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Belize Maya Temple Tour

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Altun Ha - The City of the Jade Head

Price

Price varies by location - Can be done during a transfer.

Difficulty / Requirement

Easy - Walking and Climbing

What's included

Guide, Entrance Fee, Round Trip Transportation, and Water. (Half day tour).

What to bring

Bug spray, Hat and Sunglasses.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of the most famous and accessible Maya ruins in Belize, located just 31 miles (50 km) north of Belize City. This ancient city was an important trading and ceremonial center, known for its well-preserved temples and the discovery of the iconic Jade Head of Kinich Ahau, the largest carved jade artifact in the Maya world. With its close proximity to Belize City and its rich history, Altun Ha is a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

Things to Do at Altun Ha

Explore the Archaeological Site: Altun Ha consists of two main plazas with 13 structures, including towering temples and pyramids. The most famous structure, Temple of the Masonry Altars, stands at 54 feet tall and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle when climbed.
Learn About the Jade Head: Discovered in 1968, the Jade Head of Kinich Ahau represents the Maya sun god and is considered one of Belize’s national treasures. While the original is securely stored, visitors can learn about its significance and see replicas at the site and local museums.
Wildlife and Nature: The site is surrounded by lush tropical forests, making it a great spot for bird watching. You might see toucans, parrots, and even howler monkeys during your visit.
Shopping for Local Handicrafts: Near the entrance, local vendors sell handcrafted souvenirs, including wood carvings, jewelry, and traditional Maya art—perfect for bringing a piece of Belizean culture home.

The Journey to Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of the easiest Maya sites to visit from Belize City. The drive takes about 1 hour along the Northern Highway and through scenic villages. The roads are well-maintained, making it accessible by car, taxi, or guided tour. Many visitors choose to visit Altun Ha as part of a day trip, often combining it with a tour of the nearby Belize River or the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.

History of Altun Ha

Altun Ha was a major city during the Classic Period (250–900 AD) and is believed to have been home to around 10,000 people at its peak. Unlike military-focused Maya cities like Caracol, Altun Ha was primarily an economic and religious center, involved in trade networks that stretched from the Caribbean to Central Mexico.

The discovery of the Jade Head in Tomb B-4 suggests that Altun Ha was a place of great spiritual significance, with elite rulers buried alongside valuable offerings. The presence of imported goods like obsidian and jade indicates that Altun Ha was a wealthy and influential city in the region.

Location to your destination

Nearby Temples and Attractions

If you’re visiting Altun Ha, consider exploring these nearby destinations to make the most of your trip:

(Click on them to learn more)

Lamanai: Another remarkable Maya site, Lamanai is located along the New River and is famous for its towering temples, including the Mask Temple, adorned with massive stone carvings of ancient Maya rulers.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary: Just a short drive from Altun Ha, this nature reserve is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. It’s home to over 300 bird species, including the majestic Jabiru Stork, the largest flying bird in the Americas.

Belize City: If you’re heading back to Belize City, take some time to explore its historic sites, such as St. John’s Cathedral, the Swing Bridge, and the Museum of Belize, which showcases Maya artifacts and Belizean history.

Testimonials

Good Service, Happy Clients!

Nelson Maya Adventures ( shuttles and tours)

4.8

Based on 58 reviews

review us on

MoeNight 21

2 months ago

I had a great experience with them. Highly recommended

Hossein Siadat

3 months ago

We got shuttle service from Belize airport to Guatemala and back to Belize airport. Extremely happy with the service, all of the drivers were friendly and kind. The service was exceptional. Jasmin was the coordinator and she was awsome and helpful.
If you get the service with them you will love it.

Shawnya Arthur

12 months ago

The best tour ever. From all the assistance Yasmin provided at booking to the actual activities top tier. We enjoyed the Mayan Ruins, ATV & Cave tubing. Our guide was a wealth of information regarding the Mayan Culture and Belizean culture. Warm, friendly and professional company.

Grant Welsh

12 months ago

We arranged multiple pickups and drop offs as well as a trip into Mexico to see Chichen Itza during a weeklong visit to Belize. The drivers were very good, on time and helpful. When in Belize there was constant communication and updates regarding our times etc. and our goals were met and our trip was great. Thanks to everyone at Nelson Maya Adventures for a great vacation.

PMA Wave

1 year ago

Private Transfer from Belize City (Water Taxi Terminal) to Belmopan

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Our private transfer from Belize City to Belmopan was absolutely smooth and comfortable. Upon arrival at the Water Taxi Terminal, we were warmly greeted.

The vehicle was clean, air-conditioned and very comfortable—an excellent relief after the boat ride. Our driver was not only punctual but also extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He shared interesting insights about Belize, its culture.

The ride itself was relaxed and safe. The driver maintained a smooth pace and drove very professionally, making us feel secure at all times.

Overall, this was the perfect choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free and comfortable transfer from Belize City to Belmopan. I highly recommend this service and would use it again without hesitation!

Jeriva Traylor

2 years ago

We went on the Lamanai tour and had an amazing experience! Our driver, Anthony, met us at the ferry and took us to the boat landing. There we boarded our boat and took the river to Lamanai. Our boat captain and tour guide, Brenda, was incredible. Her knowledge about the river, her community, and the Lamanai ruins made our tour so enjoyable. She was able to answer questions and provide us with a deeply enriching experience. After a delicious lunch (stewed chicken, rice and beans, coleslaw, and chips and pico de gallo) and some time at the museum and gift shops, we headed back to the boat landing where our driver awaited to take us back the the ferry. All in all, excellent day!

Ryan Wright

3 years ago

By far one of the best tour companies in Belize , we opted to book with them not only the AMT caving tour but also the shuttles from bc to San ignassio then San ignassio to Hopkins and then back to BC. We tried other shuttles but came up short either over charging or had sub par vehicle. Nelson maya had safe vehicals and Chris our driver drove very safe.

The staff where always amazing and Jasmine who booked everything was always checking in the night before to let us know we where booked the next day

The ATM cave tour is a must do if you come to Belize and are a adventurous person. I work as a firefighter professionally and on the tour I saw the tour guide was very experienced. He knew how to manage people even when they where either scared or nervous about some of the situations in the cave.

Highly recommend

Belize Maya Temple Tour