
Attention all animal and nature lovers! If you're heading to Mexico's Caribbean coast and looking for a unique experience, check out Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals. Located in the small town of Akumal, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, this sanctuary offers visitors the chance to see exotic animals up close and learn about conservation efforts in the area. Our team at Taste recently visited this fantastic conservation, rescue, and rehabilitation project and had an amazing day. Discover more about our visit, including ATVing, exploring a cenote, encountering snakes and macaws, and even having monkeys on our heads! It's definitely worth a visit..
Getting There
Earlier this summer, Taste visited Akumal Monkey Sanctuary & Rescued Animals. Accessible from Tulum and Playa del Carmen, there's now a bus service provided by the sanctuary from Cancun (for an additional cost) and Puerto Morelos. We crossed over on the ferry from Isla Mujeres, where we are based, and made our way south from Cancun to Akumal.
This small town, divided by the highway, is a nature lover’s paradise. With a jungle on one side and a pristine white beach on the other, Akumal, which means "Place of the Turtles" in Mayan, is known for its beach where wild turtles feed on seagrass.
Arrival and First Impressions
The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is nestled in the jungle. Upon arrival, we were greeted at reception, and our adventure began with a surprising encounter: a staff member expertly removing a wild snake. This unexpected event set the tone for a day filled with excitement and nature. Don't worry if you're not a fan of snakes; we were assured this is not a common occurrence. The snake was promptly returned to its natural habitat.
Briefing and Safety
After the initial excitement, we attended a briefing. The knowledgeable staff provided an overview of the sanctuary and the activities ahead, emphasizing the importance of safety and respect for the animals and the environment. With this in mind, we prepared for our jungle adventure.
ATV Ride to the Cenote
Next, we were thrilled to discover we would be driving ATVs through the jungle. I highly recommend bringing a bandana to protect your face from the dust on the dirt tracks.
We were geared up with helmets, goggles, and given a demonstration on how to drive the ATVs. As a first-timer, I appreciated the patience and guidance from the staff. We then hopped onto our ATVs and headed down the rugged dirt tracks, dust filling the air and covering us. The bumpy ride through the lush jungle was exhilarating and offered a unique perspective of the natural surroundings.
Cooling Off at the Cenote
Our destination was a stunning cenote, one of the unique freshwater sinkholes the Yucatan Peninsula is famous for. Hidden in a cave in the jungle, it was perfect for cooling off and provided an incredible backdrop for photos. The cool water was refreshing after the dusty ATV ride. Swimming in the cenote was a highlight, offering a moment of tranquility amidst the adventure.

Returning to the Sanctuary
After our dip, we drove back to the sanctuary. The facilities included bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms, allowing us to clean up and get ready for the next part of our visit. We had about 10 minutes to change and prepare for the tour (a change of clothes is recommended if you are doing the ATV ride as you will get dusty).
The Sanctuary Tour
The tour of Akumal Monkey Sanctuary was both educational and heartwarming. We saw a variety of rescued animals, each with its own unique story. Highlights included having a vibrant macaw perch on our arms for photos, seeing rescued spider monkeys, holding a boa constrictor, and having a playful capuchin monkey jump on our heads. The sanctuary is also home to flamingos, zebras, otters, ostriches, and more, all rescued from different situations.

A Memorable Experience
Visiting the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary was an incredible experience that blended adventure, education, and close interactions with fascinating animals. From an unexpected snake encounter to a refreshing dip in the cenote and an engaging tour, each moment was filled with excitement.. If you’re traveling to Mexico's Caribbean coast, this sanctuary is a must-visit.
They offer a range of tour options, including just a sanctuary tour, snorkeling combined with the sanctuary visit, or an adventurous package that features an ATV jungle ride, cenote swimming, and a sanctuary tour (like the one we did). Or you can even have a full day of exploration by doing the ATV, cenote, snorkel, and sanctuary tour. Check it out here and start planning your adventure today!