ATV Riding in Akumal: Jungle Trails & Monkey Sanctuary

Race through wild jungle paths, then cool off in a hidden cenote before meeting rescued monkeys up close.

ATV riding in Akumal combines off-road jungle trails with a visit to the Akumal Monkey Rescued Animals Sanctuary and a swim in a hidden cenote. You operate a single or shared ATV through authentic jungle terrain, stop to cool off in the cenote's clear water, then spend time with rescued monkeys in a responsible setting—something most ATV tours don't include. Hotel pickup is included for selected hotels; the full experience runs four hours. Minimum age to drive is 16 (ID required); children ages 5–16 may ride double with an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV adventure and wildlife encounter

• Ride ATVs through jungle trails
• Swim in hidden cenote
• Visit Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
• Optional monkey bonding experience

The Experience

You start by gearing up with a helmet, security glasses and a raincoat, then ride your own ATV—or share one with a companion—through the rugged jungle trails around Akumal. The trails are far from the crowded tourist paths; you're navigating real off-road terrain surrounded by dense tropical foliage. The ride itself is the point: you control the machine, feel the adrenaline of navigating uneven ground and tight vegetation, and move at a pace that keeps your attention on the trail ahead.

Your first major stop is a hidden cenote tucked into the jungle—a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water that feels like stepping into another world. You swim here to cool off and recover from the ride, then continue on to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary. This is where the tour separates itself from standard ATV experiences: you meet rescued monkeys in a respectful environment and learn about the conservation work happening on-site. If you want a closer interaction, you can upgrade to the monkey bonding experience for an additional fee, which lets you spend focused time with individual animals.

The whole outing takes four hours and includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels. You'll need to bring a swimsuit, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. If you're arriving on your own, you must check in 20 minutes before the tour starts or forfeit your reservation. The guide speaks English, Spanish or French depending on your preference.

What’s included

• Helmet, security glasses and raincoat.
• hidden cenote swim.
• visit to the Akumal Monkey Rescued Animals Sanctuary with rescued animal interaction.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels.
• guide in English, Spanish or French.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by TulumAdventure Mexico

Is this one for you?Choose the single ATV if you want to operate your own machine and control your line through the jungle; pick the shared ATV if you'd rather ride with a companion and split the focus between the trail and conversation. Either way, the four-hour window gives you enough time to ride, swim and spend real time with the monkeys without rushing any of it.

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Top questions

Can I ride an ATV if I've never done it before?

Yes. The trails are designed for riders with at least moderate physical fitness, and the guide will brief you on operating the ATV before you start. You control the pace on the trail itself, so you're not racing—you're navigating terrain at a speed that works for your comfort level.

What's the hidden cenote actually like when you get there?

The cenote is a natural freshwater sinkhole surrounded by jungle, with clear water deep enough to swim in. It's a quiet break in the middle of the ride where you can cool off and float. The operator describes it as a moment of pure magic in the day, and it's included as a standard stop on every tour.

Do I have to ride alone, or can I share an ATV?

You can choose: the Monk Jungle - Single ATV option lets you operate your own machine, while the Monk Jungle - Shared ATV option pairs you with a companion on one vehicle. Both options visit the same stops and include the cenote swim and monkey sanctuary visit.

What happens at the monkey sanctuary—is it just looking at them behind glass?

No. You meet the rescued monkeys in a responsible, hands-on environment where you can interact with them directly. The standard tour includes this visit; if you want an even closer bonding experience with individual animals, you can add that upgrade for an extra fee at checkout.

What do I need to bring, and what does the tour provide?

The tour provides a helmet, security glasses, and a raincoat. You bring comfortable shoes, a swimsuit, sunglasses, a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels are included, so you don't need to arrange your own transport.

Is there a minimum age, and can kids ride?

You must be at least 16 years old and show a valid ID to drive an ATV. Children ages 5 to 16 can ride as passengers on a double ATV with an adult; the minimum height requirement is 1.20 meters (3 feet 9 inches), and the maximum weight per double vehicle is 210 kg (463 lbs).