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The Preserve

In 1986 the government staked off a large pocket of this dense forest and declared it off limits to hunters and loggers. Then in 1990 the sanctuary was expanded to total over 100,000 acres. The sanctuary is not only home to a large population of jaguars, but you may also find a puma, ocelot, red-eyed tree frog, boa constrictor, leaf-cutter ant, Jesus lizard (because they walk on their hind legs on top of the water using their tail as a ruttier), tapir, scarlet macaws and peccary. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately!), you are not very likely to run into any jaguars since they are nocturnal and really shy away from artificial smells on humans. [night feeders - so only expect the excitement of a paw print or other signs.] While you are hiking the (most likely) muddy trails examine the lush vegetation and beautiful plants and flowers. Look up you will see incredible looking orchids in the treetops.

	Belize National Animal - Tapir

Throughout the sanctuary is a network of well-marked trails, including a short self-guided nature tour and paths leading to swimmable waterfalls and a gothic-looking plane wreck. When you arrive stop in the sanctuary headquarters for information and a trail map. Close to the preserve's northwest boundary is Victoria Peak, the highest mountain in Belize at 3,675 feet.

It can get quite muddy and humid inside the forest under the canopy of vegetation. Shorts and a tee are appropriate with sneakers or boots.

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Driving from Belize City

Drive south to the 'Coxcomb Basin Jaguar Preserve'. The land rises gradually from the coastal plain to the Mayan mountains. Heavy rain along the granite peaks of the Maya mountain range [up to 160 inches per year] - real rain forest.

Tips - "Maya Center"

There is a village called 'Maya Center' before you enter the park. Call ahead and they will be able to help you much better. Guides available. From 10.00 per day on up. They will give you trail maps and tips. Phone number: 5-12021 - 'Maya Center' - call from your hotel before you leave. Pick up Maya Center and Audubon Society brochures, maps, etc.
They will give you a questionnaire so they can fill your wants/needs better. Once inside there is an 'Audubon Society' station. They will assess your endurance and needs to advise you on appropriate trails - waterfalls - tubing and other information helpful for enjoying the preserve and rain forest.