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
Islands Bocas Del Toro
Cochino Cays
Matagalpa
RECOMMENDED TOURS
Mayan heritage and nature
The most authentic villages of Central America, the Mayan archaeology, the most exuberant nature and the colonial past.
Essential Central America
Get to know Guatemala and Costa Rica in depth on this tour through their main tourist attractions, both cultural and natural.
All Luxury Jungle
Enjoy Honduras and Belize with luxury accommodations and activities, discovering Mayan ruins, and natural parks.
Mesoamerican highlights
Discover the heritage of the colonial cities, the National Parks, and the pre-Columbian ruins of Copán in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala.
The Magical Guatemala
A journey through the architectural gems, the indigenous communities, the natural spaces, and the most important archaeological zones of Guatemala and Honduras.
