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.

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. About 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area. These include the endangered Scarlet Macaw, Keel Billed Toucan, Emerald Toucan, 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. 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.

The park area is rich in beauty, wildlife and even Maya culture; a well concealed minor Maya ceremonial site known as Chucil Baluum is typical of the Classic Period The Cockscomb Mountain Range towers over the basin to the north. The highest mountain in Belize, Victoria Peak at 3,675 feet presides over the range and offers, in its largely unexplored reaches, chances for unrivaled exploration and adventure. The fine and abundant stands of mahogany and cedar have historically been in demand throughout this area and logging here provided a staple of Belize's economy for many years.

The Jaguar (Panthera onca) is the third largest member of the cat family and endangered in most of its range. Here at Cockscomb, the Jaguar is doing quite well and is by no means the only beneficiary of the safety of the preserve. Please note that a visit to the Jaguar Preserve may likely provide you with signs of recent Jaguar activity, but it is highly unlikely that an actual Jaguar sighting will occur. These wonderful animals are masters of stealth and their very existence is based on their seeing, but not being seen. Other cats such as the Puma, Ocelot, Jaguarundi and Margay, as well as Peccary, Paca, Brocket Deer, Tayra, Otter, jaguarundi, peccary, howler monkey, gibnut, agouti, snakes, coatamundi and Coatimundi, enjoy a population density difficult to achieve in most locations.

The other feature of Cockscomb is that it offers the chance to overnight in the deep isolation of the Basin's forest, surrounded by the calls of Paraque (sounds like 'hoo-yoo'), the Slaty-breasted Tinimou, screeching insects and the gentle wind through the tree tops. It's not everyone's idea of a good night out, but for people who love the outdoors, its a magical experience.

Inner tubes can be hired for river trips. There's a visitor center and there are swimming areas and various types of accommodations in the sanctuary. At the time of writing there are a campsite bunkhouse and a two- person cottage around the headquarters area. New outlying campsites are being set up this year (1996) for those wanting to stay deeper in the forest, and more comfortable guest houses are being put up in the headquarters grounds. To fully explore the trail system takes two to three days.