Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The sign along the dirt road entrance on the way to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is clear: Beware of Jaguars Crossing. Spreading for 155 square miles, the only jaguar preserve in the world is also one of Belize’s most gorgeous hiking destinations—rich in birds, flora, and several of Belize’s five wildcats: the ocelot, the margay, the jaguarundi, the puma, and the jaguar. You might spot fresh paw tracks while hiking, left behind by the elusive creatures that come out at night to feed. You’ll have more luck seeing howler monkeys, iguanas, and other critters. But exploring Cockscomb isn’t just about wild animals. It’s about enjoying a day immersed in the jungle, hiking multiple trails, reaching waterfalls with emerald pools—like Tiger Fern Falls—for a dip, and taking in one of Belize’s most biodiverse environments. For even more of a challenge, there are summits to climb by permit only—Victoria Peak and Ben’s Bluff.

More Recommendations

Take a Walk in the Woods in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Belize’s broad swaths of protected forest promise to get your trekking boots dirty—and your adrenaline pumping. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, 20 miles south of Dangriga, is the country’s best all-in-one hiking hotspot. The world’s first jaguar preserve counts 14 diverse hiking trails among its 150 mountainous square miles of jungle, spectacular waterfalls and broad rivers. It’s a playground for black howler monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, armadillos, peregrine falcons, red-eyed tree frogs, pumas, ocelots, jaguarundi and an estimated 40 to 50 jaguars.

Information on this page, including website, location, and opening hours, is subject to have changed since this page was last published. If you would like to report anything that’s inaccurate, let us know at notification@afar.com.

Sign up for our newsletter
Join more than a million of the world’s best travelers. Subscribe to the Daily Wander newsletter.
More From AFAR