
Monkey Island Isla de los Monos
Experience playful capuchin monkeys on an island in Gatun Lake or the Amazon. Offers close encounters, but be mindful of ethical considerations. ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Monkeys are more active

Monkey Island Isla de los Monos
Best Time
Monkeys are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience playful capuchin monkeys on an island in Gatun Lake or the Amazon. Offers close encounters, but be mindful of ethical considerations.
"Some reviews call it a tourist trap, while others rave about cheeky monkeys eating from their hand. "

🚫 Ethical Concerns
Research ethical wildlife tourism. Consider alternatives like Amazon Shelter if concerned about animal welfare.
🤝 Group Bookings
Tours often require a minimum of 2 people. Solo travelers may need to join a group or find a tour that accommodates them.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.2 · 40 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monkey Encounters
The island itself
Interact with cheeky capuchin monkeys, some of whom may eat from your hand. A unique, up-close wildlife experience.

Jungle Walk
Path to the feeding area
A scenic walk through the jungle leading to the main area where monkeys gather. Enjoy the natural surroundings.

Gatun Lake Views
Gatun Lake, Panama
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Gatun Lake, a vital part of the Panama Canal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ethical Considerations
Booking & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Ethical Concerns
Research ethical wildlife tourism. Consider alternatives like Amazon Shelter if concerned about animal welfare.
🤝 Group Bookings
Tours often require a minimum of 2 people. Solo travelers may need to join a group or find a tour that accommodates them.
🍎 Bring Snacks (Carefully)
Some monkeys may eat from your hand, but be mindful and respectful.
🐒 Sightings Vary
Monkey activity can depend on the day and season. Don't be discouraged if you don't see many on a particular visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Ethical Concerns
Research ethical wildlife tourism. Consider alternatives like Amazon Shelter if concerned about animal welfare.
🤝 Group Bookings
Tours often require a minimum of 2 people. Solo travelers may need to join a group or find a tour that accommodates them.
🍎 Bring Snacks (Carefully)
Some monkeys may eat from your hand, but be mindful and respectful.
🐒 Sightings Vary
Monkey activity can depend on the day and season. Don't be discouraged if you don't see many on a particular visit.
🌿 Respect Nature
Observe from a distance and avoid interfering with the animals or their habitat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkey Island offers a unique opportunity to see and interact with monkeys, with many visitors enjoying the cheeky animals and jungle setting. However, significant ethical concerns have been raised, with some labeling it a tourist trap that may harm the animals. Visitors should research thoroughly and consider alternatives for a more responsible wildlife experience.
"MONKEY ISLAND IS A VIOLENT CRIME! DO NOT GIVE YOUR MONEY TO THIS TOURIST TRAP!
Ever wondered how there are monkeys on this isolated island? Wild monkeys are captured from the jungle and taken to this privately owned island, to be stared at by tourists. There is not enough food or territory here to sustain them, and so the monkeys fight each other to death for space and resources, and eventually die of starvation. Then the island is repopulated with fresh monkeys, and the cycle continues. Any hotel or tour company which takes you here is completely aware of this, and they don't care. They're happy to take your money and let monkeys die violently. This operation is an absolute disgrace and anyone who supports it should be ashamed of themselves. If you want a true monkey experience, go to Amazon Shelter in Puerto Maldonado. I volunteered here for 2 weeks, and these guys are amazing. They rehabilitate and release monkeys into the wild after they've been illegally taken from their home to be pets. You can get a full tour of their facility for 60 soles, which goes straight to vet costs and food. Support Amazon Shelter, not Monkey Island"
Lauren Green
"Walking through the jungle to the main feeding area is amazing and the monkeys are cheeky and adorable."
Childof Thoth85
"Well worth checking out"
Andrew Gillan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monkey Island is typically accessed via boat tours from locations like Gamboa, Panama, or Iquitos, Peru. Tours often depart from hotels or designated meeting points.
Tours usually include tourist transportation to the departure point, followed by a boat ride across Gatun Lake or a river.
Yes, many tours to Monkey Island depart from Panama City, offering day trips that include transportation and the boat excursion.
Yes, Monkey Island is also a destination accessible from Iquitos, Peru, as part of Amazon rainforest tours.
Most tours to Monkey Island last approximately 4 hours, allowing time for travel, the boat ride, and island exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary, but some are advertised around $65.00 per person for a 4-hour tour, with a minimum of two people required for booking. Packages including accommodation can start from $75 per person per night.
It's advisable to book in advance, especially if you are a solo traveler or visiting during a holiday, as tours often have minimum group size requirements.
The cost is typically part of a tour package, which covers boat transport and access to the island. Specific island entrance fees are not usually itemized separately.
Tours generally include tourist transportation, boat rental, the lake or river tour, and the visit to Monkey Island. Some may offer additional activities like fishing or waterfall visits.
Tours typically operate during daylight hours, with morning departures being common. It's best to confirm specific operating hours with your chosen tour operator.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see capuchin monkeys and possibly tamarins. These are often described as cheeky and adorable.
Some visitors report monkeys eating from their hands, but it's crucial to follow guidelines and be respectful. Avoid feeding them if it's discouraged by guides.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the island.
Yes, it can be a fun and educational experience for families. However, supervise children closely around the animals.
Some reviews raise serious ethical concerns, suggesting it's a tourist trap that may harm monkeys. Researching responsible wildlife tourism is advised.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. Be mindful of the animals' space and avoid using flash directly at them.
Capture close-ups of the monkeys, the lush jungle environment, and the scenic views of Gatun Lake or the surrounding Amazon.
A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing clear shots of the monkeys from a respectful distance, especially if they are high in the trees.
While generally permitted, always follow your guide's instructions. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the wildlife.
Mornings often offer good lighting and active monkeys, making it ideal for photography.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit