Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour – Fish Farm & Restaurant

The Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight. Visitors can explore the rich history of the Mayans by discovering the iconic Sun God Temple and Great Plaza. After the site visit, they’ll head to a sustainable fish farm where they can sample farm-raised tilapia while enjoying authentic Belizean dishes. This adventure promises to immerse guests in the country’s heritage and local flavors. But the true highlight may just lie in an unexpected discovery that awaits them at the final stop of the tour.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Food Tours In Belize City.

Key Points

• Explore the Altun Ha Mayan archaeological site, with its iconic Sun God Temple and well-preserved structures providing insights into Mayan daily life.
• Visit a sustainable fish farm and witness the process of responsible tilapia aquaculture, with the opportunity to sample fresh farm-raised fish.
• Indulge in an authentic Belizean lunch menu featuring staple dishes like rice and beans, BBQ meats, and the farm-to-table tilapia fish and chips.
• Enjoy private transportation and park fees included in the $80 per person tour price, with moderate fitness level recommended for participants.
• Understand the tour’s accessibility limitations, including lack of wheelchair access, and consider any health concerns before booking.

Tour Overview and Inclusions

The Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour offers visitors a comprehensive experience, including a visit to a local fish farm and a traditional Belizean restaurant. Priced at $80 per person, the tour includes private transportation and park fees.

Guests can expect an authentic Belizean lunch with options like rice and beans, barbecue chicken or pork, and shrimp creole, complemented by natural fruit juice. The tour also features a sample menu highlighting farm-raised tilapia fish and chips.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, though certain medical conditions may be a concern. The tour provides an immersive cultural and culinary adventure.

Exploring the Altun Ha Mayan Site

Nestled within the lush tropical forests of Belize, Altun Ha stands as a captivating Mayan archaeological site that invites visitors to uncover the secrets of a bygone era.

As part of the Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore this ancient city, which features impressive temple structures, intricate carvings, and well-preserved artifacts.

The tour highlights the site’s key features, including:

• The iconic Sun God Temple, a towering structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
• The Great Plaza, a central gathering space that showcases the site’s impressive architecture and engineering
• Numerous residential and ceremonial structures that provide insights into the daily lives and rituals of the Mayan people

Visiting the Fish Farm

Frequently, the Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour includes a visit to a local fish farm, where visitors can witness the process of sustainable aquaculture and sample fresh, farm-raised tilapia.

At the fish farm, guests will learn about the farming techniques and the importance of responsible fish production. They’ll have the opportunity to observe the tilapia swimming in their ponds and may even get a chance to feed them.

The tour then moves to a nearby restaurant, where the fresh fish is expertly prepared into delectable dishes, such as the popular fish and chips.

This unique farm-to-table experience allows travelers to savor the local flavors and gain a deeper appreciation for Belize’s culinary traditions.

Authentic Belizean Lunch Menu

Complementing the fish farm experience, the Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour offers an authentic Belizean lunch menu. The meal includes:

• Rice and beans cooked with coconut milk
• Choice of meats like BBQ chicken/pork, oven-baked chicken, shrimp creole, or fried chicken and shrimp
• Classic potato salad, dessert, and natural fruit juice

Alternatively, customers can sample fish and chips made from farm-raised tilapia, served with spicy onion and habanero cilantro salsa, potato fries, and coleslaw.

This menu showcases the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Belize, providing an immersive culinary experience alongside the tour’s cultural and historical elements.

Transportation and Meeting Points

The Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour provides pickup options from various locations throughout Belize City. Customers can select their preferred pickup point during the booking process.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available. A moderate physical fitness level is recommended, as the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.

The pickup and meeting locations are conveniently located, though not directly accessible via public transportation. The tour’s transportation and meeting arrangements cater to a wide range of customers, allowing for a seamless start to the Altun Ha Mayan adventure.

Accessibility and Fitness Considerations

The Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the tour operator provides infant seats for those who need them.

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s important to note that a moderate physical fitness level is recommended. Certain individuals may not be able to fully enjoy the experience:

• Travelers with back problems may find the tour challenging.
• Pregnant women are advised to consult their healthcare providers before participating.
• Those with serious medical conditions should carefully consider their ability to participate.

The tour isn’t located near public transportation, so private transportation is provided.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers’ reviews and feedback provide valuable insights into the Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour.

The tour has an impressive overall rating of 5.0 based on one review, with the customer highlighting the memorable experience with driver Antuane and his interesting stories.

However, some confusion arose regarding the inclusion of cave tubing in the tour description, leading to unexpected additional costs.

The host acknowledged this feedback and committed to updating the product listing for clarity, clarifying that the tour doesn’t include cave tubing.

Customers can explore various cave tubing tour options to maximize their time in Belize.

Host’s Response and Recommendations

The host acknowledged the feedback and committed to updating the product listing for clarity.

They clarified that the tour doesn’t include cave tubing, and any additional costs for that activity were communicated prior to departure.

To maximize customer experience, the host recommended:

• Offering various cave tubing tour options for customers to choose from
• Providing clear information about included and excluded activities in the tour description
• Improving communication with customers about any potential add-on costs or optional experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed at the Mayan Site and Fish Farm?

Photography is generally allowed at Mayan sites and fish farms, though there may be some restrictions. Visitors should check with their tour guides or facility staff for specific photography policies before taking pictures.

What Is the Duration of the Entire Tour Experience?

The tour lasts approximately 4-5 hours, including the visit to the Mayan site, fish farm, and lunch at the restaurant. The exact duration may vary depending on the pace and interests of the participants.

Are There Any Optional Activities or Add-Ons Available?

According to the tour overview, there are no optional activities or add-ons mentioned. However, the host acknowledges that various cave tubing tour options are available for customers to consider separately if they wish to maximize their time.

Can I Customize the Lunch Menu to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, the tour provider can customize the lunch menu to accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can request vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options when booking the tour, and the staff will ensure their dietary needs are met.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. There’s no mention of refunds for shorter notice, so it’s best to cancel well in advance if you can’t make it.

Recap

The Altun Ha Mayan Site & Food Tour offers an immersive cultural and culinary experience in Belize. Visitors can explore the iconic Sun God Temple, then savor farm-raised tilapia and authentic Belizean dishes at a sustainable fish farm. This adventure blends history, sustainability, and local flavors, providing a unique way to discover Belize’s rich heritage and vibrant cuisine.