Exploring Altun Ha and Belize Zoo: A Guide for Your Day Trip from Belize City

Are you considering a day trip from Belize City and deciding between the ancient ruins of Altun Ha, or the Belize Zoo for a day of exploration and adventure? We’ve got you covered with this guide that features information about both locations, as well as estimated travel times and what to expect from your experience.

Getting to Know Altun Ha

Altun Ha is located 50 kilometers northeast of Belize City, and it’s one of the most easily accessible Mayan ruin sites in the country. The twin pyramids known as the Templar’s Hill and the Sun God Temple helped make Altun Ha famous. This archaeological site was once a great trading capital and was home to around 5,000-7,000 inhabitants during its heyday that lasted from 600-1000 AD. Most visitors approach this ruin complex from the north side, via the visitors center. It is here that you’ll get your tickets and start to explore. Although the site at Altun Ha is not as large as other Mayan sites, it still features an impressive number of buildings including several plazas, more than 50 buildings and several causeways built along an artificial lake.

The Most Famous Ruins at Altun Ha

The Templar’s Hill and the Sun God Temple are two of the most impressive structures at Altun Ha that were likely built by high-ranking priests. These grand structures were built with local rock and limestone, for ceremonial purposes. The Sun God Temple features a series of courtyards and stairways, along with nine structures that feature small areas that served as burial sites or shrines. On top of the Sun God Temple you’ll find stone carvings of human skulls and jaguars’ heads. The three-tiered Templar’s Hill structure is made up of five pyramids, which creates an impressive visual when you look at it from a distance. The area of Altun Ha also features two other remarkable places to explore. One known as The High Temple is a smaller building located in a part of the complex known as Plaza B. This building features a small shrine that sits atop a pyramid with seven hieroglyphic plaques engraved into the wall. Here you’ll find artifacts such as jade pieces, quartz crystals, stone carvings and gold coins. The Mask Temple at Altun Ha is another popular spot seen by visitors. This temple is accessed via a staircase leading to an altar with a pair of stone heads that resemble masks carved into the limestone wall. The mask carvings both have their tongues sticking out, which symbolize their association with blood sacrifice rituals. In addition you’ll see stone carvings featuring a figure in full battle ceremonial gear kneeling before a leader.

Things to Keep in Mind When Exploring Altun Ha

To make sure your visit to Altun Ha is an enjoyable one, keep these tips in mind:

• Be sure to pack plenty of water when you arrive at this ruin complex, since there are limited kiosks for refreshments inside the complex.
• Wear comfortable shoes when exploring Altun Ha –this ruin complex consists of more than 5 acres, and the grounds are fairly rocky.
• Be aware that photography is strictly prohibited inside the Temple of the Mason, which is an important archeological site that houses important artifacts.
• Keep an eye out for birds such as toucans that inhabit this forested area.
• Pack a few snacks or items to carry with you when leaving Altun Ha so that you won’t be hungry when visiting the Belize Zoo afterwards or when passing through Belize City.

Discovering the Belize Zoo

After you leave Altun Ha, follow the signs from the main road and drive north for another 25 miles to reach the Belize Zoo. This zoo is considered one of the top attractions in Belize thanks to its tropical setting and it’s collection of native wildlife species –it covers 29 acres and features more than 170 animals from 45 species native to Belize. The animals at this zoo are rehabilitated animals who were taken from illegal hunting or trade mostly, or else rescued from deforestation areas throughout Belize. As noted by Thomas Shreiver, founder of the Belize Zoo: “The animals held prisoner are lodged in rehabiliterion which provides a natural enclosure large enough to allow adequate exercise space within their enclosures… They all receive health screening, they all receive proper nutrition… all enzymes, vitamins, minerals daily and with this approach, often wildlife recover their good health quite shortly given a chance. The whole intent is to get them back in good enough health that they can be released back into the wild wherever appropriate…” The special thing about the Belize Zoo is that because it is outdoors, there are no cages involved –instead guests have the chance to observe native Belizean wildlife in a natural environment while they learn about animals such as howler monkeys, jaguars, tapirs and parrots from informative talks given by zoo employees during walks along the trails of the zoo grounds.

Expectations for Your Zoo Visit

Being aware of what to expect from your zoo visit can help make it even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• While you should pack plenty of water for your day trip, be aware that food is not allowed inside the zoo grounds so look for restaurant options nearby for dining after visiting.
• Make sure that you wear light clothing and wear shoes or sandals that are good for walking or hiking.
• The zoo never closes on Sundays, however it is closed on Thursdays so make sure you plan accordingly.
• Expect to walk around 2 miles while exploring the zoo grounds.
• Be sure to make your own way back after your visit –no vehicles are allowed inside the zoo grounds.

My Personal Final Thoughts…

At first glance it might appear as though Altun Ha and the Belize Zoo are only similar in physical location close to Belize City–after all one is an ancient ruin site full of historical artifacts and carvings, while the other is a modern day facility aimed at conserving wildlife species in their native habitat. However what ties these two locations together is their ability to transport you back in time to former periods of significant importance–by exploring Altun Ha you get an idea of what life must have been like in this ancient Mayan city while encountering its living relics such as The Mask Temple or The Sun God Temple; At the Belize Zoo you can observe animals in their natural habitat, some endangered and unique to this area of Latin America, serving as ambassadors for conservation efforts. All in all whomever visits both of these locations will come away feeling like they went beyond exploring archaeological ruins or watching fascinating animal species–instead they will feel like they reconnected with nature itself and its many forms.

Final Notes

So if you are considering a day trip from Belize City for something truly unique and special, a trip combining Altun Ha and the Belize Zoo might just be perfect for you–one moment you’re exploring an ancient ruin complex In Central America and the next you’re learning about wildlife conservation efforts by observing native species in their natural habitat. Why not book your trip today, and create lasting memories of this special destination?