Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

A haven for the endangered jaguar, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary covers 128,000 acres of rainforest in the Cockscomb Range of the Maya Mountains. With the neighboring Bladen Nature reserve to the south, jaguars have a combined 250,000 acres to roam free of worry from poachers. This haven makes Belize the most jaguar-populated country in the world.

Want to get a glimpse of a jaguar? The best way for a chance to see one is by going on an evening guided tour. If night hiking and giant predators are not for you, there are plenty of animals to see during the day, including pumas, margays, ocelots, kajous, deer, peccaries and tapirs. Not to mention birds, Cockscomb has over 300 different species at any given time, including Keel-Billed Toucan, King Vulture, several hawk species and scarlet macaws. As a side note, Cockscomb is also home to several bugs and insects, so be sure to bring bug spray and long clothing.