Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River
Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River
Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River
4.5
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4.5
385 reviews
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toya h
Texas933 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This Mayan ruin is about 45 minutes from Belize City. Make sure you bring water, wear sun screen and if you are walking to the pond wear bug spray. The flat walk to the pond is about 10 minutes and the mosquitoes are vicious. We saw a crocodile in the pond. There is a little open air museum and bathrooms before you enter the ruins. You can walk up the ruins and it’s very scenic. The steps are very steep so be cautious. For the best pictures, get there early before the cruise ship tourists arrive. The “gift shop” was a bunch of locals selling trinkets.
Written 15 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roslyn138
Wrexham, UK1,177 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We booked a tour to visit the site, and we’re fortunate to receive a great deal of information regarding the site, it’s history, the loss of material for local building as well as the Amber find they made the site an area of importance.
We had a couple of hours on site which was ample to walk up the various buildings. You really do appreciate the site from the top of the largest building and only guess what it was like in centuries past.
Worth a visit to get you away from the beach and the commercial areas.
We had a couple of hours on site which was ample to walk up the various buildings. You really do appreciate the site from the top of the largest building and only guess what it was like in centuries past.
Worth a visit to get you away from the beach and the commercial areas.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvonne R
3 contributions
Aug 2023
My family and I visited this Mayan Temple on our recent trip to Belize as a part of our cruise stop. I personally loved how well kept and maintained the property is. Also our tour guide told us a wealth of information regarding the ruins and its preservation. Highly recommend this tour.
Also, there is a restaurant on site and the local food was amazing and given the summer's heat, water and soft drinks and snacks are also accessible for purchase after the tour.
Also, there is a restaurant on site and the local food was amazing and given the summer's heat, water and soft drinks and snacks are also accessible for purchase after the tour.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen McCool
Almonte, Canada25 contributions
Jan 2020
We had our best Belizian friend Auner guide us throught the ruins and he gave us a very informative talk on how & what the Mayans got up to in these temples. He also covered the history of events that uncovered these ruins that had been covered over by the jungle. Very insteresting to see some of the places that we learned about when we were in school.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monty
24 contributions
Jan 2022
Frederick gave us a guided tour of the ruins. He was extremely pleasant and informative. Very much enjoyed hearing the history of the ruins and other details you just can't get from a book or by walking around by yourself. He even pointed out different types of trees and fruits found around the property.
Written 31 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr_Small144
Courtice, Canada78 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We took the Altun Ha tour with lunch and a city tour attached. The tour was fine, but the lunch was beams and rice in a small shack with folding tables. I made the mistake of paying for the tour in cash. Don't do that. The guide just put it into his pocket, called it a tip, and billed my credit card for the full amount.
Written 13 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Inna_Toni
Gruenheide, Germany3,355 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We booked this excursion as part of our cruise with Mein Schiff. Altun Ha is very beautiful to look at, not overly big, but you can also climb up two buildings and photography enthusiasts can take some great pictures here. The complex is clean. You should make sure you get here pretty early, as it is very hot and the sun burns mercilessly. It also gets increasingly crowded and then it is no longer possible to take good photos... All in all, a nice excursion...
As always, this is our purely subjective opinion and may differ from that of other guests.
As always, this is our purely subjective opinion and may differ from that of other guests.
Written 16 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monte K
Brimfield, Illinois, USA28 contributions
Mar 2020
Lots of stairs, but the view is great. Go early before it gets busy and lots of foot traffic. The museum is small but has some great info. Buy your gifts from the port at this site. They are the same as in port, but cheaper as these are the locals that make them.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BruceJc
Puerto Penasco, Mexico22 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Arrived on Carnival Glory..booked tour through Carnival...Chukka tours was the actual tour company..our guide was Jewel (sp). Had heard that once you leave pier area the 'locals' were standing at the gate ready to mob you...like a zombie end of the world movie!...not the case.
While still a third world country, Belize has a lot to offer and the Old Belize (Wallace) river tour and Altun Ha ruins was a nice way to spend about 5 hours for an introduction to this part of the world.
Tour guide was easy to understand, good sense of humor and knowledgeable. We boarded our boat at the cruise pier in town..initially having to wear life jackets....hot and uncomfortable..for the open ocean transit to the river entrance...once on river, jackets came off....much to everyone's pleasure. Open air boat meant sun was hot, but when moving, was quite comfortable. Bring a hat.
