Altun Ha
One of Belize's best-known Maya sites, famous for its stone-faced temple platforms and a jade sun god head unearthed here, and the closest major ruin to the island.
Altun Ha lies about 50 km north of Belize City and flourished from the 3rd to the 10th century CE as a trading centre linking the Caribbean with the interior. Its core consists of two plazas. The tallest structure, the Temple of the Masonry Altar, rises about 16 metres. The jade head of the sun god unearthed here is a national treasure of Belize, and its image even appears on Belikin beer labels. The site is not large, and it takes 1 to 1.5 hours to see it all. Tours from San Pedro usually combine boat and car transport and last from half a day to a full day. The entrance fee is about US$10.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Lamanai
- Caye Caulker
- Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
- Marco Gonzalez Maya Site
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Shark Ray Alley
- San Pedro Town
- Boca del Rio Park