Monkeyland and Plantation Safari Tour from Punta Cana

Five and a half hours in the jungle with squirrel monkeys and farmers who grow what you taste

This 5.5-hour guided tour from Punta Cana takes you into a natural habitat deep in the Dominican Republic's jungle where squirrel monkeys live, then through an on-site botanical garden and working coffee and cacao plantation. You'll chat with local farmers about their organic methods, taste tropical fruit picked fresh, and return to your hotel by afternoon or evening depending on your departure time. Hotel pickup and bottled water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Monkeyland and Plantation Safari Tour

• Travel from hotel to Monkeyland
• Explore Monkeyland natural habitat
• Visit on-site botanical garden
• Tour coffee and cacao plantation
• Chat with local farmers
• Taste tropical fruit
• Return to hotel

The Experience

The tour starts with hotel pickup from Punta Cana or Bavaro and heads into the jungle to Monkeyland, a natural habitat built around squirrel monkeys. You walk the grounds at your own pace with a guide who speaks English, Spanish or French, watching the monkeys move through their space and learning how the habitat operates. The guide can answer questions about the animals and the environment, but this is not a lecture—you're observing rather than being lectured at.

After the monkey habitat, you move through the botanical garden on the same property, then walk into the working coffee and cacao plantation. This is where the tour shifts from watching to doing: a local farmer shows you the plants, explains the organic methods they use to grow them, and you taste tropical fruit pulled straight from the trees. You can ask about their farming practices, their seasons, what they sell and how they work the land. Many travelers bring cash for small purchases or souvenirs from the farm.

The whole day runs 5.5 hours from pickup to drop-off. You choose between a morning departure or an afternoon one at checkout, and the guide times the return so you're back at your hotel by early afternoon or evening. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and water—bottled water is provided, but the jungle heat means staying hydrated matters. The park operates rain or shine except in extreme weather like hurricanes or tropical storms, so check the forecast before you go. Note that this is not a wheelchair-accessible site, and if you're pregnant or have cardiovascular concerns, this tour isn't recommended.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana or Bavaro.
• bottled water.
• a guide who speaks English, Spanish or French.
• access to the monkey habitat, botanical garden and plantation.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Runners Adventures

Is this one for you?Morning departures leave your afternoon free for other activities; afternoon starts suit those who prefer a leisurely morning and don't mind an evening return to your hotel.

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Top questions

What are the squirrel monkeys like at Monkeyland?

Monkeyland is a natural habitat where squirrel monkeys live in an environment built to let them move and behave as they would in the wild. You'll see them during the tour, though the experience is observation-based—you're walking through their space with a guide, not handling or feeding them.

Can I interact with the monkeys?

You can observe the monkeys during the tour, but direct interaction is not part of this experience. If you have a cold or flu, you won't be allowed to get close to them at all, as the park protects the animals' health.

What do I learn about the coffee and cacao plantation?

A local farmer walks you through the plantation and explains their organic growing methods, the plants themselves, and how they harvest and sell what they grow. You taste tropical fruit picked fresh from the trees, so you get a sense of what the farm produces beyond coffee and cacao.

What time does the tour start and end?

You choose between a morning or afternoon departure when you book. The whole tour runs 5.5 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, so a morning start gets you back by early afternoon, and an afternoon start returns you by evening.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, though you'll taste tropical fruit at the plantation. Bring cash if you want to buy food or souvenirs during the day.

Do I need to be in good shape for this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and involves walking at a comfortable pace through the habitat, garden and plantation. Wear comfortable shoes. If you're pregnant or have cardiovascular concerns, this tour is not recommended.