Altun Ha
Altun Ha archaeological site
Altun Ha, the archaeological site closest to Belize City, was a major Mayan culture ceremonial center and the discovery site of Belize’s famous Jade Head.
Altun Ha functioned as a central trading link between the Caribbean coast and Maya centers in the interior during the Maya Classic Period. Two (2) main plazas with roughly 13 Maya temples and residential structures have been excavated here.
A unique feature of this site is the absence of carved stelae, while its most notable artifact is a large jade carving of the Maya sun god “Kinich Ahau.” Weighing almost 10 pounds, this 6-inch carving is the largest carved jade object to be found in any Mayan community in the region. A replica of the “Jade Head,” a national treasure, is on display at the Central Bank of Belize, and its likeness is watermarked on all Belizean currency.
The jade from which this artifact was made was imported from ancient mines along the Motagua River valley in eastern Guatemala. Today the jade head is considered the crown jewel of Belize.
GEOPOSITION
Panchimalco
Santa Rosa de Copán
Quetzaltenango
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Colonial cities, Tropical Forests, and Volcanoes
You will enjoy visiting colonial cities, volcanoes, Lake Xolotlán and the National Parks of Cerro Azul Meambar, and the Masaya Volcano.
Mayan Roots and Living History
Discover the most beautiful Mayan sites in Central America during your visit to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Mayans and Surf City
The history and mysticism of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua in this tour loaded with culture and nature in Central America.
Essential Central America
Get to know Guatemala and Costa Rica in depth on this tour through their main tourist attractions, both cultural and natural.
Nature in Costa Rica, and Colonial Cities in Nicaragua
Nature, culture, and history and mysticism are the keys of this tour through Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Will you join us?
