Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife Reserve
Jaguar reserve and rainforest sanctuary in Belize
Protected rainforest reserve in southern Belize, established as the world's first jaguar reserve; visitors hike jungle trails, search for wildlife, visit waterfalls and birdwatch across rugged terrain.
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary at a Glance#
Website: https://www.belizeaudubon.org/
How to Get to Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary#
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary is in southern Belize’s Southern District. The usual approach is by road from Dangriga (about 30-40 km south), via the Hummingbird and Southern Highway network; most visitors travel to Dangriga from Belize City (approx. 2-2.5 hours by car) then hire local transport and guides.
Access to interior trails often requires a guided transfer; reserve staff or local operators can arrange pickups from Dangriga or Hopkins. Some remote trailheads are only reachable on foot or by 4x4.
Tips for Visiting Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary#
- Hire a licensed guide through the Belize Audubon Society or local tour operators to access deeper reserve trails and learn about elusive jaguar and tapir activity.
- Bring insect repellent and a rain jacket - interiors stay humid and showers can appear suddenly even in relatively dry months.
- Opt for an early-morning birding trek on the Mountain Pine Ridge foothills for the best chance at keel-billed toucans and the endemic orange-breasted falcon.
Best Time to Visit Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary#
Best visited in the dry season for easier trail access and better wildlife visibility; guided trips recommended year-round.
Weather & Climate near Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary#
Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2183 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 18° - 27° | 23° | 142 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 19° - 28° | 23° | 65 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 20° - 30° | 25° | 62 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 22° - 31° | 26° | 53 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 23° - 32° | 27° | 106 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 23° - 31° | 27° | 265 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 22° - 30° | 26° | 301 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 22° - 31° | 27° | 261 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 22° - 31° | 27° | 296 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 21° - 30° | 26° | 279 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 20° - 28° | 24° | 195 mm | - | - | 1.9 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 19° - 27° | 23° | 158 mm | - | - | 2.0 m/s | - | - |