Altun Ha is one of the major Mayan sites in Belize, being in ancient times, at the end of the Maya Classic Period between the years 400 and 900, a Mayan ceremonial center of great commercial importance, , and today maintains two main squares surrounded by some thirteen temples and some other unexcavated structures.

Description and main attractions

There have been numerous excavations since 1963 in which many ancient treasures were found, but none as exciting as the jade head of the Mayan god of the sun called Kirich Ahau which was found in the temple of Altares de Obra and is the biggest carved jade Mayan object in the world, weighing about 5 kilos, and can be seen in the vault of the Bank of Belize.

At Altun Ha is also the Temple of the Tumba Verde, which once served as a burial ground for an important dignitary, not yet identified by archaeologists, and where they found various objects of jade such as jewelry, knives, flints, as well as burial offerings.

But undoubtedly the most outstanding construction of Altun Ha is the Pyramid of the Altars, whose platforms were used as altars for different rituals.

Location

This archaeological site is located 45 km north of Belize City alongside the main road, 9 km from the coast.

Getting There:

From Belize City you arrive by bus to Maskall village, where you have to walk about 3 km to reach the archaeological site. It is advisable to hire a guide to visit Altun Ha