Cockscomb Basin

Established in 1986, this sanctuary encompasses roughly 400 square kilometers of rainforest within the Maya Mountains. It was created specifically for the protection of the jaguar, but it also houses pumas, ocelots, tapirs, and over 300 species of birds. Although the big cats are nocturnal and extremely elusive, their tracks are frequently found along the muddy trails. The sanctuary is a premier destination for hikers. The trail network ranges from easy nature walks to the multi-day expedition up Victoria Peak, the second-highest mountain in Belize. The Tiger Fern Trail leads hikers up a steep incline to a beautiful double waterfall with a deep pool, offering a refreshing swim after the strenuous climb. The dry season between February and May is the best time to explore the basin. Access is typically through the village of Maya Centre on the Southern Highway, where the ticket office is located. From there, an unpaved road leads several kilometers into the jungle to the visitor center. Strong insect repellent and sturdy hiking shoes are an absolute necessity.

Nearby cities

Punta Gorda

The southernmost town in Belize and the gateway to the Toledo District.

Punta Gorda (Toledo Capital)

The capital of the Toledo District and Belize's southernmost town.

Trio Village

An agricultural community on the Southern Highway.

San Pablo (Toledo)

A small Maya settlement in the Toledo District, representing the rural and traditional heart of southern Belize.

San Pedro Columbia

A large Kekchi Maya village in the Toledo District.

Santa Rosa (Toledo)

A Mopan Maya village in the Toledo District, known for its traditional lifestyle and lush rainforest surroundings.

San Miguel (Toledo)

A Maya village within the Columbia River Forest Reserve.

Jalacte

A Maya village on the border with Guatemala in the Toledo District.

Santa Teresa (Toledo)

A traditional Q'eqchi' Maya village in the Toledo District, set in a lush tropical landscape.

San Vicente (Toledo)

A small Maya village in southern Belize.

Big Falls

A village in the Toledo District named after waterfalls on the Rio Grande.

Santa Elena (Toledo)

A remote Q'eqchi' Maya village in the Toledo District, offering a glimpse into traditional indigenous life.

Bella Vista (Toledo)

One of the largest villages in Toledo, mainly inhabited by immigrants.

Monkey River Town

A small Creole village at the mouth of the Monkey River.

Maya Mopan

A Mopan Maya community in the Toledo District.

History & landmarks

Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit is a Maya classic period site in the Toledo District, known for its large number of carved stelae.

Nature

Monkey River

A river in southern Belize, named for the howler monkeys along its banks.

Rio Grande (Belize)

One of the main rivers in the Toledo District, important for agriculture.

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Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary

A wetland sanctuary in the Toledo District, important for water birds.

Moho River

A river in southern Belize that flows into the sea near Punta Gorda.

More places

Monkey River Wildlife

A riverbank habitat known for howler monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.

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Toledo Cacao Farms

Small cacao farms and shade-growing systems in southern Belize.

Deep River Forest Reserve

A protected area in southern Belize that protects the river of the same name.

Sapodilla Cayes

A group of islands at the southernmost tip of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Bladen Nature Reserve

An isolated reserve with rainforest, mountains, and rivers.

Maya Mountain Coffee Farms

Coffee cultivation in the cooler highlands of the Maya Mountains.

Bladen Nature Reserve

A pristine and rugged wilderness area protecting some of the most untouched forests in Central America.

Sarstoon-Temash National Park

A remote national park in the south with unique mangrove forests.