Roatan: Mayan Eden Eco Park, Monkeys & Chocolate Factory Tour

Summary

Monkey meet-ups, butterflies and chocolate in Roatan’s green heart

You’ll ride through lush Roatan hills to meet capuchin monkeys at Mayan Eden Eco Park, wander among butterflies with a local guide, snap photos by island landmarks, and taste fresh chocolate straight from the source. Expect laughter (and maybe a monkey on your head) plus plenty of stories to take home.

What’s the experience like?

We bumped along the road out of Coxen Hole — windows down, that thick, green Honduran air coming in. Our driver grinned when I asked if the monkeys really sit on your head. “You’ll see,” he said. The Mayan Eden Eco Park is only maybe 15 minutes from the port, but it felt like we’d crossed into another world — suddenly all tangled vines and bird calls you don’t hear anywhere else. At the gate, a guide named Rosy waved us in and before I could even get my bearings, there was a capuchin monkey perched on my shoulder. It smelled faintly like leaves and… bananas? Maybe that was just me hoping for a snack.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at parrots showing off their colors or to care about butterflies — but Rosy knew every species by name and pointed out how their wings shimmered when the sun shifted. There’s this quiet spot in the sanctuary where everything goes still except for wings fluttering; it made me forget about cruise schedules for a minute. We wandered past macaws (one tried to untie my shoelace), then stopped for photos at that big Roatan Color Sign — everyone does it but honestly, you kind of have to.

The last stop was the chocolate factory nearby. Warm sugar and cacao hit you as soon as you step inside — I’m not sure if it’s always like that or if they were roasting beans just for us. We tasted dark chocolate with chili (I coughed, everyone laughed), and someone explained how cacao trees are part of Mayan history here. I bought a bar to bring home but… well, it didn’t survive the flight. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip from your ship or hotel in Roatan with monkeys and homemade chocolate, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mayan Eden Eco Park and Chocolate Factory

• Drive from cruise port or hotel
• Meet and feed capuchin monkeys
• Learn about macaws and parrots
• Visit butterfly sanctuary
• Take multiple photo stops
• Visit local craft market
• Tour Roatan Chocolate Factory
• Learn about Mayan culture and cacao

Top questions

How far is Mayan Eden Eco Park from Roatan cruise port?

It’s about a 15-minute drive from the cruise port to Mayan Eden Eco Park.

Are there monkeys at Mayan Eden Eco Park?

Yes, you can interact with capuchin monkeys during your visit.

Is transportation included in this tour?

Yes, private transportation is included from your hotel or cruise port.

Do you visit a chocolate factory on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at a local chocolate factory with tasting included.

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes, children can join and enjoy animal encounters and chocolate tasting.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed on this tour?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and allows strollers/prams.

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No lunch is provided but you will have chocolate tastings at the factory.

What animals can I see at Mayan Eden Eco Park?

You’ll see capuchin monkeys, macaws, parrots, butterflies and more wildlife species.

What’s included

Your day includes private round-trip transportation from your hotel or cruise port in Roatan, entry fees to Mayan Eden Eco Park with guided wildlife encounters (monkeys, birds, butterfly sanctuary), stops for photos including the Roatan Color Sign, time at the local craft market if you want souvenirs, plus entry and tastings at the island’s chocolate factory before heading back relaxed (or still sticky-fingered).