Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve is a national treasure in the Plancecia area of Belize, very near to Mariposa’s Bed and Breakfast. One of the only Jaguar preserves on the planet, Cockscomb Basin leads the world in Jaguar research and care. Founded in 1990, the wildlife preserve has been going strong ever since and provides a great day of education and wonder for all visitors. The Cockscomb Basin area (so named for a string of mountains that look like the top of a rooster’s comb) was one of the most heavily populated Mayan areas on Belize and was inhabited by them as early as 10,000 BC.
The Pearce ruins were the first Mayan ruins to be catalogued in the area (1888 AD) and the touch of the Mayan people has only been found to have grown since then. A small hidden Maya ceremonial site called Chucil Baluum hides within the preserve and the nearby Victoria Peak (3,675 feet and the tallest mountain in Belize) stands tall over the area.
Any travelers wishing to experience a nearby slice of Mayan history and a wonderful example of a thriving wildlife preserve would not be disappointed when checking out the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve.