Belize City Altun Ha & Monkey Sanctuary: Guided Tour + Rum Tasting

Summary

Altun Ha ruins, wild monkeys & a rum tasting with locals in Belize

You’ll walk ancient stones at Altun Ha near Belize City, hear black howler monkeys roar overhead at the Baboon Sanctuary, and taste local rum straight from the source with your guide leading every step. Expect laughter, real stories, and small surprises you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Belize City just after sunrise — not really awake yet, but our guide, Marlon, was already cracking jokes about the “baboon” sanctuary (they’re actually howler monkeys here). The city faded quick behind us. I remember the windows fogged up from the AC and outside it was all green and muddy puddles from last night’s rain. First stop: Altun Ha. I’d seen photos before but standing there, with the stones still damp and mossy under my hand, it felt different. Marlon told us about the jade head they found here — he pointed to where it was dug up. I tried to imagine what this place sounded like centuries ago. There were birds everywhere, and a couple of kids selling mangoes by the gate.

After that we drove out to the Community Baboon Sanctuary — which is really just a cluster of villages where people protect the forest so the black howlers can live free. It’s loud when they start up; one of them let loose right above us and honestly, it rattled my chest. Our guide whistled and called softly until a whole family came closer in the trees. Their fur looked almost blue in the shade. I got mud on my shoes but didn’t care — you kind of forget about stuff like that when you’re watching wild monkeys eat leaves three meters away.

The rum factory was next (unless it’s Sunday or a holiday — then you get a city tour instead). We went before lunch because someone said it’s better on an empty stomach — not sure if that’s true but I wasn’t complaining. The place smelled like sugarcane mash and old wood barrels. We tasted a few rums (the coconut one burned less than I expected), and there was this old guy who explained how his grandfather started making rum during Prohibition times. I tried to repeat one of his stories later but totally mangled it — maybe too much sampling? Anyway, we left with sticky fingers from spilled samples and a bottle tucked into my bag for later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Altun Ha Ruins and Monkey Sanctuary

• Visit Altun Ha temples and museum
• See Black Howler Monkeys at sanctuary
• Tour rum factory with tastings

Top questions

How long does this Altun Ha & Monkey Sanctuary tour take?

The tour lasts about half a day; you’ll be back around 1 p.m.

Is hotel pickup included for this Belize City tour?

Yes, pickup is included from Belize City hotels or cruise port.

What animals will I see at the Community Baboon Sanctuary?

You’ll see black howler monkeys in their natural habitat.

Can I visit the rum factory on Sundays?

No, the rum factory is closed Sundays and some holidays; you’ll get a full city tour instead.

Are food or drinks included on this tour?

Bottled water is included; rum tastings are part of the experience.

Is this day trip suitable for families with kids?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Will there be time for photos at Altun Ha?

Yes, you can take as many photos as you want at each stop.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup in Belize City, air-conditioned transport with bottled water provided throughout, guided visits to Altun Ha ruins and Community Baboon Sanctuary (with plenty of time for photos), plus entry to a local rum factory for tastings—unless it’s closed on Sundays or holidays, when you’ll get a guided city tour instead.