National park · Belize
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Spend a full day hiking to a waterfall and tubing the river; budget BZ$10 entry plus BZ$5 for tube rental. The best months are February–May (dry). Stay overnight in the sanctuary cabins or camp to hear the forest at night. Skip if you only have one day in Stann Creek — do the reef instead.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
520 km² (201 sq mi)201 sq mi (520 km²)
approximate
Established
1986
Best months
Feb–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Belize ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Belize's Immigration Department or a Belizean embassy before booking.
- Belize ↗Snorkel and dive in the marine reserves only with licensed guides; do not touch coral or feed marine life.
- Belize ↗Leaving by land or sea costs BZ$40 (US$20) in cash at the border or dock; the air departure tax is in your ticket.
At a glance
- Country
- Belize
- Area
- 520 km² (201 sq mi)201 sq mi (520 km²)
- 128,000 acres (52,000 ha); figures vary slightly by source.
- Established
- 1986
- Best months
- Feb–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Dangriga
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a 52,000-hectare reserve in the Maya Mountains of southern Belize, protecting jaguars, Baird's tapirs and other wildlife. It is the world's first jaguar preserve. The sanctuary has well-marked trails to waterfalls and swimming holes, a river for tubing, and basic accommodation. It is a 10 km drive from the Southern Highway near Maya Centre, about 30 minutes from Hopkins or Dangriga.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1986.
Size and age
520 km² (201 sq mi)201 sq mi (520 km²) · national park since 1986
128,000 acres (52,000 ha); figures vary slightly by source.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Dangriga.
Why go
- World's first jaguar preserve — a real chance to see jaguar tracks and other wildlife.
- Well-maintained trails through lowland and montane forest to waterfalls and swimming holes.
- Tubing down the South Stann Creek River through the jungle.
- Quiet overnight stays in cabins or camping, with night walks for wildlife.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctCaution
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanDry season starts; good hiking.
- FebDry and cool; best for hiking and Victoria Peak.
- MarDry and warm; peak season.
- AprDry and hot; good for river tubing.
- MayDry early, rains start late May.
- JunRainy season begins; trails muddy, river high.
- JulRainy; leeches on trails.
- AugRainy; some trails may close.
- SepRainy; hurricane risk.
- OctRainy; trails wet.
- NovDrying out; good hiking.
- DecDry season returns; cool.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaguar (tracks and sightings possible)All year · Rare; best chance on night walks or early morning. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Baird's tapirAll year · Shy; seen near water. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Howler monkeysAll year · Common; heard throughout the forest. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (toucans, motmots, trogons)All year · Good birdwatching year-round. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Leeches on trailsJun–Oct · Present in wet season; wear long trousers and use repellent. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Dangriga
Drive or take a taxi/bus south on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 10 km (6.2 mi) west on a dirt road to the sanctuary.Drive or take a taxi/bus south on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 6.2 mi (10 km) west on a dirt road to the sanctuary.
45 min
Open the page →
From Hopkins
Drive or take a taxi/bus south on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 10 km (6.2 mi) west.Drive or take a taxi/bus south on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 6.2 mi (10 km) west.
30 min
Open the page →
From Placencia
Drive north on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 10 km (6.2 mi) west.Drive north on the Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 6.2 mi (10 km) west.
1 h
Open the page →
From Belize City
Drive south on the Hummingbird Highway and Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 10 km (6.2 mi) west.Drive south on the Hummingbird Highway and Southern Highway to Maya Centre, then 6.2 mi (10 km) west.
2.5 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor centre and entrance | Entry gate, shop, picnic area, start of main trails. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Waterfall trails | Several trails leading to waterfalls and swimming holes (e.g., Ben's Bluff, Ribbon Falls, Three Sisters). | Open; well-marked. |
| River tubing area | South Stann Creek River; tube rental at the visitor centre. | Open; life jackets provided. |
| Victoria Peak trail | A challenging 4-day trek to Victoria Peak (1,120 m), the highest point in the Maya Mountains. | Guided only; dry season only. |
| Campground and cabins | Basic camping and cabin/dormitory accommodation near the visitor centre. | Open; book in advance. |
Sketch map
- 1Visitor centre · Headquarters≈16.800, -88.473Map ↗
- 2Maya Centre turn-off · Gate≈16.780, -88.400Map ↗
- 3Ben's Bluff viewpoint · Viewpoint≈16.810, -88.480Map ↗
- 4Ribbon Falls · Viewpoint≈16.820, -88.490Map ↗
- 5Three Sisters Falls · Viewpoint≈16.830, -88.500Map ↗
- 6Victoria Peak · Summit≈16.850, -88.550Map ↗
- 7Campground · Sleep≈16.800, -88.473Map ↗
Take the points offline
7 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation; trails are not precisely mapped.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry fee | BZD 10 | person | 2026 estimate; paid at the visitor centre. |
| Tube rental | BZD 5 | person | For floating down the river. |
| Camping (per person per night) | BZD 10–15 | person | 2026 estimate; check. |
| Cabin or dormitory (per person per night) | BZD 25–40 | person | 2026 estimate; self-cook kitchen available. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry ticket permit or guide
Guide for Victoria Peak trek permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- BZD 10
- BZD 5
- BZD 10–15
- BZD 25–40
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Check with the park or your operator before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without permission from the sanctuary management (check).check
- Guides
- Required for the Victoria Peak trek; recommended for night walks.
- Camping
- Only in designated campground; no backcountry camping.
- Fires and litter
- No fires; carry out all rubbish.
- Swimming
- Swim only in designated areas; waterfalls have strong currents after rain.
Where to stay
In the park
Sanctuary cabins and dormitories
Basic accommodation with shared kitchen; book ahead.
In the park
Sanctuary campground
Non-powered sites; bring your own tent and supplies.
Near the park
Hopkins
Garífuna village with hotels, lodges and restaurants, 30 min drive.
Near the park
Dangriga
Town with hotels and guesthouses, 45 min drive.
Safety
Heat and humidity on trails medium
Getting lost on trails medium
River currents after rain medium
Wildlife encounters low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The visitor centre and nearby trails are flat and accessible by car.
- Most hiking trails are steep and rough; not suitable for limited mobility.
- River tubing requires getting in and out of a tube; life jackets are provided.
Visiting lightly
- Pack out all rubbish; there are no bins on the trails.
- Use biodegradable soap if swimming or washing.
- Support the sanctuary by staying overnight and buying supplies at the visitor centre shop.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Entry is BZ$10 per person (2026 estimate). Tube rental is BZ$5. Camping and cabin rates are extra.
What are the best hikes in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
Ben's Bluff (2–3 h, moderate), Ribbon Falls (3–4 h, moderate), Three Sisters Falls (4–5 h, hard), and the Victoria Peak trek (4 days, expert, guide required).
When is the best time to visit Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary?
February to May (dry season) for hiking and river tubing. The rainy season (June–October) brings mud, leeches and higher river levels.
Can I see jaguars in Cockscomb Basin?
Jaguars are present but rarely seen. Your best chance is on a guided night walk or early morning hike. Tracks and signs are common.
Do I need a guide for Cockscomb Basin?
Only for the Victoria Peak trek. Day hikes on the main trails are self-guided and well-marked. Night walks are better with a guide.
Is there accommodation inside the sanctuary?
Yes: basic cabins, dormitories and a campground. Book ahead. You can also stay in Hopkins or Dangriga, a 30–45 minute drive away.
Can I swim in the waterfalls?
Yes, in designated swimming holes. Avoid swimming after heavy rain when currents are strong.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
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