Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve: The Perfect Day Trip from Tulum
Did you know there’s a hidden monkey sanctuary just 45 minutes from Tulum? Welcome to Punta Laguna Monkey Reserve, also known by its Mayan name Otoch Ma’ax Yetel Kooh, meaning “The Home of the Spider Monkey and the Puma.” In this blog, you’ll find out why this incredible jungle sanctuary is one of the best day trips from Tulum, and what are the best ways to visit Punta Laguna.
Located on the border of Quintana Roo and Yucatán, this reserve is a peaceful, community-managed jungle haven where the Maya people have been protecting nature for generations. Officially declared a protected natural area in 2002, Punta Laguna spans over 5,300 hectares and is home to wild spider monkeys, howler monkeys, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, deer, and more than 200 bird species.
In this blog, you’ll find out why this incredible jungle sanctuary is one of the best day trips from Tulum, and what are the best ways to visit Punta Laguna.
Best Ways to Visit Punta Laguna
Punta Laguna is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, but the best time to visit is between 2–3 PM, when the monkeys are most active and easier to spot. If you’re coming from Tulum, here are the two main ways to experience it:
1. Take a Guided Tour
A guided tour is a great option if you want a stress-free and informative experience. Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer full-day tours that often include other nearby attractions, such as the Coba ruins. These usually include:
- Transportation
- Jungle hiking
- Zip-lining
- Canoeing
- Swimming in cenotes
For a more meaningful and sustainable experience, we recommend Viajes Conciencia—the tour we chose. Their tours are led by passionate local guides and focus on respecting the natural environment and indigenous culture.
2. Visit on Your Own
Prefer flexibility? You can rent a car in Tulum and drive to Punta Laguna in about 45 minutes. Once there, you can:
- Hire a local Maya guide at the entrance (highly recommended)
- Explore independently
- Kayak on the lagoon
- Zipline across the jungle
- Take part in a traditional Maya purification ceremony
💡 Pro tip: Bring cash! The reserve operates on a cash-only basis and acce
What to Expect in Punta Laguna
If you visit, we highly recommend starting your experience with a traditional blessing and purification ritual led by a Maya elder. Surrounded by the calming scent of burning copal, the ceremony is grounding and deeply spiritual—setting the tone for a mindful connection to the jungle.
Walking through the forest with a local Maya guide is also a must. These guides know the jungle like the back of their hand. Not only will they share fascinating insights into the monkeys’ behavior and habitat, but they can also mimic sounds to call the monkeys, helping you spot them high in the canopy.
We were lucky to witness spider monkeys swinging overhead and hear the deep, echoing calls of howler monkeys in the distance. It was magical!
To finish off the visit, we recommend a peaceful canoe ride on the still waters of the lagoon. With the distant calls of monkeys echoing through the trees, it was the perfect, serene end to our adventure.
Is Visiting Punta Laguna from Tulum Worth It?
Absolutely! This experience reminded us to slow down and truly appreciate the wonders of nature. Punta Laguna isn’t just about spotting wildlife—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the jungle’s beauty, learn from indigenous wisdom, and feel a profound connection to the land. Whether you go with a guide or explore on your own, visiting Punta Laguna will leave you inspired, grounded, and in awe of the natural world.
