One of the more easily accessible Mayan ruins from Belize City, Altun Ha is a small site featuring two large central plazas surrounded by midsized pyramids. Only a few of the most impressive structures have been uncovered while many more are still covered by the jungle vegetation.
“Altun Ha” is a recent name, coined by translating the name of the nearby village of Rockstone Pond in Yucatan Maya . The ancient name is unknown.
Photo credit: danielfoster437
History of Altun Ha
Altun Ha was settled around 200 BC until the 10th century AD. At its peak in the 3rd century AD, as many as 10,000 people may have lived here. The city was a major trading center and a large amount of jade and obsidian were found at the site, both of which do not occur naturally in Belize. The presence of jade also suggest that Altun Ha was a religious center as jade could only be worn or used by Mayans of great importance, such as religious leaders.
About 900 AD several elite tombs were looted, which some think indicates a revolt against Altun Ha’s rulers. The site remained populated for about another century but no new major structures were built during that time. After this the population dwindled, with a moderate surge of reoccupation in the 12th century before declining again to a small agricultural village.
Altun Ha Highlights
Situated at Plaza B, the largest (though not the tallest) temple here is the Temple of the Masonry Altars. The temple was expanded many times with a new temple, complete with altar, built around the last one. No fewer than seven tombs have been found here, the oldest of which contained a magnificent carved head of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau. The 10lb/4.5kg jade head is considered one of the national treasures of Belize and is locked away in a bank vault in Belize City. A replica of the head can be seen in the Museum of Belize.
The unrestored Temple A-6 is truly the tallest building at Altun Ha. It is now a large grass covered mount with a few remains of the stairs in the center on the lower south side. A climb to the top of the temple provides an excellent view of the entire site.
Visit Altun Ha
Many tours run to Altun Ha from Belize City (Hotels in Belize City), Caye Caulker, or from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
Besides an organized trip, the most cost effective method to visit Altun Ha is to rent a car and drive out there yourself. The Old Northern Highway connects Altun Ha to Belize’s Northern Highway. Be warned that the Northern Highway is a collection of potholes connected by small stretches of worn-out asphalt.
The entrance fee is BZ$10.
Altun Ha Tours and Hotels
Maruba Resort Jungle Spa
This 3.5 star spa property is located in a rural location, in Maskall. Regional points of interest include Altun Ha. Maruba Resort Jungle Spa has a spa tub and a pool. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar. Room service is available during limited hours. Event facilities consist of exhibit space, conference rooms, and banquet facilities. The property provides an airport shuttle (surcharge). Guest parking is complimentary. The staff can arrange event catering. Additional amenities include room service during limited hours, a garden, and multilingual staff. Amenities featured in guestrooms include air conditioning, CD players, and clock radios. Bathrooms feature bathrobes, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries. Rollaway beds are available on request
Altun Ha and Belize City Half-Day Tour
Take a half-day tour of Belize City for a fascinating mix of old and new. From the mystic Mayan city of Altun Ha to the resurgence of modern Central America, much has happened in Belize City. More than 1,000 years of history has taken place here, and you'll see all the highlights in just a few hours.
Map of Altun Ha
The map below shows the location of Altun Ha. The buttons on the left can be used to zoom in or out. Click and drag the map to move around.