Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain)
Conquer Monkey Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific and jungle. A challenging hike rewarding adventurers with stunning vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and humidity
Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain)
Best Time
Beat the heat and humidity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Monkey Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific and jungle. A challenging hike rewarding adventurers with stunning vistas.
"The reward at the top is worth the sweat!"
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the technical, rocky terrain. You'll need good grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
At least 1 liter per person is recommended. Stay hydrated on this strenuous uphill climb.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Summit of Cerro del Mono
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean and lush jungle. A true reward after the challenging climb.
Encounter with Wildlife
Summit of Cerro del Mono
Spot the resident coatimundi, a curious creature that might try to steal your snacks. Admire from a safe distance!
Challenging Bouldering Sections
Upper parts of the trail
Test your agility with sections requiring you to use both hands and feet to navigate rocky terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for This Hike
Gear Up for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the technical, rocky terrain. You'll need good grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
At least 1 liter per person is recommended. Stay hydrated on this strenuous uphill climb.
☀️ Start Your Hike Early
Avoid the intense afternoon heat and humidity. Early starts are best for comfort.
🧭 Consider a Guided Tour
Paths aren't always clear; guides offer navigation and insights into local nature.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Proper Hiking Shoes
Essential for the technical, rocky terrain. You'll need good grip and ankle support.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
At least 1 liter per person is recommended. Stay hydrated on this strenuous uphill climb.
☀️ Start Your Hike Early
Avoid the intense afternoon heat and humidity. Early starts are best for comfort.
🧭 Consider a Guided Tour
Paths aren't always clear; guides offer navigation and insights into local nature.
🐜 Pack Insect Repellent
Especially important outside the dry season to ward off mosquitoes.
🐒 Observe Wildlife Safely
Admire coatimundis from afar; do not feed or pet them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cerro del Mono offers a challenging but incredibly rewarding hike with breathtaking summit views. While the trail is strenuous and requires proper gear, the stunning scenery and potential wildlife encounters make it a highlight for many visitors. Some find the trail difficult to navigate without a guide and advise starting early to avoid intense heat.
"Uphill hike up a mountain with boulders to climb to reach the top. Fantastic views from all around of the ocean and the jungle. You might see a monkey!
I do recommend a tour guide, as there is a short 20-30 min drive outside Sayulita and the path to the top of Monkey Mountain is not clearly marked on where to go. We found a guide from booking on the Airbnb experiences section and met at a local surf shop. Alex was super nice and really cool to talk to.
Per our request, we stopped for a fresh coconut water on the way back when we spotted a stand on the side of the road.
If you choose to do the hike, the reward at the top is worth the sweat!"
melody littig
"Well worth the hike up, but make sure you start early (we began the hike up at 7:30am and it was still very hot and humid). I would not attempt this hike in the afternoon unless you’re from a similar climate. The average North American or European should get going early.
We took 2hrs 45 minutes with a guide (Eco Hike) so we took lots of stops to hear about the local flora and fauna (which I’d thoroughly recommend if you’re unfamiliar with a tropical environment). If you did it flat out and you’re fit, you could do it in two hours total.
Wear proper walking shoes. Some of it towards the end is quite technical and you need to use your hands as well as your feet. If you’re nervous going down steep hills and you have walking poles, bring them. Bring at least a litre of water per person. Bugs aren’t too bad after October but I’d still wear bug repellant in November.
Lots of shade on the way up so the sun isn’t too much of a consideration.
Keep well away from the thorny trees as they’re covered in ants that bite you and this then encourages other ants to come for you. Our guide warned us thankfully but without him, there are at least two places I would have climbed over these trees and you can get in trouble quite quickly apparently.
Quite a lot of large spiders around but none of them were venomous apparently. We didn’t see any snakes but again, whilst they’re many on the mountain, they’re nothing to be afraid of.
It was a real highlight at the top to see not only the view but also the resident male coatimundi. He’s not shy of humans but will try and steal your possessions if you left them lying around when taking a break on the summit! He’s fully grown and they’re not an animal to trifle with. Don’t try and feed him and definitely don’t try and pet him or you may lose a finger!
The trail is not suitable for strollers, young children or those who need significant help walking or climbing over rocks.
You can park at the bottom of the trail for now, but there’s nowhere specific marked for you to do so.
Overall, it was a great way to start the day!"
Lawrence Bromley
"Beautiful experience to be up there!! 100% recommended. Starting from the main square of Higuera blanca on Juan Escutia street. The road is marked so it's impossible to lose your way up. You need moderate condition to go up and a bit agile to climb rocks. Also, be respectful of nature and take your trash with you!! Good luck and enjoy!!"
