La Romana: Monkeyland Tour & Plantation Safari with Pickup

Feed playful monkeys up close then taste life in a Dominican village

You’ll feed squirrel monkeys right from your hands at Monkeyland near La Romana, then visit a local Dominican home where you’ll taste fresh coffee and learn about daily life. Expect laughter (especially with the monkeys), warm welcomes from locals, and real glimpses into rural culture—all with hotel pickup included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Romana hotels, bottled water along the way, plus guidance from both professional and local guides as you visit Monkeyland and a traditional Dominican home before heading back in comfort at day's end.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Monkeyland and cultural tour

• Arrive at Monkeyland
• Interact with squirrel monkeys
• Visit typical Dominican house
• Learn about Dominican culture

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the sound—this wild, high-pitched chatter echoing through the trees as we stepped into Monkeyland. Our guide, Rafael, grinned and handed me a little cup of fruit. “Hold still,” he said, but honestly, I barely had time to get nervous before a squirrel monkey landed right on my arm. Their tiny hands are so light it’s almost ticklish. I kept laughing, probably louder than I meant to. The monkeys didn’t care—they just darted from person to person like we were all part of their playground.

After that whirlwind, we drove out past sugarcane fields to a small Dominican house. The air smelled sweet and earthy—maybe coffee beans drying somewhere nearby? A woman named Marta showed us how she makes cacao by hand. She let me try grinding some, which looked easy until I actually tried it (my arms gave up fast). We sat outside for a bit while she poured us strong coffee in tiny cups. It was hot and thick and made my heart race—in a good way.

I didn’t expect to feel so welcomed by strangers. Rafael told stories about his childhood here; his eyes lit up when he talked about mango season. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the breeze and the distant sound of kids playing somewhere down the road—I still think about that sometimes. The monkeys were fun, sure, but it’s those little human moments that stuck with me most.

Top questions

Can I feed the monkeys during the Monkeyland tour?

Yes, you'll have the chance to feed squirrel monkeys directly during your visit to Monkeyland.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour from La Romana?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

Will there be a local guide on the tour?

Yes, you'll be accompanied by a local guide throughout the experience.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join; they may ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap.

Is lunch provided during the Monkeyland & Plantation Safari?

No lunch is included; however, bottled water is provided during the tour.

Can cruise passengers join this tour?

No, this tour is not available for cruise line passengers.

Is bug repellent or sunscreen allowed at Monkeyland?

No, you should not use sunscreen or bug repellent before visiting as they can harm the monkeys.

Are there any health restrictions for participants?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.