"Altun Ha, an Ancient Mayan City of Belize" Altun Ha by Stephen-KarenConn

Altun Ha Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 63 photos

Temple of the Green Tomb, Altun Ha, Belize

Karen at Temple of the Masonry Altars

Altun Ha, located about 6 miles inland from the Caribbean Sea and 30 miles north of Belize City, is an ancient Mayan center surrounded by tropical jungle. Small in comparison to better known Mayan sites, Altun Ha once flourished on the periphery of Mayan civilization. The true name of the city is unknown. It is called Altun Ha (Mayan for Rockstone Pond) for the name of a nearby village.

The site includes 500 or more visible structures, however only a few of the more prominent ones are easily seen by visitors. Earliest evidence of habitation dates to 200 B.C. The major structures were built in the 6th and 7th centuries A.D. At its peak, Altun Ha and the surrounding vicinity had a population which would have approached 10,000, with about 3,00 inhabitants in the central core of the city.

As is the case with all Mayan ruins, much of this atypical site is shrouded in mystery, which makes it a particularly appealing place for the curious traveler to visit.

Last visit to Altun Ha: Jan 2008
Intro Updated Feb 2, 2008
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Reviews (10)

Stephen atop Temple of the Masonry Altars - Altun Ha

Climb the Highest Temple Things to Do (8)

One of the neat things about Altun Ha is that the temples may be climbed by visitors. Karen and I climbed to the top of... more travel advice

Temple of the Masonry Altars, Altun Ha - Altun Ha

Temple of the Masonry Altars Things to Do (8)

Temple of the Masonry Altars, Structure B-4, is the most imposing building at Altun Ha. It rises 54 feet above the floor... more travel advice

Plaza B Things to Do (8)

Plaza B, is similar to Plaza A, but differs in its sequence of construction. Little is known about most of the six... more travel advice

Temple of the Green Tomb Things to Do (8)

The Temple of the Green Tomb, also known as Temple A-1, is the most imposing structure in Plaza A. It consists of a... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Take a Bus Tour from Belize City

Shopping (1)
Take Home a Souvenir

Comments (12)

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mvtouring Jul 21, 2009 at 1:56 PM

Have been studying the Mayans for some time now and would love to visit Altun Ha ;-)
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Nemorino Mar 19, 2008 at 2:56 AM

Thanks for your interesting and informative tips about this ancient Mayan city.
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nomorewars Mar 18, 2008 at 7:54 AM

Through the lens of your camera, Altun Ha appears even more fascinating than anything I have ever read about the place before. Great job!
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keeweechic Feb 19, 2008 at 5:38 AM

Oh half your luck. You two certainly have been getting around. Amazing age of this place. Fascinating tombs. Hopefully I will get to see Mayan ruins one day.
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johanl Feb 9, 2008 at 12:28 PM

Have to go there on day too. Great writing and nice pictures. Take care Johan
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Hopkid Feb 7, 2008 at 2:44 PM

Great pix and write-ups! Looks like you had the place to yourselves as well!
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Dabs Feb 7, 2008 at 11:30 AM

I don't suppose that you found any of that jade still laying around, did you? I find Mayan ruins fascinating, we visited this site on a daytrip from Ambergis Cay many years ago.
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Basaic Feb 5, 2008 at 12:52 PM

Altun Ha looks like a place I would love to see. Right now I am touring the Native American and old west sites here in Arizona.
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Bwana_Brown Feb 5, 2008 at 10:27 AM

Beautiful photos of the Altun Ha site, especially those of the impressive Temple of the Masonry Altars! It looks like quite an interesting day trip. My wife and I visited a similar site called Xunantunich.
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freddie18 Feb 3, 2008 at 6:40 PM

Altun Ha really looks mysterious and that will make a visitor more curious to see what it is all about. Thanks for the information.