Jose Artemio Alva Medrano
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cerro del Mono is located about an hour from Puerto Vallarta, near Sayulita and San Pancho. You can drive or take a taxi/Uber to the trailhead. Many visitors opt for guided tours that include transportation from Sayulita or San Pancho.
Currently, there isn't a designated parking area, but you can park at the bottom of the trail. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
Public transport directly to the trailhead is limited. It's more feasible to take a bus to Sayulita or San Pancho and then arrange local transport or a tour to the mountain.
The drive from Sayulita or San Pancho is about 20-30 minutes. The roads can be unpaved in parts, so a vehicle with decent clearance is helpful, though many tours manage with standard vehicles.
Yes, Cerro del Mono is about 20 minutes away from Punta Mita, making it a convenient excursion for those staying in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no official tickets or entrance fees for Cerro del Mono itself, as it's a natural trail. However, if you book a guided tour, the fee will cover the tour service.
Cerro del Mono is a natural trail and doesn't have set operating hours. However, it's highly recommended to hike during daylight hours, ideally starting early in the morning.
No, there is no specific entrance fee to hike Cerro del Mono. The cost is primarily associated with transportation and any guided tour services you choose.
While possible, it's not always recommended as the path can be unclear. A guide can help with navigation and provide valuable information about the local environment.
The trail is considered difficult and involves climbing over rocks, making it unsuitable for very young children, strollers, or those who need significant walking assistance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike typically takes 2 to 3 hours round trip, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop. Some fit hikers can complete it in about two hours.
It's considered a hard hike, with steep uphill sections and technical parts requiring you to use your hands and feet to climb over boulders.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Be prepared to get dirty!
You might encounter coatimundis, various insects, and potentially snakes or spiders. Guides can help identify them and ensure safety.
There are no facilities like restrooms on the trail itself. It's best to use facilities before you start your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic views of the coastline and jungle, perfect for landscape shots. The unique rock formations and lush vegetation also make for great photos.
While drone footage would be spectacular, be mindful of local regulations and potential wildlife disturbance. Always fly responsibly.
Early morning light provides softer shadows and a beautiful glow over the landscape. Late afternoon can also offer stunning golden hour shots, but be mindful of the heat.
Yes, if you're patient and lucky, you might spot coatimundis or other local fauna. A telephoto lens can be helpful for capturing wildlife from a safe distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive views. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures. Consider a protective case for your gear due to humidity and potential dust.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family enjoys challenging hikes and your children are older and experienced hikers, it might be a possibility. However, for most families seeking a more relaxed adventure, exploring the beaches of nearby Sayulita or San Pancho would be a better fit.
👟 Adventure Seekers & Fitness Enthusiasts
Consider booking a guided tour to enhance the experience with local knowledge about the flora and fauna. The panoramic views from the summit are a fantastic payoff for your efforts.
📸 Photographers
Early morning light offers the best conditions for photography, with softer shadows and a beautiful golden hue. Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a sturdy camera to handle the humid environment. The unique rock formations and vibrant vegetation also offer excellent opportunities for close-up shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike Itself: What to Expect
While there's shade from the dense vegetation for much of the way up, the humidity can still be a factor. The trail is not suitable for strollers, young children, or individuals who have difficulty with steep inclines or climbing over rocks. If you're nervous about steep descents, bringing walking poles can be beneficial. The reward at the summit, however, is well worth the effort, offering unparalleled views.
Flora and fauna are abundant along the path. Guides often point out local plants and explain their uses. Be cautious of thorny trees covered in ants, as they can deliver painful bites. While large spiders and snakes are present, they are generally not venomous and tend to avoid humans, though it's wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Navigating and Safety on the Trail
Safety is paramount. Ensure you have at least a liter of water per person to stay hydrated. Proper footwear is non-negotiable; sturdy hiking shoes with excellent grip are essential for navigating the slippery and rocky ascents and descents. If you have walking poles, they can be a great aid, particularly on the steeper parts.
Be mindful of the local wildlife. The resident coatimundi at the summit is a highlight, but it's crucial to maintain a safe distance and never attempt to feed or pet it, as they can be aggressive. Also, be aware of thorny plants and ant colonies to avoid painful bites.
The Name 'Monkey Mountain' Explained
Over time, through linguistic evolution and translation, 'Monos' morphed into 'Mono,' leading to the mountain's current name, Monkey Mountain. This historical tidbit adds another layer of intrigue to the hike, connecting visitors to the region's ancient past.
Social
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