Named after the troops of black howler monkeys that make their home in the jungle that line the banks of the Monkey River, the Monkey River drains the Bladen and Swasey watersheds of southern Belize.
The sleepy Creole village of Monkey River Town is located 12 miles south west of Placencia Village. The Monkey River drains both the Bladen and Swasey watersheds, now under protective status. Wide sandy beaches stretch out along the entrance of the river. Monkey River is not just a village or town, but also home to the Black Howler Monkey, alouatta pigra, which are also known in Belize as the “baboon”. They are also the largest monkey in the country and one of the largest in the Americas.
The trip departs from Laru Beya Beach Resort for a 45 minutes boat ride down the coast from Placencia, through a maze of mangroves where there is always the possibility of spotting manatees. Upon arrival at Monkey River Village, you will go upstream for about 3 to 4 miles. The boat ride upstream is meandering slow as you have the opportunity to see the iguanas as they lounge lazily on the tree branches. Get close to tropical birds as they sing and swoop through the maze of jungle green, occasional crocodiles will loom on the banks, and the famous howler monkeys will see just who can holler the loudest. Innumerable other rainforest creatures will undoubtedly make this boat trip up the Monkey River an exciting and memorable experience.
Soon you’ll reach a jungle trail, which you will venture out on foot in search of the Howler Monkey. Get ready to cover your ears – just a few slaps of your guide’s machete against the trees bring the monkeys to life – their deafening howls can be heard for over a mile.. , Your guide will also points out the medicinal properties of the surrounding flora and habits of the elusive fauna.
Learn more about this tour here.
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