No bugs encountered. Fair amount of animals sighted on the river portion....noses of manatees, half dozen crocodiles, howler monkees swinging in the trees....various birds and a nice dolphin breaching/jumping display by a small pod. Plenty of photo opportunities and boat drivers were great about turning the boat for everyone to see and snap photos. Bear in mind that one of the main highways in Belize follows the river ....you will see vehicles paralleling you as you go upriver.
Which made the river tour portion seem much less remote.
Upon conclusion of river tour....we stopped for included lunch at Black Orchid Resort....ok for what it was....(most preferred beverages extra, but reasonable)...then off on motorcoach for drive to Altun Ha ruins.
Local roads were in rough shape..typical, but despite some bumping and jarring, we arrived at Altun Ha ruins.....a small, but nicely presented village of Mayan ruins...not as large as Tulum other Mexican ruin sites, but very accessible. Personally we would have preferred a bit less narration by guide (as we have toured other Mayan sites and prefer to wander on our own)...but with that being said, she was well versed in the history and culture of this site. Enough time is allowed at Altun Ha for photo shots and if you wish, climb a couple of the ruins.
On the way out, the obligatory local craft shops and souvenir stands are located just outside the ruins entrance..on your way back to your transport....if you need to shop.
A 45 minute or so ride back to Belize City completes the tour...a chance to see a bit of the local housing and people.
We did pass a taxi that had popped a tire off the rim on a hole in the road....those passengers were on their own private tour and missed the cruise ship departure...While I don't always like ship or big group tours, I might suggest booking a tour in Belize with your ship if you are coming in that way. Road service around there doesn't appear to be easy to find.
Overall.....a very good tour at a fair price.....I recommend this trip for an introduction to this part of the world.
While still a third world country, Belize has a lot to offer and the Old Belize (Wallace) river tour and Altun Ha ruins was a nice way to spend about 5 hours for an introduction to this part of the world.
Tour guide was easy to understand, good sense of humor and knowledgeable. We boarded our boat at the cruise pier in town..initially having to wear life jackets....hot and uncomfortable..for the open ocean transit to the river entrance...once on river, jackets came off....much to everyone's pleasure. Open air boat meant sun was hot, but when moving, was quite comfortable. Bring a hat.
No bugs encountered. Fair amount of animals sighted on the river portion....noses of manatees, half dozen crocodiles, howler monkees swinging in the trees....various birds and a nice dolphin breaching/jumping display by a small pod. Plenty of photo opportunities and boat drivers were great about turning the boat for everyone to see and snap photos. Bear in mind that one of the main highways in Belize follows the river ....you will see vehicles paralleling you as you go upriver.
Which made the river tour portion seem much less remote.
Upon conclusion of river tour....we stopped for included lunch at Black Orchid Resort....ok for what it was....(most preferred beverages extra, but reasonable)...then off on motorcoach for drive to Altun Ha ruins.
Local roads were in rough shape..typical, but despite some bumping and jarring, we arrived at Altun Ha ruins.....a small, but nicely presented village of Mayan ruins...not as large as Tulum other Mexican ruin sites, but very accessible. Personally we would have preferred a bit less narration by guide (as we have toured other Mayan sites and prefer to wander on our own)...but with that being said, she was well versed in the history and culture of this site. Enough time is allowed at Altun Ha for photo shots and if you wish, climb a couple of the ruins.
On the way out, the obligatory local craft shops and souvenir stands are located just outside the ruins entrance..on your way back to your transport....if you need to shop.
A 45 minute or so ride back to Belize City completes the tour...a chance to see a bit of the local housing and people.
We did pass a taxi that had popped a tire off the rim on a hole in the road....those passengers were on their own private tour and missed the cruise ship departure...While I don't always like ship or big group tours, I might suggest booking a tour in Belize with your ship if you are coming in that way. Road service around there doesn't appear to be easy to find.
Overall.....a very good tour at a fair price.....I recommend this trip for an introduction to this part of the world.
Written 25 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randhir J
Columbus, OH119 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
While on a cruise ship on a tour of the Western Caribbeans last week we stopped at Belize.
We took the shore excursion and visited the Altun Ha Mayan Temple ruins. Our coach took us from the port through the town and to the ruins in about an hour. The ride was comfortable in the air conditioned coach. The ruins were spectacular and this was our first visit to such a site. We witnessed excavated temple ruins that defined the temple structure clearly. It was the Temple of The Sun God. On its side was a path with rails to climb up to the top using the roughly hewed stone steps. A short but steep climb.
Just behind was a yet un excavated temple that would take a lot of effort to dig out and be restored. But funds are lacking to carry this out.
We were lucky to visit this place.
