About this experience
Get ready for an exciting eco-adventure in Southern Belize!
Your journey begins with an hour's drive from Hopkins Village to Placencia. Once there, you will embark on a scenic boat ride along the breathtaking coastline, followed by a trek into the lush mangroves and winding waterways of the Monkey River—a true haven for wildlife and natural beauty.
As you cruise upriver, your knowledgeable local guide will point out fascinating sights, including manatees, crocodiles, iguanas, exotic birds, and, of course, the howler monkeys that give this tour its name. Their deep, echoing calls will surround you as you venture deeper into the jungle.
After your Monkey River tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore Placencia before returning to Hopkins Village.
At a glance
- Duration: 8 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 8 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Local guides to help you plan
Placencia Travel Guide
Plan a Placencia vacation with practical guidance on flights, road travel, places to stay, beaches, snorkeling, diving, dining, trip length, accessibility, and July festival travel.
What is included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Transportation
- Licensed Tour Guide
Itinerary and highlights
The journey starts from Hopkins Village and heads to Placencia Village. Enjoy the scenic views of the lush jungle along the Southern Highway. As you near Placencia, the road offers stunning vistas with a lagoon on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. The ride takes about one hour, and the driver will make a stop at the M&M Gas Station dock, where you will meet your guide/boat captain.
On your river cruise, keep your eyes peeled for a vibrant array of wildlife, including exotic birds, crocodiles, iguanas, and stunning bromeliads and orchids. The sounds of howler monkeys echoing through the trees will enrich your experience as your guide points out fascinating features and answers your questions.
Next, embark on a guided hike along the forest trails by the river’s edge for an up-close look at howler monkeys. Your guide will enlighten you about the medicinal properties of local plants and the unique behaviors of the area’s elusive wildlife.
After your adventure, savor a delicious Creole lunch in Monkey River Village.
On your return trip to Placencia, stop at a grassy area near the mangroves, where you can marvel at the West Indian manatees feeding peacefully in their natural habitat. This immersive experience offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
After exploring the Monkey River, you will have a chance to explore Placencia! Enjoy the delicious Tutti Frutti ice cream, stop at gift shops on the sidewalk, and relax on the beach.
The ride back to Hopkins will be peaceful and relaxing, feel free to close your eyes and drift into a well-earned nap. After a day full of adventure and discovery, it's time to unwind, reflect, and return to your hotel, where your vacation continues in paradise.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Bucket List Tours & Transfers Belize
Accessibility and practical details
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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