Famous Monkey River In Belize

The nature of rivers is the flow of water, carrying nutrients and life from highlands to the sea. During the journey from altitude to sea level, tropical rivers support an astonishing array of life. The headwaters of most rivers lie deep in the Maya Mountains. Here, the forest is dense, tall and mostly untouched. The water is cold and clear as it gurgles out of the group, merging with other streams and eventually growing into a flowing upland river. Wildlife center their activities on these upland waterways. Trails meandering along these rivers are excellent ways to spot wildlife.

As you near the mouth of the river, vegetation changes to predominantly mangrove. Some of the mangrove stands lining and the winding rivers are tall and stilted. The mangrove is home to another community of animals. During the migration months, many songbird migrants travel through the mangrove, taking advantage of the large amount of insect life. This habitat is perfect to sit still and bird watch.

Easily the most popular river tour is the Monkey River, which winds its way from the Maya Mountains through dense jungle forest and mangrove swamp before emptying into the Caribbean Sea. It is a popular jungle river trip, particularly for its wildlife sightings, jungle walk tours and great tarpon fishing. Both day and night tours are offered from Monkey River Town.

Try The Monkey River Tour

The Monkey River tour is available from Placencia or Monkey River Town at the mouth of the river. Just up river from the mouth, the river is lined by dense mangrove. As the boat quietly cruises along the red mangrove-lined riverbank, keep a sharp eye and ear for wildlife – iguanas on high branches, birds crossing overhead, crocodiles on the banks, and turtles on partially submerged logs.

The mangrove will eventually fade into tall riverine forest. You know you have reached the forest when you hear an unexpected roar of Howler Monkeys, locally called ‘baboons.’ The loud roar is made possible by a specifically shaped bone in the throat that acts as an amplifier. Their howling can be heard as far as a mile away.

Further up the river, your guide will pull the boat over to give you a jungle experience on foot. The guide leads the way through the forest, maneuvering past cohune palm, thorny vines and banyan trees. Most guides are knowledgeable about the use and preparation of many medicinal plants that grow and thrive in the forest.

Soon enough, you will arrive at a troop of howler monkeys munching on fruits on the trees above. These monkeys travel in small units, mostly consisting of one dominant male and several females with their young. Each adult animal weighs about 15 to 25 pounds and effortlessly move with the forest canopy. At times, troops send a ‘get lost’ message by dropping small branches and leaves down on visitors.

Travel To Belize Now To Experience This Wonderful Site

After a trek through the forest, you can go swimming on a secluded sandbar, fly fishing for tarpon, or just lie back and enjoy the river as you float back toward the mouth and Monkey River Town. Travel in Belize country now and experience this and all the great Belize vacation packages that it has to offer.