The Scenic Distance Between Altun Ha And Belize City's Airport

Altun Ha is located about 30 miles north of Belize City and is one of Belize's most popular Maya sites. It is easily accessible by car via the Northern Highway or by tour bus from Caye Caulker. The site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs 10 Belize dollars (about $5) to enter.

Altun Ha is 31 miles from Belize City

Belize is a small Central American country, formerly known as British Honduras, and inhabited by approximately 400,000 people. The country is known for its rich history, including ancient ruins from the Mayan civilisation.

One of the most notable Mayan sites in Belize is Altun Ha, which is located 31 miles from Belize City. Altun Ha is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Belize, especially for cruise tourists, as it is easily accessible from the cruise port terminal in Belize City.

The ancient site is situated on the Old Northern Highway, about 6 miles west of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can opt for a guided or non-guided tour of the ruins. A paved sidewalk leads from the parking lot to the main entrance, and visitors can explore two plazas, burial mounds, and temple pyramid structures.

Altun Ha is known as "Water of the Rock" in Maya and was a major ceremonial and trading centre during the Classic Period. Despite its small size, Altun Ha holds significant historical value, with many valuable artefacts uncovered during excavations, including the largest Maya carved jade object ever discovered, the famous Jade Head, weighing almost 10 pounds and standing nearly 6 inches tall.

The site is approximately a 40-minute drive from Belize City, and visitors can choose to travel by rental car, taxi, excursion transport, or public bus. The distance from Belize City makes it a convenient day trip for tourists, and its proximity to the cruise port terminal in Belize City makes it a popular destination for cruise passengers.

It's one of Belize's most popular Maya sites

Altun Ha is one of Belize's most popular Maya sites. It is located about 31 miles (50 kilometres) north of Belize City and 6.2 miles (10 kilometres) west of the Caribbean Sea's shore. The site covers an area of about 3.1 square miles (8 square kilometres) and is accessible via the Old Northern Highway.

Altun Ha is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Maya city, occupied from around 900 B.C. to A.D. 1000. The site remained hidden until 1963 when local villagers' quarrying activities led to the discovery of a large, elaborately carved jade pendant. This sparked archaeological interest in the site, with excavations beginning in 1964 and continuing through 1970.

Altun Ha is best known for its ceremonial centre, "The Temple of the Masonry Alters", which is featured on Belize's national beer, Belikin Beer. Despite its small size, Altun Ha was a major ceremonial and trading centre during the Classic Period. An unusual aspect of the site is the absence of stela, or carved stone slabs, which were typically used in Maya sites for ceremonial purposes.

Excavations at Altun Ha have uncovered a wealth of valuable artefacts, including the largest Maya carved jade object ever discovered, known as the Jade Head or the Kinich Ahau. This artefact was found in 1968 in Structure B-4, also known as the Temple of the Masonry Altars. The structure is the largest of Altun Ha's temple-pyramids, standing at 16 metres (52 feet) high.

Altun Ha is a popular tourist destination, offering guided and non-guided tours. Visitors can explore the site's ancient structures, including the Central Precinct composed of Groups A and B, and discover the rich history and archaeological significance of this ancient Maya city.

It's located amid one of the country's richest wildlife areas

Altun Ha, a mysterious ancient Mayan city nestled deep in Belize, is located amid one of the country's richest wildlife areas. The site is a fascinating and significant Mayan city, adorned with magnificent structures that testify to its past grandeur. The most impressive is the “Temple of the Masonry Altars”, a temple-pyramid that rises to a height of 16 meters. This archaeological site was home to the ancient Maya civilisation from as early as 900 B.C. up until A.D. 1000.

The area surrounding Altun Ha is teeming with natural beauty and an array of wildlife species. The Belize River, for instance, offers a dramatic change of scenery as you venture away from the coast. The river has historically been used by Maya traders and British loggers to transport precious mahogany. As you glide along its waters, keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, manatees, and even dolphins.

The nearby Belize District also boasts an array of wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, for example, is a haven for bird lovers and fishing enthusiasts, providing refuge for hundreds, if not thousands, of migratory and resident birds. The Belize Zoo is another popular attraction, where you can get up close and personal with rescued animals native to Belize, all enclosed in beautiful natural environments.

Altun Ha itself is a testament to the rich history and cultural practices of the Mayan people. The site holds secrets from the Preclassic, Early Classic, Late Classic, and Postclassic eras, offering a captivating journey into the past. The discovery of artefacts and structural relics provides valuable insights into Mayan civilisation, trading practices, dietary habits, and ritual caches.

In conclusion, Altun Ha is not just a significant archaeological site but also a gateway to some of the country's richest wildlife areas. The combination of historical intrigue and natural splendour makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Belize.

It's open year-round

Altun Ha is open to visitors all year round. As with any outdoor site, you'll be exposed to the weather, so it's worth checking the seasonal conditions before you go. The low season is the best time to take advantage of lower accommodation, airfare, and attraction prices.

Altun Ha is a great site to visit if you're short on time, as it's one of the closest ancient Maya sites to Belize City. It's located about 31 miles north of Belize City and is easily accessible by car or tour bus. The roads are good, and it's a straightforward drive.

If you're driving yourself, head north on the Northern Highway and then turn onto the Old Northern Highway. After passing Sandhill Village, turn onto Rockstone Pond Road and continue for about two miles. This section of the road is unpaved, so expect a bumpy ride!

If you don't have a car, you can book a tour that includes transportation. Tour companies, private contractors, and resort staff are happy to arrange formal tours. Alternatively, for budget-minded travellers, there is a daily bus from Belize City to Lucky Strike Village, from where you can walk about two miles to Altun Ha.

Altun Ha is a relatively small site, covering an area of about eight square kilometres (or 44 acres), but it packs a lot of history and impressive structures into that space. It's one of the most popular archaeological sites in Belize, especially for cruise ship tourists, due to its proximity to Belize City. Despite its small size, Altun Ha was a major ceremonial and trading centre during the Classic Period.

The site is well-preserved and features several magnificent structures, including the famous "Temple of the Masonry Altars", a temple-pyramid that rises to a height of 16 metres. This temple is featured on Belize's national beer, Belikin Beer, and is a must-see for visitors. Other highlights include the Central Precinct (made up of Groups A and B), Structure B4, Structure B6, and the Sun God's Tomb, a royal burial site.

In addition to its archaeological significance, Altun Ha is also situated amid one of the richest wildlife areas in Belize. Over 200 species of birds call the area home, along with bats, foxes, white-tail deer, tapir, and armadillos. So, whether you're a history buff or a nature enthusiast, Altun Ha is worth the trip.

It's easily accessible by car

Altun Ha is easily accessible by car. The site is located about 31 miles (50 kilometres) north of Belize City and is reachable via the Old Northern Highway. The drive from Belize City to Altun Ha takes approximately 56 minutes and is the fastest and cheapest way to get there.

If you are driving, travel half an hour past Sandhill Village and then take Rockstone Pond Road toward the reserve. This two-mile stretch is unpaved, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Belize is a very easy place to drive outside of parts of Belize City. There is limited traffic, but be aware of surprise speed bumps and avoid night driving due to wildlife.

If you don't have access to a car, you can take a bus from Belize City to Boom crossing and then drive to Altun Ha. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or join a tour that includes transportation.

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