Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
"Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1990 is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve. This “one of a kind” reserve was established as a result of jaguar studies conducted in the area by Alan Rabinowitz. Besides being the home to Belize’s largest cat, the Sanctuary protects the headwaters of two major river systems and supports an abundance of hardwood vegetation types and a diverse faunal assemblage. Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains. The wonders and diversity are accessible to both the casual visitor and the serious naturalist through a series of nature trails. These trails vary in degrees of difficulty ranging from an easy hour-long stroll along the river to a four (4) day challenge of conquering Victoria Peak. The Victoria Peak trail is only accessible during the dry season and requires a permit and a tour guide (experienced guides can be hired from the local communities buffering the sanctuary).

The trail system within the sanctuary provides breathtaking views across the Basin and waterfalls abound. If the hiking is too much, relax with a swim or try tubing down the river.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to all five (5) of Belize’s cats: Jaguar, Puma, Margay, Jaguarundi and Ocelot. It is estimated that over 80 resident Jaguars are in the area. Belize’s national animal, the endangered Baird’s Tapir also inhabit the Basin and over 290 different species of birds have been recorded.

Location of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary:
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located six (6) miles off the Southern highway, approximately 20 miles from Dangriga (the nearest town). The access road to the Sanctuary is located in the village of Maya Center where the Maya Center Women’s Group is responsible for the sale of entrance tickets. The entrance fee is US$5.00 and the tickets can be purchased at the Maya Center Women’s Group craft shop located at the head of the access road (immediately off the southern highway).

By private vehicle: The journey takes approximately 2 ½ hours from Belize City – take the Western highway out of Belize City, turn left into the Hummingbird Highway (follow sign to Belmopan and drive past Belmopan), then turn right onto the Southern Highway (follow sign to Punta Gorda). Drive approximately thirty-minutes down the Southern Highway to the village of Maya Center; turn right into the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary access road (signposted on the highway). Drive six miles on unpaved road to the visitor center.

By public transportation: The Southern transport bus line traveling from Belize City to Punta Gorda will stop at Maya Center if requested (approximately 3 ½ hours). From Maya Center, Cockscomb Basin is a six (6) mile hike, or a US$15.00 taxi journey.

By air: You can fly from Belize City to Dangriga via Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. The flight takes approximately 20 minutes. From Dangriga either take a taxi to cockscomb or take a bus to Punta Gorda and ask to stop at Maya Center. From Maya Center, Cockscomb Basin is a six (6) mile hike or a US$15.00 taxi journey.

Cockscomb Basin Accommodation
Cockscomb Basin wildlife Sanctuary offers basic overnight accommodations. It is not a jungle lodge but it provides comfortable lodging for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Meals are self-catering – there is a communal kitchen with stoves and crockery and cooking utensils for rent. Visitors are required to bring their own food and water.

Private Cabin:
Private cabin boasts a spacious verandah, outdoor seating, wildlife views and a comfortable living area. It can sleep a maximum of six (6) people (one double bed and two bunk beds). Pillows and sheets are provided and lights are solar powered. The private bath has a cold-water shower and composting toilet. Price – US$53.50 per night for the cabin

Dormitory:
From its large verandah, the dormitory has relaxing views of the Outlier Peak and the jungle. It sleeps a maximum of 24 people in four (4) separate rooms. There are three bunk beds with pillows and sheets in each room. Lights are solar powered. Separate male and female bathrooms have cold-water showers and composting toilets. Price – US$18.20 per person per night

The White House:
This house provides secluded, self-contained accommodations at the entrance to the park. Backing onto the river and jungle, the wildlife is abundant – and easily viewed from the screened verandah. The house has its own kitchen and dining area, with refrigerator, stove, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. The two bedrooms both contain a double bed and a bunk bed each. The bathroom has flush toilet and cold-water shower. Price – US$53.50 per night for the house

Mujan Naj (Bird House): The newest cabin has an attractive screened living area with table and chairs – ideal for relaxing after a long day’s hiking. It sleeps a maximum of four (4) people. One bedroom has a double bed and the other bedroom has a bunk bed. It has a private bathroom with flush toilet and cold water shower. Price – US$53.50 per cabin per night

Rustic Cabin: Centrally located, this cabin accommodates a maximum of ten (10) persons, in bunk beds (pillows and sheets are provided) in a total of three (3) rooms. Bathroom facilities (cold water shower block and pit latrines) are shared.
Price – US$8.03 per person per night." The Belize Audubon Society.

Belize Protected Areas
Belize protected areas include Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Blue Hole National Park, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, Guanacaste National Park, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Victoria Peak Natural Monument, etc.

"The Government of Belize has fixed entrance fees for the parks. These fees are collected by the Belize Audubon Society, and are used towards the costs of maintaining and protecting these areas. The fees are discounted for Belizeans to encourage local people to visit the parks." http://www.belizeaudubon.org

To become a member of the Belize Audubon Society and pledge your support, fill out the Membership Form and email membership@belizeaudubon.org or fax the Audubon at: 501.223.4985, or send it to: Belize Audubon Society, P.O. Box 1001, Belize City, BELIZE, along with a check or money order payable to: Belize Audubon Society.