Monkeyland is the family favorite among Punta Cana excursions, and the moment a squirrel monkey lands on your shoulder to grab a piece of fruit is pure joy for children and adults alike. The sanctuary sits on private land in the green hills of Anamuya, inland from the coast near Higüey, in a rural area that most resort guests never see. It is run by Runners Adventures, one of the island’s biggest excursion companies. The day starts with a ride in an open, animal-print safari truck through the countryside. At the plantation, guides show how Dominican coffee and cocoa are grown and processed, walk you through a botanical garden and finish with a tasting of local coffee and hot chocolate. A visit to a village lets you meet a local family and see traditional production. Then comes the highlight: the monkey enclosure, home to more than thirty squirrel monkeys, where you are handed a bowl of fruit, nuts and seeds, stand still and wait for the monkeys to come to you. The guide takes photos, which you can buy afterwards. We link to the Monkeyland venue page on Tiqets, which sells the guided tour with tasting and round-trip transfers.
How to visit: the Tiqets ticket covers the guided Monkeyland and plantation tour with round-trip hotel transfers, with live guides in English, French and Spanish and groups of up to about 45. Allow five to six hours including the drive from the resort area. Book at least a day ahead, since pickups are arranged in advance.
What to expect: the monkeys are free to roam inside a large enclosure, and the encounter lasts about three quarters of an hour. Expect to get a little messy, with fruit in your hair and on your clothes. The bowl includes nuts, so anyone with a nut allergy should think twice, and the site has stairs, so it is not suited to travelers with limited mobility or to pregnant guests.
Making the most of it: wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty, leave hats and loose jewelry on the truck and keep still when the monkeys arrive. Bring cash for the photos and for coffee or cocoa to take home.
What to expect
The experience
A guided safari-truck tour with a plantation tasting, a village visit and a hands-on squirrel monkey encounter.
Best time
A morning departure, when it is cooler in the hills and the monkeys are most active.
How long
Five to six hours including round-trip transfers from the resort area.
Tips
Wear old clothes, leave hats and jewelry on the truck and keep still when the monkeys come.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers who want a hands-on wildlife moment and a glimpse of rural life.
- Families
- One of the best excursions in Punta Cana for kids; even toddlers can join with a parent.
- Couples
- Fun and lighthearted, with a good coffee and cocoa tasting thrown in.
- Pair with
- Bavaro Adventure Park for a full adventure-themed couple of days.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Can you touch the monkeys at Monkeyland?+
The squirrel monkeys come to you for the fruit and seeds in your bowl, and often climb on your arms and shoulders. Guests are asked to stay still and let the monkeys approach.
How long is the Monkeyland tour?+
Allow five to six hours including transfers from the resort area. The monkey encounter itself lasts about 45 minutes.
Is Monkeyland good for children?+
Yes, it is one of the most popular family excursions in Punta Cana. Young children may get restless during the plantation talk, but the monkeys win them back.
Is there anything to know about allergies?+
The feeding bowl contains nuts, so travelers with a nut allergy should be careful. The site also has stairs, which can be hard for those with limited mobility.
What is included in the Tiqets ticket?+
The guided Monkeyland and plantation tour, a tasting and round-trip transfers are included. Photos taken by the guide are sold separately.