Managed by the Audubon Society, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a large nature reserve located in southeastern Belize. Measuring more than 150 square miles (400 square km) in size, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary has no roads or human habitation, home to a vast array of plants, insects, and wildlife.
Here are 5 great reasons to visit the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary:
Jaguars
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the world’s first jaguar conservation program that tracks and monitors more than 100 jaguars who live in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Jaguars are solitary animals who are primarily active at nighttime, meaning that human visitors will rarely catch a glimpse of these majestic animals, but their presence in the area serves a vital role in maintaining the health of the eco-system.
Birds
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is managed by the Belize Audubon Society. Hundreds of species of birds can be found in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, including endangered species such as the Jabiru Stork and the Yellow-headed Parrot.
Plants
The majority of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is rainforest and wetland, receiving copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. As a result, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for plants, including hundreds of species of flowering plants that add their subtle perfumes to the air.
It’s Beautiful
In a country like Belize where pristine nature is abundant, it may seem strange to call out the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for being particularly beautiful. But many come to this unspoiled wilderness in order to enjoy get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life in order to enjoy nature at its most glorious.
Waterfalls, Rivers, and Swimming
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is much more than just mountainous peaks and thick rainforest. It’s also home to some of the purest, most beautiful waterfalls and rivers in the country. Popular activities include tubing and enjoying a refreshing swim at the base of a waterfall.
“We took this tour, and it was really amazing. Our daughter, Karyn, was thrilled by all the birds, and our son, Topher, spent the entire day without his phone and didn’t complain even once. Definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth, in my humble opinion. Didn’t see any jaguars, but that’s quite all right!”
-Cooper Family, Pittsburgh, PA
Uncharted Jewel Belize organizes tours of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and other top attractions in the country.