Stretching across Belize, Guatemala and Mexico, the Maya Forest is an essential biodiversity haven in Central America and one of the last few refuges in the region for a number of species.
Covering more than 120,000 square kilometres, the Maya Forest is predominantly tropical rainforest, yet it also encompasses areas of pine savannah and wetlands. This variety of habitats further promotes the astonishing diversity of species found here. The forest is host to over 200 species of tree, more than 350 species of bird and in excess of 75 species of mammal.
Some of the species that can be observed here include Yucatan black howler monkey, keel-billed toucan, kinkajou, numerous parrots, white-nosed coati, ocellated turkey, king vulture and jaguarundi. Even puma and jaguar can be spotted occasionally at dawn and dusk.
Key info
- Ideal for viewing: keel-billed toucan, kinkajou, ocellated turkey, black-handed spider monkey, golden-hooded tanager
- Where: Western Belize, Belize
