Top Ten Central America Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

When zoologist Alan Rabinowitz searched for the best place to study jaguars, Belizeans sent him to an abandoned lumber camp 20 miles southwest of Dangriga. What he found was among the healthiest populations of the big cats anywhere in the world. His work led to the establishment of the 102,000-acre Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which protects not only jaguars, but the habitat supporting an intricate web of smaller animals they depend upon.

Most folks visit the Cockscomb as a daytrip from Dangriga, Placencia, or Hopkins (coastal towns with hotels and amenities), but overnighters are also welcome in the sanctuary's campground and rustic cabins (bring your own food). Whatever you do, take a walk on any of the well-maintained forest trails, which vary in length and ruggedness. There are some superb swimming holes and waterfalls where you can cool off after your trek. The visitor center is one of the country's best.