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Altun Ha - An ancient Maya ceremonial center
The true ancient name is unknown, and "Altun Ha" is a Mayan translation of the nearby village named "Rockstone Pond." Even though Altun Ha is small as compared to other ruins in the region, the extent to which the site has been cleared and restored makes it easy to imagine its past glory and wealth as a major ceremonial center. A trek to the top of the 54ft Temple of the Masonry Altars is rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the site and the treetops of the jungle. The most spectacular find here was a six-inch high (15cm), ten pound, jadeite carving of the head of Kinich Ahau, the Sun God, which was found in the tomb of an elderly male priest.
Xunantunich - A masterpiece of the Maya
This is a Classic period (300-900 AD) ceremonial center, with large plazas ringed with pyramids. The center is composed of six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces. We highly recommend that you make the steep, but short, 130ft climb to the top of "El Castillo." This vantage point provides a breathtaking, 360 degree, panoramic view over the jungle canopy of the Macal, Mopan and Belize River valleys, as well as a vast area of the Guatemalan Peten District, which is only a few miles away. You will also get a close look at the restored portions of two unique stucco friezes, which appear on the east and west sides of the upper portion of the pyramid.
Lamanai - The 2nd largest pre-classic site in the Maya world
Our favorite Maya Temple tour! Lamanai's setting in the New River Lagoon, with only jungle for miles around, gives it a special quality.
Journey up the Northern Highway to the Orange Walk district. From there your incredible journey only gets better with a scenic boat ride down the New River with your knowledgeable guide. Orchids and other flowers are abundant along the bank. Also be on the lookout for crocodiles, turtles, camouflaged bats and the "Jesus Christ Bird" walking on water.
Lamanai is one of only a few sites whose original Maya name is known - it translates to "Submerged Crocodile" hence the numerous representations of crocodiles here. This site features the second largest Pre-Classic structure in the Maya world and the view across the surrounding forest from the top of the temple is magnificent.
The site's protected status provides for an abundance of wildlife inside the park. There are at least seven families of howler monkeys that make Lamanai their home and you will most likely see a couple of them peering down through the branches as you wander the trails and temples.
Tikal - A Guatemala adventure
With over 3000 structures including many extensive temples, declared a National Park in 1955, and later upgraded to National Monument for its extraordinary cultural importance and immense variety of flora and fauna, Tikal became a Cultural World Heritage in 1979. Tikal is an adventure that you should experience. Hidden by dense jungle until the 19th century, Tikal reprincipals one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites of the Maya World. Once one of the largest and most powerful cities of the Classic Period, Tikal was abruptly and mysteriously abandoned over 1000 years ago and disappeared over the centuries into the lush jungle. Visitors can only get a sense of the power and immensity of Tikal after climbing up Temple IV and looking out over the expansive site to view the distant temples protruding through the canopy as well as overgrown. Structures unearthed at Tikal include temples, palaces, living quarters, ball courts, and a sauna. There are also many reliefs that have survived the centuries, all of which reveal the history of this magical city through Maya hieroglyphs - stories about Tikal's kings, its incredible wealth, and its wars with neighboring cities. |
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