Adventure to Altun Ha

Prepare to be transported through time as you embark on an exhilarating adventure to the Altun Ha Mayan site - a hidden gem of monumental significance that once covered 1,500 acres. While smaller than some Mayan ruins in the area, the preservation of the structures makes it a spectacular visit. This compact yet paramount trading and ceremonial city, a vivid relic from the Classic Mayan period, beckons explorers to unravel its secrets.

Your journey kicks off at the onsite museum, a treasure trove of information that unveils the enigmatic history and vibrant culture of the Mayas and includes a full-scale model of the Kinich Ahau jade carving. Step into history, wandering the very plazas where ancient rituals and exchanges unfolded. The site includes two main plazas with approximately 13 excavated Maya temples and residential structures. The Temple of the Sun God (also known as the Temple of the Masonry Altars) is the largest and most important temple on the site, dating to the first half of the 7th century AD. From the top, you'll be greeted with beautiful panoramic vistas.

A highlight awaits as you gaze upon a faithful replica of the largest well-carved jade object ever discovered at a Maya archaeological site. The Jade Head, as it's called, depicts the Maya sun god, "Kinich Ahau," and weighs nearly 10 pounds and is 6 inches tall. Its likeness is found on Belizean banknotes and on some popular beer labels. The jade from which it was carved was imported from ancient mines along the Motagua River valley in eastern Guatemala.

Elsewhere on the site, a path leads south about 600 yards through the lush jungle to a pond that was once used as a reservoir for the ancient settlement. This tour isn't just a visit - it's an electrifying expedition into the heart of the Mayan marvels. Be sure to reserve your spot today for this insightful tour outside Belize City.