Hiking in Belize
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Have you ever wanted to hike in the jungle?
This is the hike for you. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South-Central Belize. It is the only wildlife refuge for Jaguars in the world and it is a fairly new National Park that was established in 1984.
Approximately 200 jaguars live in the Sanctuary but actually viewing a jaguar is very slim. The Refuge is home to other rare birds, tapirs, wild pigs, deer and more. We were so excited to see any type of wildlife but sadly we didn’t see much other than some beautiful birds.
We chose to stay in the town of Palencia so we could take a day trip to the Sanctuary to do this hike. (Approximately one hour from the Sanctuary) We rented a car (easy to get around in Belize either by car or golf cart but a car is needed for this trip) and drove to the Sanctuary. Once we arrive there was a $10 BZD fee per person to enter and hike.
The hike. TIGER FERN FALLS. It is rated hard by Alltrails due to the rigorous climb through the dense jungle with a steep incline followed by a steep descent down to the waterfall. (reverse for the way back)
The hike is only about 3.2 miles or 6.7 km with a 1000 feet elevation gain. (The first waterfall pictured here with my husband and son on top of it)
The waterfalls were my main reason for choosing this hike but there are excellent mountain views along with TWO waterfalls. If you do this hike stop at the lower waterfall, take a swim to cool off but definitely continue on to the bigger waterfall at the end of the trail. We swam in the 2nd waterfall for about 45 minutes. (My son swam to the waterfall and was climbing on the rocks. They did not jump or climb to the top of the second waterfall)
We did not see another person at this waterfall. Note*** There was a group being led by a guide that stopped at the lower waterfall. When we did this hike we did not need a guide and we did it with our 2 children ages 15 & 18. As noted below as of 12/22 you need to hire a guide for this hike.
IMPORTANT INFO:
What you will need and reminders:
1. Lots of water. It is the jungle and it is hot and humid. Take more water than your normally do.
2. Snacks. It’ always nice to have snacks wherever you go
3. Your swimsuit. Even I jumped in and we had a blast. The water was so warm
4. Be aware of your surroundings. It is a wildlife sanctuary
5. NO NOT feed any animals of any kind
6. There are benches on this hike near the start. Please stop and rest if needed.
7. Apparently, you cannot do this hike without a guide since December 2022. You can request a guide at the Maya Centre near the Sanctuary
8. Bring Belize cash. They do not take credit cards.
9. No pets allowed.
10. LEAVE NO TRACE THAT YOU WERE THERE. PACK OUT WHAT YOU BRING IN. STAY ON THE TRAIL.
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