Photo by globalsherpa.org

Cockscomb basin wildlife sanctuary

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The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the south of Belize and is said to be the best place on earth to encounter a jaguar. In the park you can make various walks, varying from just 1 hour to 4 days. On a multi-day trip we recommend to visit the highest mountain of Belize, the Victoria Peak. During this walk you can enjoy the breathtaking view over lakes, waterfalls and mountains.
Did you know most people have never heard of Belize? This small country in Central America has one of the most extraordinary cultures and natural attractions in the world. You will find hundreds of breathtaking islands and the second longest coral reef in the world. Plus an amazing jungle and Mayan ruins that have not yet been discovered by mass tourism.

The jungle of The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a very special place in Belize. Here you will not only find the largest and strongest cat in America, but also other animals like the puma, jaguarundi, margay and an unimaginable amount of other species. The jaguar shows up during the night when they start hunting. You also have a bigger chance to see the jaguar in the dry season. Drying waterholes are concentrating the Jaguar population in smaller areas making it the best time to visit Belize if you want to see a jaguar.

Best time to visit

The dry season is considered Belize’s “winter”. During the months of November till January the temperature in Belize drops a bit which means cool windy days with still lots of sunshine. And starting February till May there are hotter days with almost no clouds. The average maximum temperature lies around 32 °C (89.6°F) in May and around 28°C (82°F) in December.  Click here for more climate information.

Where to stay

If you are looking for a spectacular place to stay near the The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary we recommend the Almond Beach Resort. It is 25 km from the parking of The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and a peace of paradise in the Jungle. · This resort is super well-maintained. The staff works hard to maintain the lush, beautiful plants and flowers that surround the property. The rooms are amazing with a gorgeous views of the mountains and the river. If you are not on a budget this is the place to be. On booking.com they get an average rating of 9.4 and you can book it here.

This article was last updated on April 01, 2020.