Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

While not every activity in the Riviera Maya appeals to everyone, the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary offers a fantastic family-friendly experience. Get up close with the region’s endemic animals, including furry primates, while learning about their care. Enjoy swimming in a natural cenote, savoring traditional flavors, and visiting Akumal‘s beautiful beach—all in one fun-filled day.

Where is it?

The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is just off the highway between Tulum and Puerto Aventuras. There are tons of other tourist attractions around, so a visit to this place can easily be combined with many others for a full day.

There is a fair trade scheme that supports artisans from Mayan communities, a research and internship center, and environmental education activities for rural and urban schools; in addition, its environmental enrichment program ensures that the species have an organic introduction to their new natural environment.

The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is not a zoo

Unlike a zoo, the animals here were rescued from different unfortunate circumstances, like floods or mistreatment. As such, some of the animals live in enclosures, while others roam freely. The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary offers visitors different levels of interaction with the animals.

The sanctuary visit involves meeting various species like spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, macaws, and deer. We’ll have educational interactions to observe and respectfully touch them. Trained personnel ensure their safety. You’ll also learn about the rescued species and feel a part of their community.

Touring the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

Interact with deer and goats by offering feed or a branch for them to approach you. Encounter large and vocal parrots up close for a unique experience. While not exotic, being in proximity to these creatures is still special. The main highlight, however, is the monkeys. The sanctuary focuses on conserving spider monkeys, endemic to the region, aiming to bolster their population.

And, if you had fun with the deer and the parrots, wait until a spider monkey ignores every rule about personal space and climbs all around you. Kids seem to love it.

Monkey Sanctuary: a great day in Akumal

The guides are great knowledgeable guides, and they know their stuff for sure. Besides making sure you’re safe while a spider monkey is climbing all over your face, they’ll teach you about the importance these animals have for the ecosystem and Mayan lore and culture.

If you like animals, this place is a must.

Book your tickets now and embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.