Indagare Tour: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1984 and made a sanctuary in 1990, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Central Belize is the world’s first jaguar sanctuary. It includes 200 square miles of protected land and is now home to roughly 70 jaguars along with many of their smaller kin including ocelot, jaguarundi and margay.

Even in this relatively cat-rich environment, seeing one is a long shot. What you will see as you explore the well-maintained trails in the sanctuary are birds of all shapes, colors and sizes. Cockscomb is home to (or on the migration path of) hundreds of species of birds including scarlet macaws (best seen around noon when the heat inspires them to roost in the shade), swooping parrots and huge guans.

More trails lead to impressive waterfalls with welcome swimming holes beneath them. For the truly adventurous the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is also the starting point of the climb to the top of Victoria Peak in the Cockscomb Mountains. At 3,688 feet, Victoria Peak is the second highest mountain in Belize. It takes most people three to five days to summit and return. Indagare members can contact our bookings to team to arrange a day trip.