Altun Ha is one of Belize’s most popular and accessible Mayan archaeological sites, located just 31 miles north of Belize City. Its name, derived from the nearby village, translates to “Rockstone Pond” in Yucatec Maya. Altun Ha flourished between 250 and 900 AD and served as a key trading and ceremonial hub in the Maya world.

The site features two major plazas surrounded by more than a dozen impressive structures. The most iconic is the Temple of the Masonry Altars, where archaeologists discovered the famous jade head of the Maya sun god Kinich Ahau—the largest carved jade object ever found in the Maya region. This artifact symbolizes the site’s historical significance and the craftsmanship of the ancient Maya.

Altun Ha was a prosperous city with strong connections to coastal trade networks, as evidenced by the presence of jade, obsidian, and marine products. Visitors today can explore the site’s temples, climb ancient stairways, and imagine the rituals once held here. Its open, grassy plazas and well-maintained paths make it a favorite for both scholars and tourists.