By: Maco Caribbean Living

Monday September 28,

Eco-adventure is a thrill in itself. Walking along picturesque and sometimes challenging nature trails, kayaking on energetic rivers, and looking for a special species of bird are just some of the ideas that you get when you think, “yeah, I think I’ll go on an adventurous vacation”.

But have you thought about watching jaguars? Yes, jaguars. Yes we mean the type of jaguar that will stealth you carefully, and not drive you around town.

Belize has got a perfectly adventurous experience awaiting nature lovers with its Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to the first jaguar park in the world. Originally established in 1984 to protect a large jaguar population, as well as other resident wildlife, the sanctuary covers an area of about 150 square miles of tropical forest. Jaguars are in fact found in all of Belize's reserves.

Cockscomb is run by the Belize Audubon Society.

The Jaguar is an endangered species, but at Cockscomb, they are doing quite well. Now, for all of you hoping that you’ll see jaguars galore, think again. The chances of seeing one are actually quite slim, but you will see hints of the jaguar being around, for example, foot marks. Jaguars are masters of stealth, so most likely they will be seeing you, but will ensure that you don’t see them.

Cockscomb is also renowned for its bird populations and boasts up to 300 recorded species. These include the macaw, the great curossow and keel-billed toucan. You’ll also see other animals such as the howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, and coatamundi.

Cockscomb has an extensive trail system that includes a kaway swamp with the extensive buttressed roots of the ceiba tree; Ben’s Bluff Waterfall, Waree Loop and Victoria Peak trail. The terrain is dense tropical rainforest with well maintained trails, and jungle canopy to 120'.

The park area is rich in beauty, wildlife and even Maya culture. The highest mountain in Belize, Victoria Peak, presides over the range at 3,675 feet and offers, in its largely unexplored reaches, chances for unrivalled exploration and adventure.

There are trails of all kinds, starting with a self-guided walk. Other short tracks of under a mile cut through the different habitats around the main centre. More demanding paths take you to swimming areas, waterfalls, and up to the pine forests of the basin's rim. A new trail climbs The Outlier, visible from the sanctuary headquarters, and takes a day. For the fit visitors, there is the 17 miles to Victoria Peak, which should be climbed only in the dry season, with a guide. This climb takes four days, and is extremely challenging… extremely!

Facilities at Cockscomb include overnight accommodation and cooking facilities as well as a campground and an extensive trail system. Overnight and camping reservations and guides can be arranged through the Belize Audubon Society and there are several guides at Maya Centre.

The most active times for wildlife are in the rainy season, especially at around June or July. The best time for migrant birds is around December. On cloudy cooler days, in general animals are livelier.

By MACO Caribbean Living