Belize: Altun Ha ruins tour with city & rum stop

Summary

Walk ancient Maya plazas, taste Belizean rum, meet the city’s heart

You’ll explore Belize City’s lively streets before heading into lush countryside toward Altun Ha Maya ruins. Walk ancient plazas with your local guide, taste fresh rum at a factory stop, and enjoy lunch plus time for souvenirs. It’s a day full of real encounters and small surprises you’ll remember long after you leave Belize.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped out of the van in Belize City still shaking off the salt air from the port — it’s noisy here, but not in a bad way. Our guide, Marlon, waved us over with this easy grin and started pointing out old colonial buildings as we drove. I remember passing a group of kids playing soccer barefoot on a patchy field; their laughter sort of echoed inside the van. It’s only about an hour to Altun Ha but you see so much countryside — palms whipping past, little roadside fruit stands. The air smelled sweet and muddy at the same time. I didn’t expect that.

At Altun Ha itself, Marlon led us right up to these huge stone steps — honestly steeper than they look in photos. He told stories about how the Maya built this place around 200 B.C., and I tried to picture life here centuries ago while brushing my hand along the rough limestone. There was a moment when he paused under Plaza A and just let us listen: birds everywhere, some kind of cicada buzzing like static. Sixty minutes went fast — I could’ve stayed longer just watching light move across those old stones.

Afterwards we stopped for lunch (I went for rice and beans with chicken — classic), then poked around some souvenir stalls where I almost bought a carved jaguar but chickened out on haggling. The last stop was this rum factory back near town; I’m not really a rum person but tasting it fresh is different somehow — warmer? Anyway, Li laughed when I tried to say “cheers” in Kriol (I probably butchered it). We got dropped off back in Belize City with sticky fingers from sugarcane samples and more stories than I expected. Still thinking about that view from the top temple — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Altun Ha and Belize Countryside

• Visit Altun Ha Mayan ruins
• Souvenir shopping and lunch
• Drive through old capital and countryside

Top questions

How far is Altun Ha from Belize City?

Altun Ha is about 33 miles north of Belize City, roughly an hour’s drive by car or tour vehicle.

Is lunch included on the Altun Ha tour?

You’ll have time for lunch during the tour after visiting the ruins; food is available at local spots near the site.

What animals might I see during the day trip to Altun Ha?

The area has wildlife like armadillos, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, bats, coatis, and many bird species.

Does this tour include pickup in Belize City?

Yes, pickup in Belize City is included as part of your day trip to Altun Ha Maya ruins.

How long do we spend at Altun Ha ruins?

You’ll spend about sixty minutes exploring Altun Ha with your guide during interactive discussion and walking time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Belize City by air-conditioned vehicle with your driver-guide; all entry fees are covered; bottled water is provided throughout; plus there’s time for lunch and souvenir shopping before returning to town.