Monkeyland Puerto Plata - Image 1
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Monkeyland Puerto Plata

4.7
·436 reviews·Los Llabones, Dominican Republic

Experience close encounters with friendly squirrel monkeys in a lush natural sanctuary, complemented by local tastings and cultural insights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Monkeyland Puerto Plata - Image 1

Monkeyland Puerto Plata

Best Time

Mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience close encounters with friendly squirrel monkeys in a lush natural sanctuary, complemented by local tastings and cultural insights.

4.7
(436 reviews)

"This is hands down one of the coolest things that I have ever done."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Bring your camera!

Capture unforgettable moments with the monkeys; many tours include photos.

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking on trails, so sturdy footwear is a must.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Close Encounters with Squirrel Monkeys

Close Encounters with Squirrel Monkeys

Monkey Enclosure

Interact with friendly squirrel monkeys as they climb on you and pose for photos in their natural habitat.

TikTokInstagram+1
Guided Nature Walk

Guided Nature Walk

Ecological Trails

Stroll through lush ecological trails, learning about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.

TikTokInstagram
Local Delicacies Tasting

Local Delicacies Tasting

Tasting Area

Savor authentic Dominican coffee, chocolate, and Mamajuana, often made with local ingredients.

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Planning Your Visit

Book in Advance, Especially During Peak Season

Monkeyland is a popular excursion, and spots can fill up quickly, especially if you're on a cruise. Booking your tickets or tour in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment and secure your preferred time slot. TikTokReddit

Consider the Full Excursion Package

Many visitors opt for excursions that combine Monkeyland with a city tour of Puerto Plata. This offers a more comprehensive experience, often including tastings of local coffee, chocolate, or Mamajuana, making it a great value. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoons
Why
Monkeys are active
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Un paraiso de monos 🐒 en RD🇩🇴 #fyp #monkeyland #monkeys #animallover
@susumourad
21.3K likes • 264.3K views

📸 Bring your camera!

Capture unforgettable moments with the monkeys; many tours include photos. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking on trails, so sturdy footwear is a must. TikTok

📍Monkeyland, Puerto Plata. #monosardilla #puertoplata #monkeyland #monitos #littlemonkey #nature #excursiones #travelblog #travelblogger
@yenifercvega
11.7K likes • 192.8K views
Have you already visited our Monkeyland in Puerto Plata? 🐒✨ If not yet, it's time to live this amazing experience! 🌿🌞 #monkeyland #monkeylandpuertoplata #runnersadventures #puertoplata
runnersadventures
2.3K likes • 59.1K views

💧 Stay hydrated

The Dominican heat can be intense; bring water or purchase it there. TikTok

🐒 Respect the animals

Listen to your guides and avoid startling or overfeeding the monkeys. Reddit

Si te gustan los Monitos🐒, Monkeyland en Puerto Plata es el plan perfecto🌴 Podrás caminar por senderos ecológicos, conocerlos de cerca y vivir una experiencia guiada en plena naturaleza. 🎟️ Precios para dominicanos (solo la experiencia de los Monos🐒, unos 40 min): 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 RD$1,850 adultos | 🧒 RD$850 niños 🌍✈️ Extranjeros: US$69 adultos | 🐵 US$45 niños, Sin impuestos (incluye recorrido cultu...
pamelagaarcia
11.7K likes • 297.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Bring your camera!

Capture unforgettable moments with the monkeys; many tours include photos. TikTokReddit

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking on trails, so sturdy footwear is a must. TikTok

💧 Stay hydrated

The Dominican heat can be intense; bring water or purchase it there. TikTok

🐒 Respect the animals

Listen to your guides and avoid startling or overfeeding the monkeys. Reddit

💰 Support local artisans

Consider buying local coffee or crafts to support the community. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(436 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Monkeyland is overwhelmingly praised as a 'best experience' and a 'must-visit' for its unique and interactive encounters with friendly squirrel monkeys. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable and energetic guides, the beautiful natural setting, and the added cultural elements like coffee and Mamajuana tastings. The experience is often described as unforgettable and highly recommended for all ages.

"My family and I just returned a 7 day cruise ,through Carnival, and Monkeyland was the best experiences we’ve had in our time of cruising. The excursion we booked included a tour of the city of Puerto Plata along with Monkeyland. Our guide, Junior, was amazing and made the whole experience wonderful. I highly recommend this place!"

