Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cancún - a wooden bridge with a wooden walkway
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Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Cancún

4.6
·988 reviews·, Mexico

Discover wild spider monkeys, ancient Maya ruins, and refreshing cenotes in this lush jungle reserve.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

See monkeys at their most active.

CrowdLow
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Punta Laguna Nature Reserve, Cancún - a wooden bridge with a wooden walkway

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve Cancún

Best Time

Morning

See monkeys at their most active.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover wild spider monkeys, ancient Maya ruins, and refreshing cenotes in this lush jungle reserve.

4.6
(988 reviews)

"A truly unique experience to see wild monkeys and explore history amidst nature."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐒 Monkey Sanctuary Visit

Punta Laguna is a great spot for wild monkeys!

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Best for flexibility and stops. Taxis are pricey.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spider Monkey Encounters

Spider Monkey Encounters

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

Witness wild spider monkeys in their natural habitat. A truly unique and memorable wildlife experience.

Reddit+1
Ancient Maya Ruins

Ancient Maya Ruins

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

Explore unrestored Maya ruins scattered throughout the lush jungle. Discover history amidst nature.

Reddit
Cenote Swimming

Cenote Swimming

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve

Cool off with a refreshing dip in a natural cenote within the reserve. A perfect way to beat the heat.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Combine with Coba Ruins

Many visitors find combining a trip to Punta Laguna with the nearby Coba ruins offers a fuller experience. This saves travel time and allows you to see both ancient history and wildlife in one day. Reddit

Transportation is Key

Getting to Punta Laguna can be tricky. Renting a car offers flexibility for stops, while taxis are costly. Public transport to Coba followed by a taxi is an option, or consider a private van for convenience. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
See monkeys at their most active.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Combine with Coba ruins.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Excursions, tips/tricks?

🐒 Monkey Sanctuary Visit

Punta Laguna is a great spot for wild monkeys! Reddit+1

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Best for flexibility and stops. Taxis are pricey. Reddit

reddit.com

Any advice on how to get from Tulum to Punta Laguna Nature Reserve please? TIA

reddit.com

Does tulum have anywhere to see and or interact with monkeys?

🚌 Public Transport + Taxi

Take transport to Coba, then a taxi to Punta Laguna. Reddit

🚐 Private Van Option

Consider a private van for comfort and multiple stops. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐒 Monkey Sanctuary Visit

Punta Laguna is a great spot for wild monkeys! Reddit+1

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Best for flexibility and stops. Taxis are pricey. Reddit

🚌 Public Transport + Taxi

Take transport to Coba, then a taxi to Punta Laguna. Reddit

🚐 Private Van Option

Consider a private van for comfort and multiple stops. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on jungle trails. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(988 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is praised for its authentic wildlife encounters, particularly the chance to see wild spider monkeys in their natural habitat. Visitors also appreciate the presence of unrestored Maya ruins and the opportunity to swim in a cenote. Some find transportation logistics a bit challenging, and wish for more amenities.

"Very authentic 2h jungle tour in a monkey preserve provided by local mayans. Very few tourists, plenty of flora and fauna to witness here. If you like authenticity, this is the real deal in Yucatan!
Just get there by car and ask for a guide at the entrance to give you a private tour. They will spot monkeys for you to observe and to take pictures. Cash only!!!"

Luke Swain

"We had a fantastic tour here with Julio as our guide. He expertly walked us through the reserve and we spotted numerous Spider Monkeys and a family of Howler monkeys. We learned so much and Julio, being a local, was a font of knowledge. Our walk took us down to the lake which was beautiful and tranquil. My wife and I would highly recommend Punta Laguna. It is a totally more real experience than Xcaret and we were privileged to see the monkeys in their natural habitat. The trek was great value for money, 1,300 MX$ for the 2 of us, but card payments are not possible, only cash."

Andrew Wilkes

"The photos I have shared here are from 2002, over 2 decades ago. The dock has been completely redone since then.

When it comes to wild nature, Punta Laguna Nature preserve is some of the best jungle for beauty and zoology that our planet has to offer.

I was part of a group called Summer Program in Tropical Conservation (SPTC) led by primatologist Dr. Michael Periera and Laura Vicke in 2002 in Punta Laguna. The purpose of the program was to explore botanical (medicinal tree identification), primatology (spider monkeys), native language (Spanish speaking), cultural interaction with Indigenous mayans (played football with the local Mayans, dined with them, and shared life experiences with them), and archaeology (Mayan ruins were near our campsite and we went to the surrounding ruins) - and establishing a reliable jungle trail mostly around our base, but as a circumference around the lagoon as well.

Not only was there no zipline nor any of the other tourism there, back then, what is now called "Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve" was not a tourist attraction back in 2002, over two decades ago. Although it was not a full-fledged tourist attraction back then, travelers occasionally appeared at the dock overlooking the lagoon (near where we had our tent site) because they had heard it was a worthy visit.

I am excited to see that today, still this magical and pristine place is held in high regard by visitors.

Back in the the ealry 2000s, we actually used machetes and gps to map out and make trails at the Punta Laguna reserve. I lived on the reserve for the summer of 2002 in the Yucatan for the summer I began college. Punta Laguna was one of the best experiences of my life. Most every day, I would have coffee in the very early morning in the palapa (main grass-hut house) after sleeping in my tent and the local Mayans (with whom we played soccer with on "la concha" the concrete slab which I am not sure is still there) cooked us dinner each night. I learned the local botany by studying trees and helped two PhD scientists research the indigenous spider monkeys, all while carving out trails in the jungle - the trails that began laid the foundation for the small tourism sight-seeing, ziplining thing that's going on there today. I am not claiming to be "founder of Punta Laguna tourism". The mayans are the founders of Punta Laguna if anything! Part of our Summer Program in Tropical conservation group was to energize the socio-economy of that area. My favorite parts of the experience were the long jungle hikes while creating fresh trials, the strong connection with Nature, the long sweaty, rewarding, exercise-filled days of botany, science, primatology, anthropology, Spanish speaking, and a lot of science.

