Cockscomb Basin: The World's Only Jaguar Preserve

Updated Mar 27, 2024 • 5 min read

About Author

Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.

Cockscomb Basin might be your best bet at getting a glimpse of the elusive jaguar. This wildlife haven is also packed with the absolute best hiking trails in Belize.

While I'm not an expert hiker, I have visited the sanctuary several times in an attempt to spot a jaguar. Having also camped at the site, I can share some insider tips about spending the night at the reserve and renting a cabin.

Let's dive in.

General Information

Facts About Cockscomb Basin

1. The sanctuary is located in Southern Belize and covers 150 square miles of tropical forest.
2. The name Cockscomb derives from the appearance of the mountain ridge that resembles a rooster's comb.
3. It is the world's first and only Jaguar Preserve.
4. The highest point in Belize, Victoria Peak at 3675ft (1120m) is found in this mountain range.
5. The reserve is a protected environment for over 200 jaguars — the largest concentration in the world.

Cockscomb Basin Highlights

How To Get To Cockscomb Basin

The fastest and easiest way to get to Cockscomb Basin is by car rental. Upon arriving the cut-off point on the Southern highway, you will have to drive for 6 miles (10km) through dirt road before arriving the entrance of the site. You can also get there by taking a bus & taxi combo.

These are the three main ways you can there:

1. Bus and taxi combo: get up early to catch a bus to the highway junction, then catch another bus to Maya Center. At this site, buy your tickets and find a taxi to take you to the park for roughly $20.00 USD.
2. Hitchhike: catching a ride is very common in Hopkins, so you can catch a ride after arriving the intersection point at Maya Center, but it's all luck from there.
3. Hike all the way: this is not a long trail at only 6 miles (10km) but you might be tired to walk the trails at the park after walking under the sun for so long. But, on a brighter note, if you're early, you might spot a jaguar.

Cockscomb Basin Insider Tips

1. Check the Visitor Center: there is a small information center at the park entrance with some facts about the park and the jaguars.
2. Consider taking a night hike: a night hike tour gives you higher chances of seeing wild cats like the jaguar, puma, ocelot and jaguarundi.
3. Visit during rainy season: wildlife is more active during the rainy season which especially at the beginning — June & July.
4. Camp at the reserve: increase your chances of seeing a jaguar by camping at the reserve or staying in a cabin available on site.

Cockscomb Basin Tours

There are two tours/activities available at the site:

River Tubing

After hiking the entire day, floating down the river on a river tube can be rejuvenating. The tubes can be rented at the Visitor Center for $7.50 USD. You will have to hike for about 15 minutes to get to the river.

Night Hikes

Besides river tubing, a popular tour is hiking the popular trails at night. Exploring the rainforest at night can be a captivating experience. Hamanasi offers tours at $95.00 USD per person which lasts for 4 hours.

Cockscomb Basin Cabins

Accommodation at Cockscomb includes the option of private cabins, shared dorms and camping. It's important to know that all the cabins are rustic and by no means luxury stays.

Private Cabin

• Foreigners: $120 USD per cabin
• Locals: $60 USD per cabin
• Details: Kitchen with dining hall, bathroom with hot/cold shower, spacious porch, accommodates 5 persons

Shared Dorms

• Foreigners: $20 USD per person
• Locals: $10 USD per person
• Details: Consists of 5 rooms, for large groups, 3 bunks per room, shared bathrooms, spacious porch

Muhan Nah Bird House

• Foreigners: $81.75 USD per cabin
• Locals: $40.87 USD per cabin
• Details: two bedrooms, has mini halls, indoor bathrooms, accommodates 5 persons

Rustic Cabin

• Foreigners: $20 USD per room
• Locals: $20 USD per room
• Details: four bedrooms with two single beds in each, has porch, outdoor bathroom

White House

• Foreigners: $150 USD per cabin
• Locals: $75 USD per cabin
• Details: 1.5 miles from HQ, upstairs with two bedrooms, downstairs with one bedroom, kitchen with mini hall, indoor bathrooms

Wildlife At Cockscomb Basin

While spotting wildlife isn't guaranteed, you have the possibility of spotting these animals in the wild along with 300 species of birds.

Cockscomb Basin Hiking Trails

The trails are incredibly rich with flora and fauna including many bird species, howler monkeys, agoutis, and of course jaguars. But it's very unlikely you'll spot one. They are nocturnal after all.

This list of Cockscomb Basin hiking trails is listed in order of popularity and is more reliable than the distances the park signs suggest.

Helpful Information