Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour

The Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour offers an enthralling blend of culture and wildlife exploration. Visitors embark on a scenic river cruise, spotting crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees in their natural habitats, before delving into the ancient Mayan city of Altun Ha. With knowledgeable guides providing insights into the site’s rich history, travelers can climb pyramids and witness breathtaking rainforest vistas. It’s an adventure that promises to captivate both the culturally curious and the nature enthusiast. What secrets might the ruins hold, and what wonders await along the river’s edge?

Key Points

• A 5-hour excursion combining a cruise on River Wallace to observe wildlife like crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees, and a guided tour of the Altun Ha Mayan ruins.
• Visitors can climb pyramids at the Altun Ha site to enjoy stunning rainforest views.
• The tour includes National Park fees, bottled water, a professional guide, and lunch, but it is not wheelchair accessible.
• Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the ruins and wildlife.
• The tour has a 3.5/5 rating based on 18 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides and wildlife encounters, but issues with cancellations and poor communication.

Tour Overview

The tour is called the ‘Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour,’ and it’s located in Belize City, Belize.

This 5-hour excursion has a 3.5/5 rating based on 18 reviews. Priced from $85.00, the tour allows guests to cruise down River Wallace, observing wildlife like crocodiles, monkeys, and manatees.

Visitors will also explore the Altun Ha archaeological site, including plazas, palaces, and stone temples, with opportunities to climb pyramids for rainforest views.

The tour includes national park fees, bottled water, a professional guide, and lunch. Meeting at the Fort Street Tourism Village in Belize City, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level.

Tour Activities

Guests on this tour can expect to cruise down River Wallace on a motorboat, where they’ll have opportunities to observe an array of wildlife, including crocodiles, monkeys, exotic birds, and the elusive manatee.

The highlight of the tour is visiting the Altun Ha archaeological site, an ancient Mayan city. Travelers will explore plazas, palaces, and stone temples, guided by a knowledgeable professional who can provide insights into the site’s history and significance.

Adventurous guests can even climb the stone pyramids to take in the stunning rainforest views from above.

Throughout the tour, guests will enjoy National Park fees, bottled water, and a delicious lunch included in the price.

Inclusions and Logistics

This tour includes National Park fees, bottled water, a professional guide, and lunch. Guests can choose to meet the tour at the Fort Street Tourism Village, Terminal 1 in Belize City, or opt for pickup service. Cruise ship passengers must provide their ship name, docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times to ensure a smooth experience.

Inclusions	Cost
National Park Fees	Included
Bottled Water	Included
Professional Guide	Included
Lunch	Included
Pickup Service	Optional

This logistical information ensures guests have a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring the Altun Ha Mayan ruins and spotting wildlife on the River Wallace and Manatee Watch.

Traveler Requirements

Although the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for travelers with a moderate level of physical fitness.

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals or those with serious medical conditions, as it involves some physical exertion. Guests should be prepared to climb stone pyramids and navigate uneven terrain at the archaeological site.

Plus, the boat cruise on River Wallace may not be suitable for those with certain medical concerns. Travelers are advised to carefully consider their physical capabilities before booking this tour.

Traveler Recommendations

To make the most of the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Tour, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and insect repellent. They’ll need these essentials to navigate the archaeological site and explore the surrounding natural environment comfortably. Plus, it’s recommended to bring:

Item	Recommendation
Camera	Capture stunning photos of the ruins and wildlife
Snacks	Have a quick bite to refuel during the tour
Water bottle	Stay hydrated in the tropical climate
Lightweight clothing	Dress for the warm, humid weather

Following these traveler recommendations will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour.

Review Highlights

Travelers’ reviews of the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Tour provide insights into the highlights and areas for improvement.

Visitors frequently praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the ancient site to life and facilitate memorable wildlife encounters. Many guests report enjoying the cruise along River Wallace, where they spot crocodiles, monkeys, and the elusive manatees.

The guided tours of the Altun Ha ruins also receive positive feedback, with travelers appreciating the opportunity to explore the plazas, palaces, and stone temples, as well as climb the pyramids for stunning rainforest vistas.

However, some reviewers note issues with organization and communication, highlighting the need for better coordination to ensure a seamless experience.

Negative Experiences

Despite the overall positive experiences reported by many guests, a subset of reviewers encountered some notable issues with the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Tour. Cancellations, a lack of communication from the tour operator, and concerns over the tour’s organization and timing emerged as common sources of dissatisfaction among these travelers.

Some negative experiences included:

• Scheduled tours being unexpectedly canceled without adequate notice or explanation

• Lack of clear communication from the tour company regarding logistics and changes to the itinerary

• Disorganization leading to delays, rushed visits, and an overall sense that the tour was poorly planned and executed

These issues, while not universal, served to tarnish the experience for some guests and highlight areas where the tour operator could improve to ensure a more consistent and enjoyable experience for all.

Cancellation Policy

Fortunately, the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins Tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, allowing travelers to adjust their plans if needed.

This flexible policy gives customers peace of mind, knowing they can receive a full refund if their circumstances change.

Whether it’s due to unexpected travel delays, illness, or simply a change of heart, the free cancellation option ensures travelers don’t lose their money.

This is particularly helpful for cruise ship passengers, who must provide specific details about their ship’s docking, disembarkation, and re-boarding times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities along the way. Guests can use restrooms at the meeting point, during the boat cruise, and at the Altun Ha archaeological site. Adequate restroom access is provided throughout the duration of the tour.

Can Children Participate in the Tour Activities?

Children are generally welcome to participate in the tour activities. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the moderate physical fitness level required. Parents should use their discretion when booking the tour with children.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?

There’s no minimum group size requirement for this tour. Guests can book individually or as part of a larger group. The tour operates as long as at least one person has signed up.

What Type of Transportation Is Used During the Tour?

The tour uses a motorboat to cruise down River Wallace for wildlife observation. Guests are transported to the Altun Ha archaeological site, where they explore on foot with a guided tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t mention any special discounts or offers for this tour. However, they do offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which could be helpful for customers with flexible schedules.

Recap

The Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace and Manatee Watch Tour offers an immersive cultural and wildlife adventure.

Travelers can explore the ancient Mayan ruins, spot crocodiles and manatees, and enjoy flexible cancellation options.

With knowledgeable guides and included amenities, this 5-hour excursion is an unforgettable experience for adventure seekers exploring Belize’s natural and historical wonders.