Peccary Hills National Park

This park protects a significant area of broadleaf forest and karst topography, providing crucial habitat for collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries,...

Peccary Hills National Park at a Glance

Location
Central Belize & Coastal Plain, Belize, Central & South America
Coordinates
17.347430, -88.391130
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
February to May (dry season) for wildlife and marine reserves.

Getting to Peccary Hills National Park

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Mérida "Lic. Manuel Crescencio Rejón" (MID), 419 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún (CUN), 440 km away.

Weather & Climate in Peccary Hills National Park

The warmest temperatures in Peccary Hills National Park occur in May, averaging 28.0°C (up to 30.0°C). The coolest conditions are in December at 24.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in April with average rainfall of 62.5mm. Average humidity: 80.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.4°C (rainfall: 136.3mm)
  • February: 24.6°C (rainfall: 77.3mm)
  • March: 26.1°C (rainfall: 82.6mm)
  • April: 27.2°C (rainfall: 62.5mm)
  • May: 28.0°C (rainfall: 134.9mm)
  • June: 27.7°C (rainfall: 277.3mm)
  • July: 27.6°C (rainfall: 253.9mm)
  • August: 27.5°C (rainfall: 244.2mm)
  • September: 27.5°C (rainfall: 230.2mm)
  • October: 26.7°C (rainfall: 277.1mm)
  • November: 25.1°C (rainfall: 334.2mm)
  • December: 24.1°C (rainfall: 208.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Peccary Hills National Park

The best months to visit Peccary Hills National Park are February, March, April, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 24.37°C, rainfall 136.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.65°C, rainfall 77.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 81.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 26.05°C, rainfall 82.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 80.6%
  • April: Great, temperature 27.22°C, rainfall 62.5mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 80.1%
  • May: Great, temperature 27.98°C, rainfall 134.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 82%
  • June: Good, temperature 27.74°C, rainfall 277.3mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 84.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 27.63°C, rainfall 253.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 84.1%
  • August: Good, temperature 27.54°C, rainfall 244.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 85.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 27.5°C, rainfall 230.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • October: Good, temperature 26.66°C, rainfall 277.1mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 85.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.05°C, rainfall 334.2mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 24.12°C, rainfall 208.6mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 86.2%

Wildlife in Peccary Hills National Park

Home to 66 recorded species including 31 waterbirds, 18 birds of prey, 8 iconic birds, 4 tropical birds, 2 reptiles, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Peccary Hills National Park

Based on average temperature of 26.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 84%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Peccary Hills National Park

4 safari lodges available.

mid-range

Similar Parks in Central Belize & Coastal Plain

Visitor Tips - Peccary Hills National Park

What truly sets Peccary Hills apart is its incredibly low visitor density, offering an almost private immersion into Belize's vibrant jungle. We love the feeling of discovering hidden trails and spotting elusive wildlife, knowing you're experiencing a truly wild and untamed corner of the world. The sounds of the jungle here are an unforgettable symphony, making every moment feel deeply connected to nature.

Gate Times

Peccary Hills National Park generally welcomes visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. We always recommend confirming current hours with your tour operator or the park office directly, especially during public holidays or for any seasonal adjustments. Permits are essential for entry and specific activities like guided jungle treks; these are best secured in advance through your lodge or a reputable local outfitter, as walk-in availability can be limited, particularly for popular guided experiences. We find booking ahead ensures a smoother, more focused visit.

Tipping

Tipping is a customary way to acknowledge excellent service in Belize, and we encourage it for guides and staff who enhance your experience. For a full-day guide, we suggest $20-30 USD per person, per day, for their invaluable knowledge and spotting skills. For shorter activities or a ranger who assists with a specific sighting, $5-10 USD is appropriate. Lodge or camp staff can be tipped collectively via a central box, or individually for outstanding service, typically $5-10 USD per day for general staff. We always recommend tipping in local currency or USD, and presenting it discreetly with a sincere thank you.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Belize

Travel advisory for Belize

Peccary Hills National Park FAQs

What makes wildlife tracking at Peccary Hills National Park particularly challenging and rewarding?

Peccary Hills' rugged karst topography and dense broadleaf forest create a challenging environment, requiring dedicated effort to spot its elusive large mammals. However, this difficulty ensures a highly authentic and immersive tracking experience, often leading to rare sightings of white-lipped peccaries, jaguars, or tapirs for persistent visitors.

When is the best time to visit Peccary Hills National Park for optimal wildlife tracking conditions?

The dry season, typically from February to May, offers the most favorable conditions for tracking in Peccary Hills. During this period, trails are less muddy and vegetation is slightly less dense, making navigation easier and increasing the chances of spotting wildlife near water sources.

What specific health and safety precautions should I take when visiting Peccary Hills National Park?

Due to the park's moderate malaria risk, it is crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use strong insect repellent. Additionally, the rugged karst terrain demands sturdy hiking boots, careful footing, and ideally, a guide experienced with the park's challenging trails to prevent injuries.

How does the extremely low crowding level at Peccary Hills National Park impact the safari experience?

With a crowding level of 1/5, Peccary Hills offers an exceptionally private and undisturbed wilderness experience, far removed from typical tourist crowds. This allows for intimate wildlife encounters and a profound sense of solitude, making it ideal for serious naturalists and photographers seeking an unadulterated jungle adventure.

Beyond peccaries, what other significant wildlife can visitors hope to track in Peccary Hills' unique habitat?

While collared and white-lipped peccaries are prominent, the park's extensive broadleaf forest and karst features also support a diverse range of large mammals. Serious trackers might encounter Baird's tapirs, various deer species, and even elusive predators like pumas or jaguars, alongside a rich array of birdlife and reptiles.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.