Because Punta Laguna one of the most beautiful jungles on our planet, let's keep Punta Laguna Nature Preserve for its beauty, rich ecology, zoology, cultural significance, and cultural heritage site status!"

John Kuczmarski

What People Like

Wild spider monkey sightings
Unrestored Maya ruins
Refreshing cenote swims

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Transportation can be tricky

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most recommended way is to rent a car for flexibility and to make stops along the way. Alternatively, you can take public transportation to Coba and then hire a taxi to Punta Laguna. Some travelers also opt for private van services for a more comfortable and customizable journey. Reddit+1

While there isn't a direct public bus to Punta Laguna, you can take a bus to the nearby Coba ruins and then arrange for a taxi to complete the journey. Reddit

Taxi fares can be expensive, and tour costs might exceed a one-day car rental. Renting a car is often suggested as a cost-effective option for groups. Private van services can be worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple sites. Reddit+1

Yes, you can arrange transportation from Cancun. Renting a car is a popular option. Alternatively, you can look into private van services that can pick you up from Cancun and take you to Punta Laguna, potentially combining it with other nearby attractions. Reddit

The reserve is located between Coba and Francisco Uh May. Following signs for Coba and then looking for signs for Punta Laguna should guide you. Having a GPS or map is advisable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees can vary, but typically include access to the reserve and the opportunity to see the spider monkeys. It's advisable to check for the most current pricing upon arrival or through official channels if available. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Punta Laguna Nature Reserve. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

Punta Laguna is typically open during daylight hours. It's best to visit in the morning to see the monkeys at their most active. Reddit

Yes, local guides are available at Punta Laguna who can lead you through the reserve, help you spot monkeys, and share information about the flora, fauna, and Maya ruins. Reddit

While you can observe the monkeys closely in their natural habitat, direct interaction is discouraged to maintain their wild nature. The experience is about observing them respectfully. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The main activities include observing wild spider monkeys, exploring unrestored Maya ruins, swimming in a cenote, and enjoying the natural jungle environment. Guided tours are also available. Reddit+1

Yes, Punta Laguna can be a great experience for families. Children can enjoy spotting the monkeys and exploring the jungle. Ensure they wear appropriate footwear and stay close to guides. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, light clothing, and insect repellent. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. Reddit

Basic facilities are usually available, including restrooms. Food options might be limited, so it's a good idea to bring snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit. Reddit

A visit to Punta Laguna can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on whether you combine it with other activities like swimming in the cenote or exploring the ruins. If combined with Coba, plan for a full day. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo opportunities are with the wild spider monkeys in their natural environment. The Maya ruins also offer unique photographic subjects amidst the jungle foliage. Reddit

Photographing wild animals can be challenging due to their movement and natural behavior. Patience and a good zoom lens can be helpful. Respect their space and avoid using flash. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid intrusive photography, especially of the wildlife. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve offers an engaging experience for families. Children are often thrilled by the chance to see wild spider monkeys up close, and the jungle setting provides a sense of adventure. The Maya ruins add an element of discovery, and a swim in the cenote is a guaranteed hit for cooling off. It's advisable to bring plenty of water, snacks, and ensure children wear comfortable shoes for walking on jungle trails. Reddit

Guides can make the experience more interactive for younger visitors, pointing out interesting plants and animals. The relatively short travel time from Coba also makes it a manageable excursion for families looking for a half-day adventure. Reddit

🚗 Independent Travelers & Road Trippers

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, renting a car is highly recommended for visiting Punta Laguna. This gives you the freedom to depart when you wish, make stops at other points of interest along the way, and spend as much time as you like at the reserve. It's also often more cost-effective than relying on taxis for the entire journey. Reddit

Consider combining Punta Laguna with a visit to the Coba ruins or other cenotes in the area. This allows for a more comprehensive exploration of the region. Having your own vehicle also means you can easily pack extra supplies like water and snacks, which can be limited at the reserve itself. Reddit+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Encounters: The Spider Monkeys

Punta Laguna Nature Reserve is renowned for its population of spider monkeys. These intelligent primates roam freely within the reserve, offering visitors a rare chance to observe them in their natural habitat. Local guides are adept at spotting the monkeys and can lead you to areas where they are most active. It's a truly immersive experience to see them swinging through the trees and foraging for food. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding them to preserve their wild nature. Reddit+1

The opportunity to see these monkeys up close, without enclosures, is a significant draw for many visitors. The guides often share insights into the monkeys' social structures and behaviors, making the encounter both educational and exciting. This is a key reason why many travelers recommend Punta Laguna for a unique wildlife experience in the Yucatan Peninsula. Reddit

Exploring Maya History and Nature

Beyond the monkeys, Punta Laguna holds historical significance with its unrestored Maya ruins. These ancient structures are scattered throughout the jungle, offering a glimpse into the past without the crowds often found at larger archaeological sites. Exploring these ruins provides a sense of discovery and adventure as you navigate the jungle paths. Reddit

The reserve itself is a beautiful example of the Yucatan's lush jungle ecosystem. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of the rainforest, the diverse plant life, and the refreshing air. Many combine their visit with a dip in a natural cenote located within the reserve, offering a perfect way to cool off after exploring the ruins and observing the wildlife. Reddit+1

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