About Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve

In an effort to save the wild cats, Dr. Allan Robinowitz visited Belize in 1984, and started his research in the Cockscomb Basin, a place with a small number of the world's second largest cat -the JAGUAR. However, the establishment of the COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY JAGUAR PRESERVE in 1986 has helped to increase the population of these endangered cats.

Much logging was in process in 1976 to 1984 but since the closing down of the logging company, most Mayan workers were left unemployed. They decided to make the cockscomb mountains their home and named the village Quan Bank because of the large number of Crested Quans used for food. The mayans were well established and enjoying the beauty of the area when they were informed to leave the area because it would be used for the Jaguar Preserve, something very new to them.

They were removed from the area and relocated to the already well established Maya Center village.

In 1986, the Cockscomb Basin wildlife Sanctuary was officially established. This became home to many species including the Jaguar and other wild cats such as the Puma, Margay,Ocelot and the black jaguar. It is now known that there is 44 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. This reserve is also home to many species of trees such as Santa Maria, Nargusta, Rose wood, Mahogany and Negrito. The area provides the country with three major rivers Sittee River, South Stann creek River, Swasey River and many other streams and tributaries, which makes it a very important water shed.

GETTING TO COCKSCOMB JAGUAR RESERVE AND COCKSCOMB TOURS.

From Belize City. You can get a bus that is travelling South to Punta Gorda or get a flight from Belize International Airport to Dangriga municipal airstrip and get a cab to the bus terminal, heading south to Placencia or Punta Gorda, and stop at Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve Access Road. We are the 2nd building on the right, next to Maya Center Women’s Group gift shop. Look for our sign or ask for Julio Saqui.

From Placencia. There are early morning buses heading north and all buses pass through Maya Center Village. Just do the opposite to head back to Placencia. This gives you enough time to book a tour and get back on the bus to your hotel. If you would like a trouble free trip, we can pick you up at location and take you to Cockscomb.

Getting to Cockscomb Maya Tours Office