Daniel Bailey

"This was the only excursion we booked as a family. So glad we did. Bus ride was long and our tour guide was very good. Lots of info on the way to Monkey Land. Made sure we got to the right spot and got us back on the bus. The monkeys were a lot of fun. We all got food to feed them. They ate and on to the next bowl. There were lots of monkeys and they had lots of fun jumping from arm ,heads hands. The monkey guide explained a few safety and things not to do. He watched to make sure u didn’t step on them. They move around a lot as long as food was available. The family really liked them and made them laugh. Beautiful location. If you’re thinking about going on an excursion this would be a good choice. Fills up fast. I can c why."

Larry Lauder

"I love this place. Not only do you get to hold a squirrel monkey but you also get a history lesson about the culture. Homemade coffee which was amazing. Please try to buy the local coffee from this place and support the monkey and local people. Parrots are also there. Photos included."

Sherrl Carpenter

What People Like

Close monkey interactions
Friendly and knowledgeable guides
Local coffee and Mamajuana tasting

What People Dislike

Long bus rides (sometimes)
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Monkeyland is typically accessed via organized excursions from Puerto Plata. Many cruise lines, like Carnival and Princess, offer this as a shore excursion. If you're not on a cruise, you can book tours through local operators or your hotel, which usually include transportation from Puerto Plata. TikTokReddit+1

Often, the experience is sold as a package that includes transportation from a central meeting point in Puerto Plata or directly from cruise ports like Taino Bay. It's best to confirm this when booking your tour. TikTokReddit

The bus ride from Puerto Plata to Monkeyland can be around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and your starting point. Some tours include a city tour along the way. Reddit

While it might be possible to arrange private transport, most visitors find it easiest and most convenient to book an organized tour that includes transportation. This ensures you reach the correct location and have a guide. TikTok

Monkeyland is situated in the mountains near Imbert, a short drive from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Prices vary. For Dominicans, the experience is around RD$1,850 for adults and RD$850 for children. For international visitors, it's approximately US$69 for adults and US$45 for children, not including taxes. These prices are for the monkey experience only and may differ if booking a package with a city tour. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, it's highly recommended to book in advance, especially if you're traveling during peak season or on a cruise, as excursions can sell out quickly. TikTokReddit

The basic ticket usually includes the guided experience with the squirrel monkeys and access to the ecological trails. Some packages also include tastings of local coffee, chocolate, or Mamajuana, and may include a city tour. Reddit+1

Yes, there are different pricing tiers for Dominican residents and for international visitors, with children typically paying a reduced rate. TikTokInstagram+1

Monkeyland typically operates during daylight hours, with tours often scheduled in the morning and afternoon to accommodate cruise ship schedules and to ensure the monkeys are active. It's best to check specific tour times when booking. TikTok

🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience

You'll have a guided experience where friendly squirrel monkeys will climb on you, pose for photos, and interact closely. You'll also walk through ecological trails and can enjoy tastings of local products. TikTokInstagramReddit

The monkeys are generally very friendly and accustomed to human interaction. Guides provide safety instructions, and the animals are well-cared for, with mothers often intervening if a baby gets too boisterous. TikTokReddit

Yes, you'll typically be given food to feed the monkeys, which encourages them to interact with you. Guides will instruct you on how to do this safely. Reddit

The actual time spent with the monkeys is usually around 40 minutes to an hour, but the entire excursion, including travel and any additional activities like city tours or tastings, can be a half-day experience. TikTok+1

Some visitors mention seeing parrots at Monkeyland, and the area is surrounded by lush nature. Reddit

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

While the main attraction is the monkey interaction, many tours include tastings of local products like fresh coffee, organic chocolate, and Mamajuana. Some excursions might offer snacks or light meals. Reddit+1

Yes, purchasing local coffee and handmade crafts is encouraged to support the local community and the conservation efforts at Monkeyland. Reddit

You can typically sample Mamajuana, a traditional Dominican alcoholic beverage, as well as freshly brewed coffee and sometimes chocolate. Reddit

The primary food offerings are tastings of coffee, chocolate, and Mamajuana, which are generally vegan-friendly. If a full meal is offered as part of a package, it's best to inquire about specific dietary options in advance. Instagram

While there are tasting areas for local products, Monkeyland is more of an interactive nature experience rather than a full-service restaurant destination. Meals are usually part of a larger tour package. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Absolutely! Taking photos is a highlight. The monkeys are very photogenic, and many tours provide professional photos of your interaction with them. TikTokReddit

Some tours include a set of professional photos taken during your visit. It's worth confirming this when booking your excursion. Reddit

