This fascinating half-day tour will focus on the contrast between the ancient Maya city of Altun Ha and modern day Belize City, highlighting 1,000 years of development to this former British Colony. Altun Ha (Maya for Rock Stone Water) thrived as a trading post to the Maya World during the Post Classic and Classic periods.

Belize City today is home to about 35% of the country?s population and remains the commercial capital of the country - the official capital was moved in 1971 to Belmopan in the interior.

Your tour will include historical sites such as the Redbrick St. John?s Cathedral and the colonial mansion once occupied by British Governors. You will note the colonial wooden architecture of many of the houses throughout your tour.

The old British colonial capital of Belize City is the country's only genuine urban area and is the commercial and cultural center of the country. The city contains both the main seaport and a colorful mix of about one-third of the country's 250,000 residents.

Take this opportunity for a fully guided tour around historic Belize City. You will see many places of interest such as the ancient swing bridge over the Haulover Creek, which is swung open by manpower. Visit the oldest Anglican Cathedral in Central America, St. John's Cathedral, built from bricks used as ballast in sailing ships of old. Directly across the street you will visit Government House, once home to the colonial Governors and now a museum known as the House of Culture.

An enjoyable 3 hour river boat cruise takes you several miles inland by way of the historic and scenic Olde Belize River. It is not unusual to encounter several troops of Black Howler Monkeys relaxing in the jungle canopy by the river bank, and look for elusive crocodiles basking in the warm sunlight. You can also see iguanas, several varieties of birds, and numerous flora.

At Burrel Boom, a quaint settlement on the river bank, you will be served a tasty local lunch with refreshments. After lunch your tour bus and guide will accompany you to the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha (Mayan for "Rock Stone Water").

You will learn the captivating history of this site where the famous jade head "Kinich Ahau" was uncovered by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum. Altun Ha was once a major trading center linking the Maya on the Caribbean with the Central American mainland Maya. It is also reputed for a variety of birdlife. After your tour you board your bus for return drive to Belize City.