Climb
the challenging giant-sized
steps at Altun Ha...
Altun Ha is the most extensively-excavated Maya site in
Belize. The core site includes thirteen structures clustered
within two Classic period plazas.
Entering the site you approach Plaza A, which is
enclosed by large temples on all four sides. Here a magnificent
tomb was discovered beneath The Temple of the Green Tomb.
Dating from 550 AD, this find yielded a total of thee hundred
pieces, including jade, jewelry, stingray spines, skin flints
and the remains of a Maya Book. |
Click to Enlarge
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 The Adjacent Plaza B is dominated by the sites largest
temple, The Temple of Masonry Altar, which rises
60 feet above the plaza and was the last in a sequence of
buildings raised on this spot. This temple was probably
the main focus of religious ceremonies, with a single stairway
running up the front to an altar at the top.
Several priestly tombs have been uncovered within the
main structure, however most of them had already been desecrated,
possibly during political turmoil that preceded the abandonment
of the site.
It
was here that archeologist discovered a carved jade head
of Kinich Ahau, the Maya sun god. At 15cm high, it is the
largest carved jade piece to be found anywhere in the Maya
world.
Just outside these two main plazas, a short nature
trail leads to Clay-lined Rockstone Pond, which was damned
and used as a reservoir in Maya times,
Altun Ha was an important trading and religious ceremonial
center. Evolution of the temples at Altun Ha continued until
about 1,000 AD.
Getting To Altun Ha ....
For Cruize Ship Visitors - Belize Explorer offers a more personalized
Inland-Excursion Service for Cruise-Ship Passengers visiting Belize ....
Avoid the Cruise ship crowds by signing on to one of our Private and personally, conducted tours.
 From Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker, guided tours travel up the North
River through mangrove channels for 30 to 40 minutes before
arriving at the small village of Bomba. A short stop is
taken to admire some of the local carvings made of mahogany
any seracota, then the
short ride to the site.
After visiting Altun Ha, tours
continue up the Belize River to the Community Baboon Sanctuary. View monkeys, iguanas, birds and crocodiles
up close and personal.
From Corozal - Overnight in the northern border town of Corozal or fly or water-taxi to Corozal from Ambergris Caye in the morning and travel overland to Altun Ha followed by the Baboon Community Wildlife Sanctuary (Full Day).
Includes Guide/Transport/Entrance Fee/Lunch - $75 per person.
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