Altun Ha & Baboon Sanctuary

Altun Ha is only an hour drive from Belize City and the name is literally “Rockstone Pond or to Rockstone Water”. Within one of the temples known as temple A-1, a tomb was found called the Green Tomb with nearly 300 Jade objects. Among other valuables were discovered the remains of a Codex, an Ancient book where the Mayas wrote their important events made from the bark of fig trees. The most imposing building at Altun Ha is structure B-4, the Temple of the Masonry Altars standing 54 feet above the plaza. Inside was the body of an elderly priest with several spectacular Jade objects, including a carved Jade head of the Sun God, Kinich Ahau, which stands 14.9 cm high and weighs 9.75 lbs. This Jade head is the largest carved Jade object in the Maya area. The Community Baboon Sanctuary was formed by a number of Villages and local land owners along the Belize Old River who came together to work for a common goal. The purpose of the group is to protect some of their property for the Howler Monkey commonly known as the Baboon. By protecting some trees on their property, these land owners are helping keep a healthy population of these Howler Monkeys.