After about an hour the coach took us to the dock from which we climbed aboard our speed boat to embark on the Wallace River ride.
The river is about 200 ft wide with lush green jungles on both sides thick with bamboo, coconut, banana, cashews and mango trees and the boat sped thru the river taking blind curves throughout the ride. Water spraying from the rear of the boat and you had to wait breathlessly anticipating what came around the bend.
The guide made the boat stop at every point of interest to point out the nests in the coconut trees, and to recognize manatees and other water creatures.
The depth of the river varied from 3 feet to 90 feet.
After over an hour's thrilling ride the river started to open out into the sea and we were joined by dancing Dolphins that accompanied the boat swimming along its sides and even going under it back and forth.
Very thrilling.
It was warm and humid and after about fifteen minutes of being in open water we spotted our cruise ship waiting to welcome us back to its cool innards of comfort.
A fabulous shore excursion.
Belize is worth traveling to just for this excursion and the beaches and the land is beautiful though not affluent.
We took the shore excursion and visited the Altun Ha Mayan Temple ruins. Our coach took us from the port through the town and to the ruins in about an hour. The ride was comfortable in the air conditioned coach. The ruins were spectacular and this was our first visit to such a site. We witnessed excavated temple ruins that defined the temple structure clearly. It was the Temple of The Sun God. On its side was a path with rails to climb up to the top using the roughly hewed stone steps. A short but steep climb.
Just behind was a yet un excavated temple that would take a lot of effort to dig out and be restored. But funds are lacking to carry this out.
We were lucky to visit this place.
After about an hour the coach took us to the dock from which we climbed aboard our speed boat to embark on the Wallace River ride.
The river is about 200 ft wide with lush green jungles on both sides thick with bamboo, coconut, banana, cashews and mango trees and the boat sped thru the river taking blind curves throughout the ride. Water spraying from the rear of the boat and you had to wait breathlessly anticipating what came around the bend.
The guide made the boat stop at every point of interest to point out the nests in the coconut trees, and to recognize manatees and other water creatures.
The depth of the river varied from 3 feet to 90 feet.
After over an hour's thrilling ride the river started to open out into the sea and we were joined by dancing Dolphins that accompanied the boat swimming along its sides and even going under it back and forth.
Very thrilling.
It was warm and humid and after about fifteen minutes of being in open water we spotted our cruise ship waiting to welcome us back to its cool innards of comfort.
A fabulous shore excursion.
Belize is worth traveling to just for this excursion and the beaches and the land is beautiful though not affluent.
Written 1 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
They're many excursions to choose from on TripAdvisor. Which one is the one to choose?
Written 4 April 2017
They are all wonderful, if booking with the cruise line. We have found all to be great, safe, and
Very enjoyable.
Written 11 April 2017
Is there a tour of Altun Ha, and Belize City? We are coming in on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Anyone know what they may charge for the tour or can we do it cheaper once we are in Belize?
Written 17 January 2017
I would for sure, and did, book with Royal. It's is safer, you done and secured for the excursion, and sometimes it is cheaper! If you require meds or snacks, take a few with you. The bus ride is beautiful but long. There are a few vendors on site with native treats, but sometimes you just need a snack on the bus! Great trip. Make sure all electronics are fully charged.
Written 17 January 2017
Has anyone just done an olde river tour and not Altun Ha?
Written 19 August 2015
Yes, upon arrival go inside the terminals, There are many independent companies. The best tour in Belize is the one going through the caverns on the river. The cavern was a sacred site for the Mayas.
Written 17 January 2017
Sorry for the tardy response... I was out of town. My cost was $50. I was NOT on a cruise. Used the hotel booking service on site.
Written 22 June 2015
Is there a website for prebooking, rates, etc., separate from the cruise lines?
Thanks,
Diana
Written 30 March 2015
Not that I know about. But booking with the cruise line will keep the ship in port until you return. Independent booking, running late, and the ship will leave without you. We saw it happen to a couple on our cruise, they had to rent a boat, chase down the ship and JUMP from boat to ship. All while boat and ship were moving.
Written 31 March 2015
How difficult/far a walk is it from the boat landing to the ruins at Altun Ha? My wife broke her ankle about 6 weeks ago and still may be on crutches when we go.
Tod655
Written 22 March 2015
Altun Ha is about a 45-60 minute taxi ride from the cruise ship stop. The taxi stand we used is just behind the port, about a 50 meter walk. When you arrive at
Altun Ha the taxi parks about 50 meters from the site. To walk around it on flat land is an easy walk, the equivalent of walking around the circumference of a football field.
Written 22 March 2015
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