Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary- Grupo Mayan
The Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1990 and today it is known the world over as the foremost jaguar reserve. Being the only sanctuary of its kind in the world it became establish as an outgrowth of a series of Jaguar studies conducted within the area by Alan Rabinowitz. Not only does this preserve act in support of the local jaguar population but it also serves as protection for the beginning of the areas two major rivers as well as the hardwood and faunal protection. It is an ever popular spot for grandmayan guests to visit.
With a backdrop consisting of the Cockscomb Mountains, this reserve contains over 128,000 square acres of lavish jungle. Through a succession of nature trails, the marvels of the preserve and the jungle specifically are candidly flaunted, to not just the dedicated naturalist but also to the casual Grupo Mayan visitor. These trails consist of over 20 miles of maintained footpaths that offer the grupo mayan visitor an assortment of hiking experiences which bridges a vast mixture of terrain environment.
Several of these trails have been exclusively intended as learning trails and are complete with supplementary pamphlets and informational packets.
The Grupo Mayan visitor can opt for a trudge along trails spanning the range of difficulty from straightforward one-hour strolls to the more demanding four day excursions to Victoria peak. The challenging Victoria Peak trail is reachable only for the duration of the dry season and it necessitate both a permit as well as a tour guide. Local villages surrounding the sanctuary offer an profusion of experienced and capable guides for hire. The trail tends to offer the Grupo Mayan guests some very awe-inspiring vistas of the many extraordinary features, which abound within the sanctuary. Should the nature hikes prove too strenuous the Grupo Mayan visitor can always opt to relax with a refreshing swim.
A substantial amount of fun can be gained in the way of water sports while swimming and tube floating down the South Stann Creek. Many Grupo Mayan visitors who arrive with their personal equipment take advantage of the stimulating kayaking and canoeing possibilities.
For those who have selected a hike using the Tiger Fern trail or perhaps the trail, which ultimately leads to Ben’s Bluff, a dip in the nearby waterfalls, is a definite necessity. No trip on these trails would be complete without it.
The Wildlife Sanctuary is the sheltered dwelling for five of the areas large cat population, which embraces the Jaguar, Margay, Ocelot, Puma and the Jaguarundi. Just in Jaguar population alone it is projected that at least 80 of these large cats are residing in the nature preserve.
As would be expected in a wild jungle environment, as this there exists much in the way of wildlife. It is common for the grandmayan visitor to the area to glimpse Tayra, Kinkajou, Baird Tapir, Neotropical River Otter, any of the five species of large cats as well as numerous retiles and snakes. You can find over 290 bird species here ranging from the beautiful Scarlet Macaw or the majestic King Vulture all the way to the tiny hummingbirds. It is definitely a side trip that all grandmayan guests should partake in.