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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Monkeyland Puerto Plata
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience close encounters with friendly squirrel monkeys in a lush natural sanctuary, complemented by local tastings and cultural insights.
"This is hands down one of the coolest things that I have ever done."
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

Guided Nature Walk
Ecological Trails
Stroll through lush ecological trails, learning about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.

Local Delicacies Tasting
Tasting Area
Savor authentic Dominican coffee, chocolate, and Mamajuana, often made with local ingredients.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance, Especially During Peak Season
Consider the Full Excursion Package
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
💧 Stay hydrated
The Dominican heat can be intense; bring water or purchase it there.
🐒 Respect the animals
Listen to your guides and avoid startling or overfeeding the monkeys.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
💧 Stay hydrated
The Dominican heat can be intense; bring water or purchase it there.
🐒 Respect the animals
Listen to your guides and avoid startling or overfeeding the monkeys.
💰 Support local artisans
Consider buying local coffee or crafts to support the community.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
Monkeyland is situated in the mountains near Imbert, a short drive from Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, there are different pricing tiers for Dominican residents and for international visitors, with children typically paying a reduced rate.
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.
🎫 🐒 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.
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.
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.
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.
Some visitors mention seeing parrots at Monkeyland, and the area is surrounded by lush nature.
🍽️ ☕ 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.
Yes, purchasing local coffee and handmade crafts is encouraged to support the local community and the conservation efforts at Monkeyland.
You can typically sample Mamajuana, a traditional Dominican alcoholic beverage, as well as freshly brewed coffee and sometimes chocolate.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Taking photos is a highlight. The monkeys are very photogenic, and many tours provide professional photos of your interaction with them.
Some tours include a set of professional photos taken during your visit. It's worth confirming this when booking your excursion.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚢 Cruise Ship Passengers
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.
🐒 Animal Lovers & Nature Enthusiasts
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star Attraction: Squirrel Monkeys
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.
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.
Beyond the Monkeys: Culture and Local Flavors
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.
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.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit