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Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.

About this experience

On August 22, 1998, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary was declared Belize's first Ramsar site based on the wetland's significance, especially as waterfowl habitat. the Lagoon host of hundreds of Birds especially during the dry season, featuring Storks, herons, egrets, kites, hawks, parrots and so much more, the maya site of Altun Ha can be viewed year round, rain or shine. The slow drive takes you around the City of Belize, view the BELIZE sign, colonial style architure residences, Lindberg Landing, fruit trees, flowering plants, birds, the Old Belize River, rural communities, small farms, various species of Birds, unique native trees and plants, orchids and bromeliads, tour the Ancient city of Altun Ha, known for its ceremonial Temples with mask of gods, sacrificial altar and many findings of priestly tombs containing a wealth of artifacts. Go up several temples. We pick up and drop off at the Airport, Cruiseport. hotels, water taxi, municipal airport

At a glance

  • Duration: 6 hr–8 hr
  • Skip-the-line entry
  • Private experience

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Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour6 hr–8 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 6 hr–8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • bring refillable water bottles, disposable ones are not allowed on reserves
  • bring insect repellant, hats, shades, camera, binoculars

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • local Belizean Rice and beans with stew chicken and veg cole slaw
  • Driver/ Tour guide service
  • Bring Refillable water bottles, avoid disposing water bottles
  • Maya Site Tour
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Not included

  • Gratuities

Itinerary and highlights

The drive passes thru rural villages, grassland savannah, mangrove forest and the Rain Forest and arriving at the Maya Pyramids of Altun Ha.

Then we walk to this first Plaza we see and share information of the findings of the archaeological excavations that occurred during 1964 to 1974 Field seasons.
The tour continues to the second plaza featuring the residential area where excavations found skeleton remains in the rooms and artefacts such as polychrome vessels.

Then the highlight of the day, approaching the Sun Temple with mask of gods and at the summit the pyramid is the sacrificial altar. the guide shares more information of the vast wealth of findings found inside this structure including our most precious stone the Jade Head, the largest carved object found in the maya world. After enjoying the views from up top, it’s time to come back down, return to the van for the drive back to the city.

On August 22, 1998, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary was declared Belize's first Ramsar site based on the wetland's significance, especially as waterfowl habitat. The Jabiru stork is Crooked Tree's most famous resident. Belize has the largest nesting population of these great birds in all of Central America. Jabiru storks arrive in November to nest in the lowland pine savannas. Two pairs of Jabiru storks are known to nest within the Sanctuary. After the young fledge, in April and May, the birds from the northern and central parts of Belize congregate at Crooked Tree lagoons. When the rains come, the birds leave

Meeting and pickup information

  • the guides with the V.i.V. sign will be at the BELIZE sign
  • Proceed to the EXIT of the Terminal , you will see the guide with the V.i.V. sign
  • The cruise tenders arrive at FSTV passenger terminal and giftshops, proceed thru Terminal 1 to the exit, where street side you will see the V.i.V. guide and sign. See you soon.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Tourism Auto Transport Ltd.

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • bring refillable water bottles, disposable ones are not allowed on reserves
  • bring insect repellant, hats, shades, camera, binoculars
  • bring poncho, umbrella, change of clothing for rainy day visit
  • wear proper footwear for walking on uneven paths, no flip flops

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 6 hr–8 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
The cruise tenders arrive at FSTV passenger terminal and giftshops, proceed thru Terminal 1 to the exit, where street side you will see the V.i.V. guide and sign. See you soon.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 6–11; Youth tickets: age 12–17; Adult tickets: age 18+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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