Belize Altun Ha Mayan Temple and Belizean Food Tasting Excursion

Description

• Convenient meeting point located near the Belize Cruise Tender Pier!
• Access to restroom facilities both inside and outside the Fort George Hotel!
• Visit the renowned Belize Rum Factory!
• Explore the ancient Altun Ha Mayan Ruins!
• Enjoy a cultural food experience at the Fort George Hotel!
• Non-alcoholic welcome punch upon arrival!
• Mini platters featuring a variety of traditional Belizean dishes!
• Receive a 15% discount coupon for Spa services!

Embark on an unforgettable Belizean adventure that will immerse you in the vibrant heart of this tropical paradise. Your journey begins as you disembark from your cruise ship tender at the pier, where your friendly guide will greet you and lead you on a brief 5-minute walk to the Fort George Hotel. The hotel staff will assist with your check-in before you board your transportation for an exciting ride through some of Belize's most iconic landmarks, including the Swing Bridge, the Museum, and the Lighthouse. Along the way, there will be special stops to capture breathtaking photos and create lasting memories!

The highlight of your excursion will be a visit to the renowned Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, nestled deep within the jungle. While over 500 mounds have been identified, only about 15 have been excavated. You’ll explore two expansive central plazas surrounded by ancient pyramids. Dating back to 200 BC, Altun Ha was a major trading and religious hub. Many of the site's restorations were carried out by archaeologist Dr. David Pendergast and local workers between 1967 and 1974. At the Sun God Temple, they unearthed the largest jade artifact ever discovered—a carved jade head weighing 4.42 kg, now housed at the Central Bank of Belize. As you wander through the site, follow the paths once tread by the ancient Mayans and hike to the top of the ruins for stunning views of the lush jungle and still-unexplored structures.

After this enlightening journey through history, you’ll return to your transportation and head back to the Fort George Hotel for a cultural and culinary experience. In the hotel’s courtyard, indulge in a variety of authentic Belizean dishes at the Kulcha food display, including plantain puree balls in coconut sauce, empanadas with purple cabbage pickle, rice and beans with chicken stew, and Cochinita Pibil Mayan tacos with handmade tortillas. This feast will leave you with a deeper understanding of Belizean cuisine and culture.

As your Belizean adventure concludes, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a 15% discount on spa services at the Fort George Hotel. Alternatively, you may return to the cruise ship tender pier at your convenience, taking with you unforgettable memories of Belize’s rich history, culture, and flavors.

What is included?

• Convenient meeting point located near the Belize Cruise Tender Pier.
• Access to restroom facilities both inside and outside the Fort George Hotel.
• Visit the renowned Belize Rum Factory.
• Explore the ancient Altun Ha Mayan Ruins.
• Enjoy a cultural food experience at the Fort George Hotel.
• Non-alcoholic welcome punch upon arrival.
• Mini platters featuring a variety of traditional Belizean dishes.
• Receive a 15% discount coupon for Spa services.

Excursion Notes

• Please aim to take the first or second tender off the ship to ensure you arrive at the meeting location on time and avoid forfeiting your shore excursion booking. If you encounter any timing issues, please contact the local operator.
• As part of a shore excursion group, delays with other participants may cause the tour to be delayed by up to 1 hour.
• We recommend bringing sun protection, insect repellent, light-colored and comfortable clothing, long pants or cargo shorts/pants, and walking shoes. It’s also a good idea to bring cash for tips, additional food or beverages, shopping, etc.
• Please note that a minimum of 2 guests per booking is required for the excursion to take place. The maximum group size for the excursion is 15 participants.

Where we meet

For the Belize Altun Ha Mayan Temple and Belizean Food Tasting Excursion, you'll meet your guide just outside the Belize cruise tender terminal. From there, enjoy a short 5-2 minute walk to the Fort George Hotel. All essential details will be provided on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket for easy reference.

Excursion Restrictions

• This excursion is not wheelchair accessible.
• It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
• The minimum age to participate in this excursion is 14 years old.
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
• The minimum age to consume alcoholic beverages is 18 years old.

Excursion FAQ

Cancellation

• Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
• Your ship skips/misses the port.
• Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
• A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  
• Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
• Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.