3 Must-See Belize National Parks

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Tags: Belize ParksBelize SanctuariesCockscomb Basin Wildlife SanctuaryJaguar PreserveMayflower Bocawina National Park

Although a small nation with just over 400,000 residents and 8,867 square miles of land, 36% of Belize’s land is protected as a reserve or park.  Visitors flock to Belize to experience the beauty of the broadleaf rainforest, enchanting karst landscapes, wondrous archeological sites and jaw dropping reefs.  By visiting Belize’s beautiful wildlife sanctuaries and parks, you can experience the wonder of nature and know that your patronage supports the upkeep and protection of these beautiful areas. 

Check out these 3 must-see inland Belize parks!

1) Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve

Sign at Maya Center Village for the Cockcomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Brief History

The Cockscomb Basin was occupied by the Maya as early as 10,000 BCE. However, the first modern exploration in the recorded history of the basin did not occur until 1888.

In ecological studies by Dr. Alan Rabinowitz 1982 and 1984, he observed that the Cockscomb Basin contained the highest density of jaguars ever recorded. Soon after, the area was declared a forest reserve with a “No Hunting” ordinance to protect the jaguar populations and other wildlife that live in the broadleaf rainforest. A few years later, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary. 

Over the years, the Sanctuary expanded from 3,600 acres to 128,000 acres. The Maya Mountain extension in the south connects Cockscomb with Bladen Nature Reserve, making a continuous corridor of protected area totaling 250,000 acres!

Interesting facts

  • The name “Cockscomb” derives from the appearance of the Cockscomb Mountain ridge, which resembles a rooster‘s comb.  This is situated at the northern fringe of the reserve and is visible from Hamanasi’s Lookout deck.
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) is recognized internationally as the world’s first jaguar preserve.  It is regarded as a premier site for jaguar preservation in the world. 
  • Jaguars are mostly nocturnal and very elusive.  It is extremely rare to see one in the wild!
  • Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is much more than a wildlife sanctuary and jaguar preserve. The area is also essential to protecting the upper watersheds and vital river systems.
  • It is a very wet climate with about 100 inches of rainfall every year, making it one of Belize’s wettest areas.
  • Victoria peak, Belize’s second tallest peak, is located in the CBWS.
  • The Maya Mountains and surrounding foothills are some of the oldest surface rock formations in Central America.  The Paleozoic sediments were raised about 200 million years ago!

You never know what you’ll see during a CBWS night hike! Photo by Hamanasi guest Jason Otte.

Don’t Miss Out!

  • Explore the wildlife sanctuary by day, allowing you to see the lush fauna, swim in waterfalls and perhaps see some interesting wildlife, but DON’T miss out on exploring the area by night for a totally different experience!  See what the nightlife is like in the broadleaf rainforest.  When exploring at night, the quieter you are able to be, the more wildlife you have the chance to see!
  • Swim in a refreshing waterfall after a rigorous hike!
  • Keep your eyes peeled for jaguar footprints on the trail.

2) St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park

Trail to St. Herman’s Cave

Brief History

Just off the Hummingbird Highway 12 miles (19 km) east of Belmopan is St. Herman Blue Hole National Park. The ancient Maya journeyed into Xibalba, the underworld, in St. Herman’s Cave and Mountain Cow Cave (also known as Crystal Cave) located in the park and performed sacred rituals.  The cenote was a source of freshwater and considered sacred.  In modern times, this area was first highlighted as a popular destination in 1965.  In 1986, St. Herman’s Cave and the inland Blue Hole became a National Park after funds from the MacArthur Foundation underwrote a project that enhanced the location and helped curb erosion.

The park was originally named Blue Hole National Park.  This was changed in 2005, to avoid confusion with Blue Hole National Monument, which is a popular dive destination at Lighthouse Reef Atoll.  The original name is inspired by the freshwater cenote, or sinkhole that people love to swim in.  Today, the park is managed by the Belize Audubon Society.

Interesting facts 

  • St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park has over 575 acres of lush tropical rainforest. 
  • The national park is home to over 200 bird species!
  • St. Herman’s cave was once used for ceremonies and rituals by the ancient Maya, remnants of which were left behind when the cave dwellers relocated.

The Inland Blue Hole, a freshwater cenote, is perfect for a swimming after caving. Photo: Dave Unger

Don’t Miss Out!

  • Explore St. Herman’s Cave – go spelunking with a guide & learn about the history of the ancient Maya.
  • Take a refreshing swim in the Inland Blue Hole to cool off after a technical hike through the cave.
  • Lookout for birds and other wildlife!

3) Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Drive 30 minutes from Hamanasi through orchards and rainforest to arrive at Mayflower.

Brief History

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park (MBNP) is an ideal place to hike amidst the lush rainforest while observing evidence of the ancient Maya.

This Park is located approximately 45 minutes from Hamanasi and is a favorite destination for visitors & locals alike.  It was established in 2001, initially focused on the Mayan Mayflower archeological complex. The purpose of the National Park eventually evolved to include the natural beauty of the ecosystem – including its many waterfalls – while highlighting native plants and animals.  Now, several trails throughout the park leading to gorgeous waterfalls, some with ideal swimming holes.

Throughout Mayflower Bocawina National Park (MBNP) there is evidence of the ancient Maya.  Three sites of the Mayflower Complex are mostly hidden by the jungle and comprise Maintzunun, Mayflower and T’au Witz, all of which were part of Terminal Classic to Early Post Classic occupation Period (late 800/early 900AD).  The Mayflower Mayan complex consists of a total of 11 structures, with two pyramid mounds, a formal cluster and two aguadas (water reservoirs). Some of the artifacts discovered at these sites have included a hammer stone, pottery shreds, crushed vases, effigy censer, a mortar cup and one light green stone bead. 

Interesting facts

  • The park is over 7,000 acres.
  • MBEDG’s mission statement is to contribute to the preservation and conservation of the natural resources of the Freshwater Creek and North Stann Creek watersheds of Belize through the effective management of MBNP, while providing income generating opportunities for local stakeholders, thereby benefiting present and future generations.
  • The park has one Park Manager and five Park Rangers diligently working to maintain the park and its trails. Each year Hamanasi’s guides assist in the maintenance of the park’s trails. 
  • The park has two unexcavated Mayan Temple Mounds, as well as many other unexplored Mayan sites.

After a strenuous hike, reward yourself with a refreshing swim!

Don’t Miss Out

  • Don’t forget to check out the small teaching center located in the plaza area. The exhibit includes a brief history of the Maya, as well as modern impacts on the area. There are a few interactive exhibits that are designed for younger visitors too!
  • Hike up the strenuous but rewarding Antelope Falls trail, take a selfie at the vista and swim in the natural pool at the waterfall.
  • For those of you who love extreme adventures, ask the Adventure Center concierge about waterfall rappelling or Ziplinning at MBNP!

Many thanks to Hamanasi guests for providing photos, including Jason Otte, Camille Rodriguez, Elsie Storm and David Unger!