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Jaguar Reserve (Cockscomb Basin)
The reserve has Belize's best-maintained system of jungle and mountain trails, and they are alive with endangered flora and fauna. The mighty jaguar, once the undisputed king of the Central and South American jungles, has a haven in this sanctuary. Although the basin is home to a strong population of jaguars, the chance of actually seeing an elusive jungle cat is pretty slim. The forest is home to a sizable percentage of Belize's plant and animal species. It is an ideal environment for plant spotting, serious birding or seeking out wildlife. Special trails have been cut to give visitors a taste of the area's bio-diversity.
The forest itself is made up of a wide range of plant species. These include some large trees such as Ceiba, Mahogany, and Santa Maria. A large number of orchids and bromeliads can also be found here. Mayflower Bocawina National Park
During our birding tours, we stay at a Belizean owned lodge which is a true eco-lodge located within the park itself, using solar and hydropower for all electricity.
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The Belize Jaguar Reserve is the world's only jaguar preserve. Located in Cockscomb Basin, it is home to jaguars, parrots, black howler monkeys, toucans and a host of other species found only in the tropical forests of Central America. It covers 102,000 acres of lush rain forest in the Maya Mountains of southern Belize.
About 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area. These include the endangered Scarlet Macaw, Keel Billed Toucan, Emerald Toucanet, and the King Vulture. The reserve is also home to an abundance of amphibians and reptiles, including the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Among the mammals are coatis, tapirs, deer, otters, anteaters, armadillos, and of course jaguars.
This recently declared national park is a largely an undiscovered gem. The park is over 7000 acres, and located off of the Southern Highway in the Stann Creek District. It is made up of mostly lowland forest. More than 200 bird species have been sited here. In addition, abundant wildlife, waterfalls, and undisturbed natural setting make this an ideal spot to experience Belize jungle while seeing many birds such as the rare Keel-billed Motmot, trogons, flycatchers, owls, and much more.
Blue Hole National Park is a 575-acre protected area located along the Southern
Highway near Belize's capital city of Belmopan. The park boasts many outstanding
features, including Blue Hole, a magnificent sink hole and its surrounding cave
system. The Blue Hole is actually a short but deep stretch of underground rivers
whose course is revealed by collapse of a limestone cavern. It flows on the surface
for about 55 yards before disappearing beneath another rock face. This is a wonderful
place for bird watching and swimming.
We can easily spend half to a full day here end the trip with a refreshing dip in the pools. A number of stairs descend to this small spring. Its cool, turquoise waters, surrounded by dense forest, overhung with mosses, vines and ferns are the perfect spot for a cool and relaxing dip.