COKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

There are over 30 kilometers of marked trails in the reserve, from a short one-hour stroll along the river to a multi-day expedition to the peaks. Check out the map on the front of the Visitor Center. If you'd like to enhance your discovery by observing the park's animal life, it's highly recommended that you spend a night on site to start walking at dawn: the Wari Loop Trail is reputed to be fairly easy, and you'll already see plenty. To reach the region's (if not the country's) most beautiful waterfalls, however, you'll need to take the more challenging Tiger Fern Trail. As you climb to the top of Ben's Bluff, a corridor of rainforest stretches out before you, reaching as far as the Guatemalan Petén. From here, you can already see Outlier Peak, which can be reached in a day's round-trip walk (14 km), unless you prefer to camp on site. Don't forget your bathing suit and towel, as you'll often come across waterfalls and pools. Insects abound here, so long-sleeved pants and t-shirts are not a luxury.

Experienced guides who have grown up in this environment can be easily contacted at Maya Center; if you wish to organize your visit in advance and stay in the park, it's best to contact the Audubon Society beforehand. If you plan to spend several days in the park, it's a good idea to stock up on provisions before you go.