Altun Ha — Attraction in Belize District

Come visit a historical site where the local Indians used to live. Are there mosquitoes here? I would say mosquitoes are the number one residents of this area. You'd be well advised to carry lots of mosquito repellent spray. On the day I visited they had the smoke dance where you can get anti-repellent smoke to ward off the mosquitoes while you visit. We saw some natural wildlife, a couple iguanas, that have their little burrows within the ruins. Climbing to the top of the Sun Temple is steep if you are older and have limited mobility, you just might want to pass. If you're in the area, I highly recommend you visit. The cost was $5 US dollars per person to enter. They have decent bathrooms and of course the ubiquitous souvenir shops where you get to haggle to take away a trinket as a memory. They do also have guides to help understand what the place was like. Just outside the parking lot you may have one of the locals Businessmen greet you and encourage you to do business with them like drinks, food, alcohol, coconuts, etc. I understood everybody's got to make a living but personally, I don't like being approached and encouraged to do business in that manner. This was the negative experience here. Be aware it may happen to you. This place can be visited within an hour. They also have some kind of learning center/museum which I did not find worth my time. Maybe you'll feel different if you visit. All in all a good visit. One time visit is enough. I don't believe a second...

What a great excursión. History buffs, adventure seekers, hikers, those who like ascending pretty high structures... . Unite lol. First off make sure you are appropriately dressed. More than likely you will be in the heat, run into pop up downpours and have mosquitoes waiting on you. Be prepared. There are 2 parts to this excursion. Those signed up will be split into two groups with one visiting the ruins first while the other do the river excursion first. We had the river first and loved it. Got soaked from a rain cloud but the majority of the boat was covered and you are in a tropical environment. So I was back dry and sweating in no time lol. On this part we seen iguanas, crocodiles, monkeys, bats, birds and learned the history of the river and Belize. We got to our halfway point to which you will have lunch at a local restaurant. Meal consisting of chicken, rice and beans.... a salad and punch. The flavors were excellent. Loved the use of coconut water in the rice and the balance of how the punch tasted. Natural. Another shower came then we are on to the ruins. Besides traversing the main two structures I really enjoyed listening to the guide just give so much knowledge and history of the ruins and the Mayan civilization. And them making time to discuss whatever questions us knowledge seekers had. Very very in depth excursion . If you have the opportunity for it take it. You will love it. Hats off to Norman and the team for their knowledge and dedication to provide such a...

Nov 15, 2023: Visited the Altun Ha Ruins as an excursion offered through Carnival Cruise Line. It is located about 50k/30mi out of Belize City (the 45-ish minute bus ride is worth it). Upon entering the actual grounds for the pyramids, I felt a sense of calm/groundedness - I am really unable to convey the feeling as I have never felt it before. I was able to ascend and descend the multiple ruins fairly easily; it would be difficult for someone with a weak gait and if you utilize a wheelchair/buggy I do not think most of you would be able to access the top of the ruins. PLEASE NOTE that if it is raining the stairs are extremely slippery and they do NOT allow you to climb the ruins at that point (it started raining when we were about to leave, and while I was coming down one of the ruins I slipped a little). This is was my first experience with any type of ancient ruins and it certainly did not disappoint. As with any commercial travel area the vendors do try to hustle you, but I simply stated I was not interested with a firm "no thank you" and kept moving - there is no need to allow it to negatively impact your entire...