An abundance of visitors come to Belize to see wildlife in a nation so sparsely populated, mile upon mile of rain forest, jungle and preserves keep this wildlife legacy safe for future generations. If asked to pick one animal visitors enjoy seeing most, adults and kids grin when agreeing: “Monkeys!” For North Americans who have never seen a monkey outside a zoo, a Monkey River Tour could be the high point of your travels.

Monkey River Tour

A Monkey River adventure takes travelers deep into the land of Howler Monkeys, primates so loud, they could never hide from predators without giving themselves away. To visit their neighborhood, you’ll first have to journey from Placencia (if you are vacationing in Placencia Peninsula) to Monkey River Village by boat, passing  mangrove swamp and other exotic scenery that includes wild flowers, scaly critters and (if you’re lucky) manatees, since these gentle marine mammals make their homes here among mangrove-filled estuaries.

Why visit Monkey River?

This one-of-a-kind excursion is fascinating and fun for people of all ages. Kids stare wide-eyed at monkeys whose cries far exceed decibels coming from heavy-metal rock bands! Adults learn more about life along a river bank that explodes with color and sounds: birds, animals and plants, all of which co-exist nicely here in southern Belize. Learn about medicinal plants and take a refreshing swim during your tour. You can look forward to Creole cookery prepared by villagers (please bring money for lunch) that is so tasty, even your taste buds will remember your Monkey River Tour.

Where in Belize is it located?

Monkey River Village is located in southern Belize’s Toledo District, in close proximity to towns like Placencia Village and Punta Gorda Town.

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The best time to go

Since the monkeys stick around 12 months of the year, humans eager to see them can show up in Belize year-round, too. Given river access that’s required to get to your destination, it stands to reason that if there’s flooding during the green season, the trip could be a bit more thrilling, but that doesn’t mean tours are cancelled just because it rains!

Best way to get here

If you’ve a car, a map and/or a GPS system, your resort host can point you in the direction of the monkeys from anywhere in southern Belize. No worries about parking. There’s not a single car in the village which has only two streets, so it’s impossible to get lost in Monkey River Village. You can also get here by taking a 15-mile boat ride to the mouth of the Monkey River and then hike to the village. If you’re traveling from other areas in Belize, a tour service is your best bet.

Best way to experience Monkey River Tours

The most highly-recommended way to take a Monkey River Tour is to book a registered tour guide who is well-versed in the area’s animals, people and landscape. Wear hiking shoes to avoid surprises and long pants to protect you from bug bites and thorns. If you intend to swim in the river, bring a suit and don’t leave your sunglasses, sunscreen and hat back at your resort in your excitement. You’ll travel by boat and by foot through forest and along trails to reach Howler Monkey nirvana where you can let loose frustrations by howling at the simians. Travelers tell us that shouting at monkeys is better than therapy and these primates never send a bill!