Be ready for quick movements! The monkeys are agile. Try to keep your camera steady and focus on capturing their interactions. Using burst mode can help. TikTok

Yes, you can use your phone to take pictures and videos. Just be mindful of the monkeys and your surroundings, and follow your guide's instructions. TikTok

Generally, there are no major restrictions on personal photography, but it's always good practice to ask your guide if you're unsure, especially regarding flash photography or filming. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Monkeyland is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive experience with the squirrel monkeys is captivating for children, offering them a chance to see and even hold these playful creatures under supervision. The guides are experienced in managing children's excitement and ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. TikTokReddit

Many family-friendly excursions combine Monkeyland with a Puerto Plata city tour, providing a full day of discovery. The opportunity to taste local coffee and chocolate is also a hit with younger visitors. Just ensure children wear comfortable shoes for walking and stay close to adults during the monkey interaction. TikTokReddit

🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers

If you're arriving by cruise ship at ports like Taino Bay, Monkeyland is a highly recommended shore excursion. Cruise lines like Carnival and Princess offer direct packages that include transportation to and from the port, making it incredibly convenient. TikTokReddit+1

These excursions often fill up fast, so booking through your cruise line or a reputable local operator as soon as possible is advised. The tours typically include the monkey experience, and often a city tour of Puerto Plata, providing a great way to spend your port day. Reddit

🐒 Animal Lovers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those passionate about animals and nature, Monkeyland offers an unparalleled opportunity for close encounters with squirrel monkeys in a beautiful natural setting. The guided walks through the ecological trails provide insight into the local flora and fauna. TikTokInstagram

The emphasis on the monkeys' well-being and the guides' knowledge about their behavior makes it an enriching experience. Beyond the monkeys, the chance to taste authentic Dominican coffee and chocolate adds another layer of appreciation for the region's natural resources. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Star Attraction: Squirrel Monkeys

Monkeyland is renowned for its population of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus). These small, agile primates are native to South and Central America but have found a sanctuary here. Visitors are often thrilled by how readily the monkeys approach, climb onto shoulders, and interact with people. The guides play a crucial role in facilitating these encounters, ensuring both the safety of the visitors and the well-being of the monkeys. They use food to attract the monkeys and guide them, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. TikTokInstagram+1

Many visitors describe the monkeys as incredibly friendly and even 'cute,' with some noting how the mothers will gently retrieve their babies if they get too adventurous. This close interaction is a core part of the Monkeyland appeal, offering a unique opportunity to connect with wildlife in a controlled yet naturalistic environment. The experience is often described as 'once in a lifetime' and a definite highlight of any trip to Puerto Plata. Reddit+1

It's important to remember that while these monkeys are habituated to humans, they are still wild animals. Guides provide essential safety tips, such as not startling the monkeys or overfeeding them, to ensure a positive experience for everyone. The care and respect shown to the animals are often highlighted in reviews, suggesting a well-managed sanctuary. Reddit

Beyond the Monkeys: Culture and Local Flavors

Monkeyland offers more than just primate encounters; it's also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Dominican culture and taste local delicacies. Many excursions include a stop at a charming house where you can sample homemade coffee, organic chocolate, and the potent Mamajuana, a traditional Dominican drink made from rum, red wine, honey, and herbs. InstagramReddit+1

These tastings are often a highlight for visitors, providing a genuine taste of the region's agricultural bounty and artisanal products. The coffee is described as amazing, and the opportunity to purchase local products directly supports the community and the conservation efforts at Monkeyland. This cultural immersion adds significant value to the overall experience, making it a well-rounded half-day adventure. Reddit

Furthermore, some tours incorporate a city tour of Puerto Plata, allowing visitors to learn about the area's history and culture. This combination of wildlife interaction, cultural insights, and local flavors makes Monkeyland a comprehensive and memorable excursion for many travelers. TikTokReddit

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

When planning your trip to Monkeyland, consider booking through reputable tour operators or cruise line excursions, as this often includes convenient transportation and a guided experience. Many visitors recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot. TikTokReddit

Comfort is key for your visit. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be navigating ecological trails. The Dominican climate can be warm, so staying hydrated is essential; bring water or be prepared to purchase it. Don't forget your camera! The opportunity for unique photos with the monkeys is a major draw, and many tours even provide professional shots. TikTokReddit

Remember to listen carefully to your guides. They are knowledgeable about the monkeys' behavior and provide important safety instructions to ensure a positive and respectful interaction. Supporting local artisans by purchasing souvenirs like coffee or crafts is also a great way to contribute to the community. Reddit+1

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