, Colorado
Unforgettable day in Belize
I traveled solo and this tour made me feel so welcome. The driver picked me up right from my hotel in Belize City and the whole day was perfectly organized. At the Baboon Sanctuary the howler monkeys were everywhere. One even came down really low on a branch and I got the most amazing photo. Altun Ha was beautiful and peaceful. Our guide explained the history behind every structure and made it come alive. I loved standing on top of the temple imagining what it looked like centuries ago. The Creole lunch was a wonderful touch. This tour is a must.
January 9, 2025
Robert Mitchell
Chicago, Illinois
Best tour we did on our cruise stop
We were in Belize for one day on a cruise and chose this tour. Best decision we made. The pickup was smooth and on time. The Baboon Sanctuary was something special. Seeing howler monkeys in their natural habitat rather than in a zoo was an experience our whole family loved. The kids could not stop talking about how loud they are. Then Altun Ha blew us away. The ruins are impressive and climbing the temple gave us panoramic views of the rainforest. Our guide was patient, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. Lunch hit the spot after all that walking. Highly recommend this tour.
December 15, 2024
Amanda Clarke
Vancouver, British Columbia
A truly authentic Belize experience
This was hands down the most authentic experience we had in Belize. The Community Baboon Sanctuary is run by villagers who have committed their land to protecting the howler monkeys and you can feel how much they care. We saw several troops and even a mother with a baby on her back. Altun Ha was quieter than I expected which made it feel even more special. Standing on top of that ancient temple surrounded by jungle was surreal. Our guide shared stories about the Jade Head and the Maya traders who once lived there. The traditional lunch was the cherry on top.
February 20, 2025
David Hernandez
Dallas, Texas
Exceeded all expectations
I have done a lot of tours in Central America and this one stands out. The combination of wildlife and archaeology in a single day is hard to beat. At the sanctuary we saw howler monkeys within the first ten minutes. Their roar echoed through the jungle and gave me chills. Altun Ha was well preserved and our guide walked us through the significance of each plaza and temple. I climbed to the very top and just sat there taking it all in. The included lunch was hearty and flavorful. Everything about this tour felt well thought out and genuine.
November 28, 2024
Lisa Patel
Atlanta, Georgia
Worth every penny
My husband and I loved this tour from start to finish. The howler monkeys at the Baboon Sanctuary were the stars. They are so much bigger than I expected and the sound they make is absolutely wild. Our guide knew exactly where to find them and told us all about the conservation efforts in the village. Altun Ha was stunning. We climbed the Temple of the Masonry Altars and the view from the top was breathtaking. Learning about the famous Jade Head was really interesting. Lunch was included and it was a real Belizean meal, not tourist food. Fantastic day.
January 25, 2025
Kevin O'Brien
Boston, Massachusetts
Guide made all the difference
What set this tour apart was our guide. He was born in the area and his passion for the wildlife and the Maya ruins was contagious. At the Baboon Sanctuary he mimicked the howler monkey call and sure enough they answered back. Watching them swing through the canopy was mesmerizing. At Altun Ha he brought the history to life with stories about the discovery of the Jade Head and how the site was once a major trading hub. The temples are impressive and the climb to the top is rewarding. Great lunch afterward too. One of the best guided experiences I have had.
December 30, 2024
Rachel Stewart
Calgary, Alberta
Two incredible stops in one day
We only had one full day in Belize and this tour was the perfect way to spend it. The Baboon Sanctuary was magical. We walked through the jungle on a narrow trail and spotted howler monkeys resting in the trees above. Their calls were thunderous and slightly terrifying in the best way. Then we headed to Altun Ha which was more beautiful than any photo could capture. Climbing the main temple gave us a 360 degree view of pure green jungle. Our guide was knowledgeable and patient with all our questions. The Creole lunch was absolutely delicious. Could not recommend this more.
February 11, 2025
Brian Foster
New York, New York
An amazing day from start to finish
From the moment we were picked up to the moment we were dropped off, everything was seamless. The Baboon Sanctuary was a highlight. Our guide knew the forest like the back of his hand and found us a troop of howler monkeys almost immediately. They were loud and curious and we watched them for a good twenty minutes. Altun Ha was equally impressive. The ruins are well maintained and the history is fascinating. Standing at the top of the tallest temple looking out over the canopy was a moment I will always remember. The included lunch was a perfect ending.
November 14, 2024
Michelle Nguyen
San Diego, California
Nature lovers dream tour
If you love wildlife and history this is the tour for you. The Baboon Sanctuary was unlike anything I have experienced before. These are wild howler monkeys living freely in a protected forest maintained by the local community. We saw at least three different troops including babies clinging to their mothers. The jungle itself was gorgeous with birds and butterflies everywhere. Altun Ha added a completely different dimension to the day. Walking through ancient Maya plazas and climbing stone temples built over a thousand years ago was humbling. Lunch was traditional and tasty. An all around perfect experience.
January 4, 2025
James Campbell
Phoenix, Arizona
Brought the family and everyone loved it
We brought our two kids ages 8 and 11 and they had the time of their lives. The howler monkeys at the Baboon Sanctuary were a massive hit. Our guide called them down from the trees and the kids could not believe how close they got. The sounds they make had everyone laughing and wide eyed. Altun Ha was great for the kids too because they could climb the temples and burn off energy. The guide made the Maya history interesting even for younger listeners. Lunch was filling and delicious. This tour works for all ages and I would recommend it to any family visiting Belize.
December 22, 2024
Stephanie Martin
Minneapolis, Minnesota
So glad we chose this combo
We debated between several tours and I am so glad we picked this one. Getting to see wildlife and ancient ruins in a single outing felt like getting two tours for the price of one. The Baboon Sanctuary was peaceful and eye opening. Watching howler monkeys in their natural environment is totally different from seeing them in a zoo. At Altun Ha the temples rise out of the jungle like something from a movie. Our guide explained everything clearly and with real enthusiasm. The Creole lunch they served us was homemade and absolutely wonderful. This tour gave us memories we will carry forever.
February 15, 2025
Christopher Lee
Miami, Florida
One of the best days of our vacation
This tour was a genuine highlight of our Belize vacation. The morning at the Baboon Sanctuary was tranquil and thrilling at the same time. Howler monkeys are fascinating creatures and seeing them swing through the canopy just above your head is something else entirely. We also spotted toucans and iguanas along the trails. Altun Ha was the perfect afternoon stop. The ruins are steeped in history and climbing to the top of the temple provided views that took our breath away. Our guide was professional and engaging. And the traditional lunch was incredible. Do not skip this tour.
December 8, 2024
Emily Lawson
Ottawa, Ontario
Absolutely magical experience
Everything about this tour felt special. We started at the Community Baboon Sanctuary where a local guide walked us through the trails and introduced us to troops of howler monkeys living wild in the forest. The roar of a male howler is something you feel in your chest. It was incredible. Then we drove to Altun Ha and explored the Maya ruins at our own pace with our guide filling in the history. The Jade Head story was my favorite part. Climbing the main temple and looking out over miles of unbroken jungle was a moment of pure awe. Lunch was homemade Belizean comfort food and it was perfect.
January 30, 2025
per person