Altun Ha
Archeologists uncovered one of the largest carved jades of the Mayan world in the ruins of Altun Ha, an important trading center more than 2,000 years ago. Today the ancient plazas and ceremonial grounds are covered in green grass and create a park-like feeling as you marvel at the thirteen temples rising overhead. You may climb to the tops of these pyramids and experience the energy of the past while looking out over the jungle canopy at eye level.
The trip to Altun Ha begins with meeting your tour guide in Belize City- after a quick water taxi ride (at your expense). You have an hour drive to Altun Ha with a 1.5 hour guided tour at the ruins. This tour includes transportation, water, entrance fees and lunch.
Lamanai
Traveling to Lamanai, one of the most popular Mayan ruins in Belize, is a bit further than to Altun Ha, but the wildlife of the journey makes up for the trip.
Lamanai (which means submerged crocodile) was occupied from 1500 B.C – 1675 A.D, one of the longest Mayan- settlement occupation periods. Focal points of Lamanai include one of the largest Preclassic Mayan structures – the 108- foot-tall El Castillo pyramid; a well-preserved mask of a Maya ruler emerging from a crocodile headdress; and one of Belize’s largest ceremonial centers. You may climb to the tops of various pyramids and see panoramic views of the surrounding jungle, inhabited by Howler monkeys and many species of birds.
You’ll leave at 6:30AM on the water taxi to Belize City (at your expense). Then, you’ll take a private vehicle to nearby Orange Walk, where you’ll board a boat on the New River. The wildlife on this river is plentiful. It is almost a sure thing to see crocodiles, howler monkeys (you’ll never forget their amazing howls), insect bats, and countless bird species. From the New River Lagoon, you’ll emerge into Lamanai, just as the Maya did centuries ago. You’ll spend 1.5 hours at the ruins, accompanied by your guide, and then eat a traditional Belizean lunch (chicken, rice and beans, and side dishes) under a large palapa. You’ll return to Caye Caulker at 5:30PM.
The trip includes lunch, water, fruit, transportation, and entrance fee.
Please contact us for further details on inland tour options available.
