Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker

Less than 60 minutes by water taxi, the Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker is one of Belize’s most rewarding day trips! Combine 3,000 years of Maya civilization with an up-close encounter with wild black howler monkeys! We handle every detail from island departure to return transfer, so you never have to think about logistics. After exploring altun Ha Mayan Ruins, your guide transfers you to the village of Bermudian Landing and the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Here more than 2,000 wild black howler monkeys move freely through the forest canopy above you. The howl carries further than you expect from an animal this size, and hearing it in person, deep in the Belizean jungle, is one of those moments that stays with you long after you’re back on the island watching the sunset.

Why Travellers Love This Tour

Fewer Maya sites in Belize have been as thoroughly cleared and restored as at the Altun Ha Maya Ruins. Marvel at this ancient city – it is easy to imagine at the height of its power as a major ceremonial and trading center. Climb the Temple of the Sun God — the same steps Maya priests ascended over 2,000 years ago — and you’ll understand why this is where archaeologists made one of the most extraordinary discoveries in Mesoamerican history: a hand-carved jadeite head of Kinich Ahau, the Maya Sun God, the largest carved jade object ever found in the Maya world.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go – Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker

How accessible is this tour?

Moderate with optional temple stair climbing and jungle walking

What is the tour duation and what time does the tour depart and return?

This is a full day adventure, approx. 11–12 hours. Island departure is at 7:30 AM via water taxi from the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal. You will return on the 4:30 PM via water taxi from Belize City, arriving on Caye Caulker at 5:30 PM.

What to wear or bring on tour?

Tshirt with capris or lightweight long pants
Comfortable walking shoes – No flip-flops.
Essentials such as insect repellent, sunscreen, hat, personal water bottle
Cash (BZ or US dollars – no coins or US$1.00) for snacks or souvenirs

What is Included on the tour price of US$185 per person?

Round trip water taxi island transfers
Meet & greet on arrival in Belize City with round-trip air-conditioned transfers
Park entry fees
Guided tours by licensed professional
Local Belizean lunch with beverage
All government taxes and fees
Rate is based on a final group size of 4 persons. No surcharge if joining an existing tour.

What is not included on the tour?

Transfers between your hotel and the San Pedro water taxi terminal
Breakfast is not included but we are happy to make a stop on request!
Gratuity is optional and at your discretion.
Souvenirs or other personal shopping is not included.

Important Tour Notes:

Small for an intimate, guide-led experience / this is not a cruise ship tour
Solo travelers are welcome – we’ll do our best to join you with others for your tour date!
UpClose Belize offers daily departures, subject to 2 persons minimum.
The tour is offered in English, but Spanish is available upon request as most of our guides are bilingual.

Your Full Day Itinerary of Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker

7:00 AM — Check in at the Water Taxi Terminal on Caye Caulker

Arrive at the San Pedro Belize Express terminal to check in at the cashier booth with your ticket code. Receive your round trip water taxi tickets and queue for “Belize City”. Keep your return ticket safe as tickets are not replaceable if lost or damaged.

7:30 AM — Board the Water Taxi at San Pedro

Present your Deparure ticket upon boarding. Sit back and relax on the 90-minute crossing to the mainland. Restrooms are available at the arrival terminal, but there is no restroom at the departure terminal.

8:30AM — Meet Your UpClose Belize Guide on the Mainland

Your guide meets you at the Belize City Terminal at the left side exit with your name on a sign. From here you load into our air-conditioned van and head north toward Altun Ha for approx a 60-minute drive. Your guide begins the day’s storytelling including the history of the Maya, the geography of Belize, and what to expect at each stop.

9:30 AM — Altun Ha Archaeological Reserve

Arrive at one of Belize’s most important Maya archaeological sites. Altun Ha was a major ceremonial and trading centre during the Classic Maya period (roughly 200–900 AD), and is where the the carved jade mask of the Sun God Kinich Ahau was discovered in the Temple of the Green Tomb (Structure B-1). Continue exploring the Temple of the Masonry Altars (Structure B-4) and the Ball Court. Restrooms are available at the park.

11:30 PM — Traditional Belizean Lunch

Enjoy a local Belizean lunch of stewed chicken, rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, fresh coleslaw, ripe plantain, and local fruit juice. Vegetarian options available on request at booking. This is a proper sit-down meal, not a packaged box lunch.

12:30 PM — Drive to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, Home of the Howler Monkeys of Belize

Reboard the van and travel northward to Bermudian Landing Village. Your guide continues with historical and ecological commentary along the route. You are halfway through your Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker experience!

2:30 PM — Depart for Belize City

Reboard the van for the return journey to Belize City. Ask your guide any final questions about Belize.

4:00 PM — Belize City Terminal

Your guide drops you at the Belize City Terminal in time for the late afternoon water taxi. A 5:30 PM is available depending on your actual return time at the terminal. Your guide confirms which boat to take and ensures you are safely checked in before departing.

5:00 PM — Return to Caye Caulker

Arrive on the island after yur memorable Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker experience!

Frequently Asked Questions about Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary from Caye Caulker

How do I get from Caye Caulker to Altun Ha and the Baboon Sanctuary?

UpClose Beize offers a complete tour package including your water taxi transfers. Depart Caye Caulker at 7:30 AM by water taxi to Belize City, where your guide meets you at the terminal and transfers you directly to both sites. The water taxi ride takes approximately 60 minutes, making this a very achievable and popular full-day trip from the island

Is the Altun Ha and Baboon Sanctuary tour suitable for a relaxed Caye Caulker travel style?

Absolutely. Altun Ha's temples are broad, well-maintained, and easily climbed at your own pace, and the Baboon Sanctuary nature walk is flat and shaded. Neither site requires serious fitness — this tour fits perfectly alongside Caye Caulker's laid-back "go slow" vibe.

How long is the full day trip from Caye Caulker to Altun Ha and the Howler Monkey Sanctuary?

Allow a full day, approximately 8 hours including water taxi time from Caye Caulker, guided exploration at Altun Ha, and your visit to the Community Baboon Sanctuary in Bermudian Landing. Your guide returns you to the Belize City water taxi terminal in time for the afternoon ferry back to Caye Caulker.