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Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Maya Center Village, Stann Creek

Hotel Description

There is a wide variety of accommodations at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. It is not quite jungle lodge standard, but provides comfortable lodging for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Meals are self-catering. There is a large kitchen and dining area, with cooker, fridge and cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils for rent but visitors need to bring their own food.

Private Cabin: The private cabin boasts spacious verandah, outdoor seating, wildlife views and comfortable living area. It can sleep a maximum of 6 people ? in a double bed and 2 bunks, with pillows and sheets provided. Lights are solar powered. The private bathroom has a cold-water shower and composting toilet. (Price: US$49.05/night)

The White House: This secluded, self-contained accommodation at the entrance to the park backs up to the river and jungle. The wildlife is abundant and easily viewed from the screened verandah. The apartment has its own kitchen and dining area, with fridge, cooker, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. Two bedrooms contain a double bed and 2 bunks. The bathroom has toilet and cold-water shower. (Price: US$54.50/night)

Dormitory: From its large verandah, the dormitory has relaxing views of Outlier Peak and the jungle. It sleeps 24, in 4 separate rooms. There are bunk beds, with sheets and pillows provided. Lights are solar powered. Separate men & women?s bathrooms have cold water showers and composting toilets. (Price: US$18.53 per person per night).

Mujan Naj House (Bird House): The newest cabin has an attractive screened living area with table and chairs, ideal for relaxing after a long day of hiking. It sleeps a maximum of four (4) people. One bedroom has a double bed and the other bedroom has a bunk bed. It has a private bathroom with flush toilet and cold water shower. (Price: US$54.50 for the cabin per night)

Rustic Cabin: Centrally located, this cabin accommodates a maximum of 8 people, in bunk beds (sheets and pillows provided) in 4 rooms. Bathroom facilities (cold water shower block and pit latrines) are shared with the other cabins. (Price: US$8.17 per person per night)

Campgrounds: There are 3 campgrounds, all with raised tent areas, picnic shelters and tables. The main campground is 2 minutes from the Visitors Center and has access to toilets and showers. (Price: US$2.68 per person per night). The other two campgrounds are on trails: Tiger Fern and Outlier. Both have pit latrines and water only obtainable from nearby rivers. (Price: US$5.45 per person per night)

History & Owners
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1990, is world renowned for being the first jaguar reserve. Over 128,000 acres of lush jungle are ringed by the spectacular Cockscomb Mountains. The wonders and diversity are accessible to both the casual visitor and the serious naturalist through a series of nature trails. These trails vary in degrees of difficulty ranging from an easy hour-long stroll along the river to a four (4) day challenge of conquering Victoria Peak.

Amenities

	Phone on Site		Camping Available
	Snack/Gift Shop		Children Allowed

Tours

Can Arrange

Languages Spoken

	English		Spanish
	Mopan Maya		Kekchi Maya

Location & Directions
6 1/2 miles Cockscomb Road, Maya Center Village
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is located 6 to 61/2 miles off the Southern Highway, approximately 20 miles from Dangriga.

By Car: From Belize City, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Take the Western Highway out of Belize City, turn left onto the Hummingbird Highway (signposted to Belmopan), then right onto the Southern Highway (signposted to Punta Gorda), just six miles before Dangriga. The turnoff to Cockscomb is located at Maya Center, about 20 minutes after turning onto the Southern Highway. It is noticeable by the large thatched buildings on the right-hand side of the road and the jaguar preserve signs. Visitors should park at the turnoff, and pay the entrance fee at the Maya Center Women?s Center and then drive up the dirt road (6 to 6 1/2 miles) to the Cockscomb Basin Visitor?s Center.

By Bus: The BBDC, National Transport or James Bus Service from Belize City to Punta Gorda will stop at Maya Center, if requested (about 3.5 hrs). All buses stop in Dangriga before proceeding south. Upon arrival at Maya Center, visitors will need to pay the entrance fee at the Maya Center Women?s Center. From here, the actual park is 6.5 miles down a dirt road. Visitors can hike into the park (roughly 2 hours) or hire a local taxi from the village to drive them (US$12.50 taxi journey one-way).

By Plane: Flights are available from Belize City to Dangriga (Maya Island Air or Tropic Air) and take approximately 20 minutes. From Dangriga either take a taxi (US$75) to Cockscomb or take a bus to Punta Gorda and ask to stop at Maya Center.

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Name: Delia Noble
Email: giftshop@belizeaudubon.org
Email2: base@btl.net
Telephone: ++(501)223-5004/4987/4988
Fax: ++(501)223-4985
Website: http://www.belizeaudubon .org
Mailing Address:
Belize Audubon Society,P. O. Box 1001
Belize City

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Wildlife, flora, and fauna
Hiking and waterfalls
Knowledgeable and friendly park wardens

Price Range in US $

Less than $30

Group Rates Negotiable

Yes

Type of Payments Accepted

Cash

Reservations

By phone or email

# of Units

13 - 25

Can Accommodate

up to 50 Guests

Park entrance fee (US$5 for non-Belizeans; US$1 for Belizeans) is payable at Maya Center Women's Center.
Cooking facilities available or meals can be catered in from folks in Maya Center Village.
Headquarters for Victoria Peak expeditions.
Night hikes can be arranged.