ALTUN HA MAYAN RUINS AND THE BELIZE ZOO
$76 Per Person (Minimum of 5 People Needed)

Altun Ha, once a model Mayan city, was the link in the Caribbean trade route that ran north through the Yucatán. Its ruins were discovered by quarriers looking for stone to build the Old Northern Highway. Their discovery of 2000-year-old specimens were just the beginning of the uncovering of the remnants of 13 structures surrounding two plazas, including one 60-foot temple now called the Temple of the Sun God.

This adventure is even more enticing once you realize that the location is fairly close to Belize City and situated in the rain forest for an added experience.

The ruins are breathtaking and easily walked. You will get expert guidance as you move from one plaza to the other through a forest path. Those who prefer to wait can find some benches rather than hazard the uneven surface. As some of the areas are easily accessible, they will be able to see a good share of the ruins before making themselves comfortable.

Along with this experience, you will visit the Belize Zoo. For many, this is a must-see attraction. The ride to your destination will be as interesting as your visit to the zoo. This may be the finest zoo in the Americas south of the US and it has been long recognized as a phenomenal conservation achievement. The zoo opened in 1983 after the filming of a movie called Path of the Raingods. The film's production assistant was left with a collection of semi-tame animals no longer able to fend for themselves in the wild. The opportunity to present native animals for both locals and visitors alike developed into a reality. Now these native animals live in their natural habitat but are monitored and kept healthy.

The theme of "a walk through Belize" takes you on a trail through the pine ridge, the rainforest, lagoons and the river forest. Throughout, you will safely view tapirs, all species of cats, including the jaguars, birds, monkeys, crocodiles and many other animals