Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve Belize

The worlds first sanctuary created specifically for the elusive jaguar

The Cockscomb Basin, is ringed on three sides by high ridges and mountains , being a protected rain forest it's name comes from the cockscomb profile of the nearby Maya Mountains. Home to the elusive Jaguar and other rare species such as the red eye tree frog, this Reserve can only be reached by a very rough six mile mud road.

It is best to visit during the "dry season" which runs from February - May. During the wet season June-January most of the annual 180 inches of rain occurs thus roads can be impasable.

Inside the Preserve well-maintained trails have been cut to give visitors a taste of the area's bio-diversity, offering impressive views and an ideal environment for plant spotting, serious birding or seeking out wildlife, jungle flora and fauna in a wilderness state.There are numerous hiking trails for exploring the area,including a 3 day hike to Victoria Peak, the second highest mountain peak in Belize. Inner tubes can be rented to float down the Stann Creek River. Although Jaguars inhabit the area, it is unlikely you will see one as they are nocturnal.

This was to be our home for one night, which would give us the opportunity to learn more of the Mayan culture.After which we would  continue on to the Mayan Temple deep in the jungle. It was an interesting visit , as many items were in the tiny museum located inside. One of the items was a skull from the Fer-De-Lance ,a large snake that can grow up to eighteen feet in length. Looking at the skull, I first thought it to be a horse head,guess I don't want to meet up with one of these in some dark corner of the jungle.

Beings our expedition to the "Secret Temple" had been canceled due to storms and raging rivers, we were obliged to stay 2 nights . The little cabin we were staying in had no facilities or electricity. For entertainment our little group decided to play shadow puppets by the light given off by our kerosene lantern. What a  thrill, sitting in the middle of a jungle playing shadow puppets.! It turned out to be a real hoot!

The second night Ernesto, the manager of the Jaguar Reserve offered to guide us on a night time expedition into the bush to see if a jaguar could be spotted. He explained that if we did see a jaguar, we should aim our light at him, as it would drive him off, he then explained that if a Fer-De-Lance was spotted it would be best to turn our flash lights off, as the light would attract the snake to us. I'm sitting here thinking, "What if we see one of each."  He further stated that a quick get-a-way might be in order in case the snake decided to follow us. The ground was extremely slippery and several of the tribe had already fallen, so the enthusiasm quickly faded.

Some how playing shadow puppets seemed like a good alternative.

Ernrsto stayed with us this evening and thus we learned a lot more of the Belizian way of life and the Mayan culture.

Gary is a travel writer and photographer living in Sarasota,Florida. He has a website featuring  more photos and articles and also markets products featuring some of his travel photos