Your cruise stop in Belize can include the old and the new on this fun combo of Altun Ha Mayan excursion and capital city scenic sightseeing. You’ll meet your guide outside your Belize cruise tender terminal and start your day with a scenic sightseeing drive through Belize City. On your drive you will learn of the history and culture of Belize while passing by interesting landmarks like the Baron
Bliss Lighthouse. This white with red lighthouse was constructed in 1885 and named after one of Belize's favorite benefactors. John’s Cathedral is the primary Anglican cathedral of Belize and was built in the early 1800s from bricks used as ballast on ships. See the Old Belize Swing Bridge that connects the north and south side of the city over Haulover Creek and is the oldest manually operated swing bridge in Central America and one of the few left in the world. Drive past the Central Bank of Belize that houses and guards the second largest jade artifact found in Belize – a ceremonial pendant worn by a king. Pass through downtown with its good hotels, casinos and the Museum of Belize. Then you are off to the Altun Ha ruins! You’ll now head north on the Northern Highway and then on the Old Northern Road to the Mayan ruins at Altun Ha. The ruins are located in the jungle and only about 15 of the over 500 mounds have been excavated. The others are still buried in the thick jungle. You'll have approximately 1.5 hours to explore the 2 large central plazas surrounded by medium-sized pyramids. The city was settled around 200 BC as a major trading and religious center. Much of the restoration was done by the archaeologist Dr. David Pendergast and some locals from 1967 to 1974. In the Sun God Temple, they found the largest jade object to date, a carved jade head weighing 4.42 kgs, which is also housed in the Central Bank of Belize. You can follow the paths of the Mayans as you walk through the site. Hike up above the ruins where you’ll have a birds-eye view of where the wealthy families lived and worked. From here you’ll have a panoramic view of the lush jungle and yet to be uncovered ancient structures. Your guide will also point out and explain how some of the plants of the rain forest were harvested and used for medicinal purposes. In 2014-2015 the site was renovated to better accommodate tourists with upgrades including a wheelchair accessible restroom and a visitor center. After exploring the 2 plazas you’ll have a chance to purchase local hand made wood crafts. To complete your Belize experience, you’ll be treated to lunch from a local restaurant where you can try Belizean favorites of rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, chicken stew, fried plantains and coleslaw. Or a vegetarian option is available upon request. Your comfortable transportation will return you to your Belize cruise tender terminal.
