Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize City, Belize
Belize City, Belize

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

Outty Ranking 60 5.0 · 6 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $249
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. worth booking?

Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. is a 6-hour experience in Belize City, Belize, from $249 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
5/5 (6)
Duration
6 hours
From
$249 per person

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

What you get

    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

    What's included

    Included

    • Lunch
    • Driver/ Tour guide service
    • Bring Refillable water bottles, avoid disposing water bottles
    • Maya Site Tour
    • Transport by air-conditioned minivan

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Altun Ha

      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.

      100 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

      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

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Belize City

    the guides with the V.i.V. sign will be at the BELIZE sign

    Meeting point

    Belize City

    Proceed to the EXIT of the Terminal , you will see the guide with the V.i.V. sign

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    the guides with the V.i.V. sign will be at the BELIZE sign

    Ends at

    Proceed to the EXIT of the Terminal , you will see the guide with the V.i.V. sign

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 29 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tourism Auto Transport Ltd.

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Photos

    overview of Altun Ha, Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize CityAltun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize City, photo 3Jade Head, Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize Cityroyal burial, Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize CityAltun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize City, photo 6bromeliads, orchids, Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. in Belize City

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Small groups

    3 mentions

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    6
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    Cindy_G · March 2025

    Great your, lots to see,...

    Great your, lots to see, wonderful history. I love that you still could climb the ruins, they take very good care of them.

    via Viator

    Clara G · January 2025

    Fabulous small tour to Altun Ha.

    Our tour guide Fab was so very knowledgeable, He was also very informative. There was nothing he didn’t know. He was like an encyclopedia. We spent quite a long time at the ruins and it was amazing! I would highly recommend the small group tour as we were in our own van with the guide.

    Response from the operator: Fantastic, thanks for the review and thanks for choosing us.

    via Tripadvisor

    Rebecca_B · April 2023

    Highly recommend this private tour!

    We stopped in Belize on a cruise, and this was an excellent tour of the ruins. Mr. Brown picked us up at the cruise terminal, and gave us the history of Belize as we drove out to Altun Ha. The private tour was perfect, it made it easy to accommodate my elderly father as well as my 3 year old nephew. We were worried about making it back on the ship in time, but Mr. Brown handled the tour seamlessly. Highly recommend!

    via Viator

    lynn r · December 2022

    Going Private...

    The private tour with Abner is the route to go. Abner’s expertise of the surrounding area (country) and ruins lead to an amazing conversation throughout the whole tour. He is very personable, kind and catered to every need that we had. We enjoyed the ruins also… “Hi Abner”, Joe and Lynn

    via Tripadvisor

    736taylor · April 2021

    Overall 10/10 tour

    This was such a great tour! They picked us up from the hotel promptly. The drive felt so short to the site because there was lot to see on the way. Our guide was great, he gave us alot of information and led us safetly up the structures. Sometimes slowly because they're definitely tall! The tour in total was roughly 3 hours which gave us alot of time in the day to go see other parts of Belize.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tourism Auto Transport Ltd., who run 20 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Tourism Auto Transport Ltd. runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)32
    Booking momentum (14% weight)22
    Value for money (12% weight)43
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)60
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Belize City.

    How much does Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. cost?

    +

    Prices start at $249 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Belize City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. take?

    +

    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Belize City is not rushed.

    Is Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Belize City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.?

    +

    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Belize City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Belize City and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Belize City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Belize City?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Belize City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure from Belize City, Caves River Kayaking, Explore More with V.i.V., Altun Ha Mayan Ruins & Cave Tubing Tour with Belizean Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Belize City?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Belize City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.?

    +

    Included: Lunch; Driver/ Tour guide service; Bring Refillable water bottles, avoid disposing water bottles; Maya Site Tour; and Transport by air-conditioned minivan. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 17 listed pickup locations in and around Belize City. Be ready about 20 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V. if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Altun Ha, Birdwatching at Crooked Tree V.i.V.?

    +

    Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, small groups, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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