A Trip to Altun Ha Maya Ruins and Cave Tubing the Underworld

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha and experiencing the mystical underworld of Belize’s cave tubing system offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage. This captivating tour presents a chance to wander through the iconic Temple of the Masonry Altars, uncover the fascinating history shared by expert guides, and float along the serene underground rivers surrounded by captivating geological formations. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this excursion promises to transport you to a realm where the past and present converge, leaving you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, featuring ornately carved temples, plazas, and the prominent 54-foot Temple of the Masonry Altars.
• Set out on a cave tubing adventure through the Mayan underworld, experiencing the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites while learning about cultural significance.
• Enjoy a guided all-day tour from Belize City, including air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and bottled water for convenience.
• Discover the Royal Tomb and its significant jade-carved head artifact, as well as the on-site museum showcasing Mayan artifacts and interpretive exhibits.
• Benefit from knowledgeable and friendly guides who provide insights into Mayan history, culture, and the connection between the Altun Ha ruins and the cave tubing experience.

Tour Overview

This all-day guided tour from Belize City allows visitors to explore the fascinating Altun Ha Maya ruins, the closest archaeological site to the city, and experience the thrill of cave tubing through a system representing the Mayan underworld.

Ideal for first-time visitors to Belize, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels and the cruise ship port.

Travelers will venture to the well-preserved Altun Ha site to learn about Mayan history and culture from an expert guide.

Later, they’ll embark on a cave tubing adventure, floating through an underground river system that connects to the Mayan concept of the underworld.

With air-conditioned transportation, lunch, and bottled water provided, this comprehensive tour offers an immersive introduction to Belize’s natural and cultural wonders.

Inclusions

The Altun Ha and cave tubing tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle to transport visitors, bottled water, and a provided lunch to fuel the day’s activities. Travelers can also request tamales during the booking process.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, and the lowest price is guaranteed starting from $135.00.

The tour’s inclusions provide a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors. Key features include:

1. Air-conditioned vehicle for transportation

2. Bottled water to stay hydrated

3. Included lunch to sustain energy levels

4. Option to request tamales during booking

These amenities ensure travelers can fully enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the Altun Ha Maya ruins and the Mayan underworld cave tubing experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup options for the Altun Ha and cave tubing tour include the water taxi terminal, hotels in Belize City, or the Baron Bliss lighthouse.

Cruise ship passengers meet outside thermal one at the FSTV port. Hotel guests are met in the lobby between 8:00 am and 8:30 am.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point. This flexibility in pickup locations ensures convenience for travelers, whether they’re staying in the city or arriving by cruise ship.

The guided tour takes care of all the logistics, allowing participants to simply show up and enjoy the day’s adventures exploring the Altun Ha ruins and experiencing the thrill of cave tubing in the Mayan underworld.

Expectations and Additional Info

Confirmation of the booking is received upon completion, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires moderate physical fitness from travelers.

With a maximum of 40 participants per group, the activity takes place near public transportation options in Belize City. Guests can expect the following:

1. The all-day tour departs from Belize City, providing a convenient way to explore the ancient Altun Ha Maya ruins and the captivating cave tubing experience.

2. Bottled water and a delicious lunch are included, and travelers can request tamales during the booking process.

3. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, ensuring flexibility for participants.

4. With a 5.0 rating from over 40 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable guides and immersive cultural experience.

Traveler Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the tour rave about it, with 41 reviews across Viator and Tripadvisor resulting in an impressive 5.0 overall rating.

Guests praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, who enhance the experience with their expertise.

The highlights of the tour include the fun and informative cave tubing as well as the in-depth exploration of the ancient Altun Ha Maya ruins.

Reviewers suggest bringing bug spray for the cave tubing portion.

Exploring Altun Ha

Upon arriving at the Altun Ha archaeological site, visitors are immediately struck by the impressive scale and grandeur of the ancient Maya ruins.

Spanning over 8 square miles, the site features a collection of ornately carved temples, plazas, and ceremonial structures that provide a glimpse into the vibrant culture of the Maya civilization.

Highlights of the site include:

1. The Temple of the Masonry Altars, a 54-foot tall pyramid that serves as the site’s dominant architectural feature.

2. The Royal Tomb, an underground chamber that yielded a remarkable jade-carved head, one of the largest Maya jade artifacts ever discovered.

3. The Ball Court, where Maya athletes engaged in a ritualized ballgame.

4. The Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts and interpretive exhibits.

Discovering the Mayan Underworld

After exploring the impressive Maya ruins at Altun Ha, visitors continue their journey by venturing into the Mayan underworld through the exhilarating experience of cave tubing.

Floating along the underground rivers, they’ll be surrounded by the mystical geology of the cave system, which the ancient Maya believed was the entrance to the afterlife.

Expert guides lead the way, providing insights into the cultural significance of this ritual journey.

As they glide through the darkness, visitors will marvel at the natural beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites.

Emerging from the cave, they’ll feel a sense of wonder and connection to the rich history and beliefs of the Maya civilization.

Highlights and Suggestions

The tour’s highlights include the opportunity to explore the impressive Altun Ha Maya ruins and the exhilarating experience of cave tubing through the mystical underground river system.

Travelers will marvel at the natural beauty of the stalactites and stalagmites as they float through the darkness, all while gaining insights into the cultural significance of this ritual journey from the expert guides.

Some key suggestions for getting the most out of the tour include:

1. Bringing bug spray for the cave tubing portion of the excursion.

2. Wearing sturdy, water-friendly shoes that can get wet.

3. Packing a small backpack or dry bag to keep belongings safe and dry.

4. Staying hydrated by taking advantage of the provided bottled water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is generally suitable for children, though moderate physical fitness is required. It’s not wheelchair accessible, so children should be able to walk and navigate uneven terrain. Parental discretion is advised based on the child’s age and abilities.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour provides bottled water and lunch, guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. However, outside snacks and beverages are not included in the tour price. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any restrictions.

How Long Is the Drive From Belize City?

The drive from Belize City to the Altun Ha Maya ruins takes approximately 45 minutes. The tour includes pickup from various locations in Belize City, ensuring a convenient and hassle-free transportation experience for visitors.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes?

The tour price includes all fees and taxes. There are no additional costs beyond the advertised price, which starts at $135.00 per person. The tour company guarantees the lowest available rate for this experience.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos throughout the tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour guide beforehand as there may be certain areas or activities where photography is restricted for preservation or safety reasons.

Recap

Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha and floating through the mystical caves of the underworld offers an unparalleled adventure.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive Temple of the Masonry Altars while learning about the rich cultural heritage of the Maya.

The cave tubing experience provides a serene and captivating connection to the Maya’s beliefs about the afterlife.

This trip offers an unforgettable journey into Belize’s natural and historical wonders.