Altun HaAltun Ha at a Glance
About Altun Ha
Altun Ha is a Maya archaeological site in Belize’s northern lowlands, notable for its ceremonial architecture and tomb finds. The site contains ceremonial plazas and a series of pyramids and platforms that were important during Classic-period occupation.
The most visited structures include the principal pyramid complex where elite tombs and significant offerings have been excavated. The site’s artifacts, including a large carved jade head recovered from a tomb, have made Altun Ha one of Belize’s best-known ancient centers.
Altun Ha was occupied during the Classic Maya period and was a regional ceremonial and trade center. Excavations in the 20th century documented buildings, burials and material culture that illustrate the site’s role in ancient regional networks.
The ruins are located in the Belize District, inland from the coast and accessible by road from nearby towns and Belize City; the site is presented with walking paths and interpretive signage for visitors.
- Notable artifact: Archaeologists recovered a carved jade head from a tomb at the site, one of the most famous artifacts associated with this center.
What to See#
- Main Plaza: Central plaza and main pyramid complexes where ceremonial and civic activities were concentrated during the Classic period.
- Temple of the Masonry Altars: Temple of the Masonry Altars, the principal pyramid associated with elite tombs and important ritual burials.
- Residential & ritual areas: Outlying residential and ritual structures that show the settlement pattern and civic layout of the site’s ancient community.
Best Time to Visit Altun Ha
Best visited in the dry season for easier walking and clearer skies; mornings are cooler and less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Altun Ha
Altun Ha's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1771 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 23° | 115 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.1h |
| February | Excellent | 20° - 29° | 24° | 56 mm | some cloud | 76% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| March | Excellent | 21° - 30° | 25° | 53 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 22° - 31° | 27° | 46 mm | some cloud | 73% | 3.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Very Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 109 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 3.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.8h |
| June | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 227 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.0h |
| July | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 222 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| August | Good | 24° - 32° | 31° | 171 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 23° - 31° | 31° | 259 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 228 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Very Good | 21° - 29° | 25° | 159 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| December | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 126 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.0h |
How to Get to Altun Ha
The site is about 31 miles (50 km) northwest of Belize City. Most visitors reach Altun Ha by organized tour from Belize City (45-60 minutes by van), or by rental car via the Northern Highway (George Price Highway/Western Highway from Belize City, then signposts toward Altun Ha). From the Northern Highway, follow local signs; junctions are not heavily signed-ask locally if unsure.
Tips for Visiting Altun Ha
- Arrive early (before 9am) to avoid mid-day heat and tour groups; morning light also brings out the limestone's contours for photos.
- Combine Altun Ha with a Belize City stopover-many tours pick up there; decline the fast, crowded midday group tours and ask for a slower, interpretive guide.
- Look up at the broken stucco masks on Temple of the Masonry Altars-wear a wide-aperture lens for close-ups, and step carefully on worn stone steps.