Punta Laguna: One of the Best Places to See Wild Monkeys in Mexico
Are you interested in experiencing a living Mayan community and discovering a Monkey Sanctuary?
With a population of approximately 30 families, Punta Laguna Monkey Sanctuary is a thriving area that welcomes tourists! These natives welcome all individuals to visit and learn by participating in historic day to day activities.
Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh, or Punta Laguna, has been a protected area since 1982. It is home to the spider monkey and the puma cat. Spreading across 5,367 hectares, it is the perfect adventure for families and nature lovers alike. You can be sure you will be able to enjoy the beautiful landscape in a safe and respectful way.
Punta Laguna offers five possible activities:
- A hike suitable for all ages in the jungle to get a glimpse of the spider monkey and hear the howler monkey’s famous cry. (encountering them is not guaranteed)
- A relaxing canoe trip through the lagoon
- An adrenaline packed zip-line tour over the lagoon
- A descent into a cenote by way rappel rope (max weight 210 lbs / 95 kg)
- A historic Mayan purification ceremony
This national park is a few miles from Coba ruins. So it’s a great idea to combine the visit of Punta Laguna with these ancient mayan ruins in one day trip!
Punta Laguna vs Akumal Monkey Sanctuary:
Punta Laguna is a national park that provides a glimpse of monkeys in their natural habitat. Exploring the jungle through hiking presents an opportunity to encounter these creatures. However, it is crucial to time your visit appropriately, taking into account the season, in order to maximize your chances of observing them.
The monkeys in Punta Laguna are not accustomed to human interaction, so there is limited closeness between humans and monkeys.
On the other hand, Akumal Monkey Sanctuary serves as a refuge for rescued monkeys. These animals have been saved from various situations such as circuses, illegal domestic use or abandonment, and accidents caused by contact with electrical wires on highways, particularly affecting spider monkeys.
While the primary objective of the sanctuary is to heal and eventually release as many monkeys as possible back into the wild, it is not always feasible due to their injuries or their reliance on human care.
FAQ – Punta Laguna Monkey Sanctuary
What is Punta Laguna?
Punta Laguna is a protected nature reserve near Cobá, home to a vibrant ecosystem of tropical forest, a scenic lagoon, and wildlife including spider monkeys and howler monkeys. It’s managed by a local Maya cooperative and offers eco-friendly activities in a natural jungle setting.
Is Punta Laguna part of a national park?
Yes, Punta Laguna is part of the Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh protected area, a federally recognized nature reserve aimed at preserving local biodiversity and supporting Maya communities through sustainable tourism.
Can I see monkeys at Punta Laguna?
Yes! Punta Laguna is one of the best places in the Yucatán Peninsula to observe spider monkeys in their natural habitat.
With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll have a great chance of spotting them in the trees—especially during early morning or late afternoon walks.
How far is Punta Laguna from the Riviera Maya?
Punta Laguna is about 20 minutes from Cobá, 1 hour 30 minutes from Tulum, and roughly 2 hours from Playa del Carmen.
We provide round-trip private transportation directly from your hotel or vacation rental.
When is the best time to visit Punta Laguna?
The best time to spot monkeys is in the early morning or late afternoon, when they are more active.
Punta Laguna is open year-round, although opening hours and activity availability may vary slightly depending on the season or weather.
Is Punta Laguna suitable for kids?
Yes, the reserve is family-friendly. Children can enjoy wildlife spotting, the canoe ride, and the jungle trails.
Our private tours are always tailored to your group’s pace, making it a great option for families.
What should I wear and bring?
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes, closed walking shoes, and a swimsuit if you plan to swim in the cenote.
Don’t forget biodegradable insect repellent, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
A camera or binoculars is great for wildlife viewing.
What’s included in a tour to Punta Laguna?
Our private Punta Laguna tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and a guided experience with a local expert.
You’ll explore the forest trails, spot monkeys, canoe across the lagoon, rappel into a cenote, and even take part in a traditional Maya ceremony if you wish.
How long does the tour to Punta Laguna last?
From pick-up to drop-off, the full private tour usually lasts about 6 to 7 hours. The experience at the reserve itself is around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your chosen activities.
Do I need to book in advance?
We highly recommend booking your private tour in advance to ensure availability, especially during high season. All our Punta Laguna experiences are customized and require coordination with the local cooperative.
