Monkey River winds its way through the jungle from the Maya Mountains to the sea. Teeming with birds, fish and the howler monkeys that gave name to the river, this is an easy way to see some of the bounty of this unique ecosystem. On the one hour trip from Hamanasi to Independence Town you will pass through large banana plantations and several small traditional Mayan villages. Near Independence you will board a small boat that will take you through a lagoon and coastal waters where you may spot manatees, dolphins and other sea life.

As you make your way up Monkey River you will have the opportunity to watch manatees that often lazily graze on the vegetation in the river, while crocodiles sun themselves on the riverbanks and colorful tropical birds fly overhead. Toucans, King Fishers and Montezuma Oropendula are just a few of the birds in the area, as well as nesting sites for Cormorant and White Herons.  Up river, you will take a short hike in the jungle in hope of seeing Howler Monkeys up close.  You also may spot a tarantula, small bats or even a secretive jaguar!  The highlight of the tour is the howler monkeys that usually play in the trees overhead and feed on the abundance of fruit of the indigenous trees that line the river.  Afterwards, enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant in Monkey River Town at the delta of this magnificent river.