Escape the large buses, and the crowds that come on them, on this small group tour. As you drive through the countryside to reach the site, your guide will begin to tell you of the Mayans.

The Altun-Ha (Maya for Stone Water) area was first populated in 1000 BC and the city was expanded in AD 700. It is believed it had a population of 3,000. Many high status items including jade recovered at the site indicate the city was home to many wealthy citizens. Structure B4 revealed a richly furnished tomb of one of Altun Ha's rulers, and among its contents the largest jadeite sculpture yet found. It represents Kinich Ahau, the Maya sun god. Weighing in at almost nine pounds, this has been Belize's most valuable find to date. Other tombs contained jadeite objects as well.

Excavations indicate that this center was part of a trade network that reached from the Caribbean coast to the central lowlands of Guatamala. The site covers an area of about 5 square miles. The central square mile of the site has remains of around 500 structures, the largest of which, the Temple of the Masonry Altars, is 54 feet high.

After your tour of Altun-Ha, you will travel back to Belize City where you will see historical sites such as the Redbrick St. John's Cathedral, where Kings from the Mosquito Coast were crowned, and the colonial mansion once occupied by British Governors during a short driving orientation. The tour concludes at the Belize Tourism Village for entertainment and shopping.