Akumal Monkey Sanctuary: Rescued Animals
4.6 · 1,989 reviews
Over 200 rescued animals. A story behind each one.
Most of the animals at the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary arrived the same way: confiscated by PROFEPA from wildlife traffickers, or rescued from inadequate captivity conditions. They weren't born in a zoo. They arrived with a story behind them, and the sanctuary is the place where that story gets a different ending.
The sanctuary houses over 200 animals of 30 different species: spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, Madagascar lemurs, macaws, flamingos, and boa constrictors, among many others that arrived at the sanctuary for the same underlying reason. It holds certification from ASP, INECOL, and ALPZA, and operates under direct PROFEPA supervision, making it the only program in Mexico authorized for educational interaction with rescued primates.
The guided visit runs about two hours and takes you through the different enclosures while the guide explains each animal's history, species, and rehabilitation process. Unlike other animal attractions in the area, this isn't about posing for photos holding or hugging the primates: the focus is on observing and learning.
The sanctuary won TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award in 2026, a recognition that tends to go to experiences where the quality of the information and the care of the place stand out more than the spectacle.
The sanctuary is located on Camino a Uxuxubi in Akumal, reachable by colectivo from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, or through the optional shuttle. The visit ends with a complimentary cold drink, and the sanctuary's gift shop and café are available before you leave.
You leave the sanctuary with a different feeling than other animal attractions give: having met animals with names and stories of their own, not just another species behind glass.
Gratuities and the photo package aren't included in the price; an additional transfer option from Playa del Carmen or Tulum is available if you're not arriving on your own.
What's included
- Guided sanctuary tour (approx. 2 hours)
- Education about each species and their rescue story
- Cold drink at the end of the tour
What's not included
- Hotel pickup (available as an add-on from Playa del Carmen or Tulum)
- Photo package (available on-site)
- Gratuities
Your journey
- Arrival
Meeting point at the sanctuary, Akumal
Arrive at the sanctuary at Camino a Uxuxubi S/N, Akumal. You can arrive by colectivo from Playa del Carmen or Tulum, or book the optional shuttle.
- ~1 hour
Guided tour through the enclosures
Your guide takes you through the different enclosures explaining each animal's history, species, and rehabilitation process. Spider monkeys, lemurs, macaws, boas, flamingos, and more.
- ~30 min
Educational program with primates
The only PROFEPA-authorized program in Mexico for educational interaction with rescued primates. Your guide explains the behavior, origin, and conservation status of each species.
- End
Closing and complimentary drink
The tour ends with a complimentary cold drink. The sanctuary's gift shop and café are available before your departure.
What every explorer asks
Are the animals free-roaming?
They live in spacious enclosures within the sanctuary, not fully free, because most were rescued from illegal trafficking or inadequate captivity and couldn't survive if released. The sanctuary operates under direct PROFEPA supervision. Some, however, do take part in reintroduction programs when their condition allows it.
Can you touch the animals?
Photos holding or hugging the primates aren't promoted. The focus of the visit is observing and learning each rescue story, not direct physical contact, in line with the sanctuary's animal welfare certifications. This policy protects both the animals and visitors from any incident.
What species live at the sanctuary?
More than 200 animals across 30 different species: spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, Madagascar lemurs, macaws, flamingos, and boa constrictors, among others, each with their own rescue story documented by the sanctuary's team. The exact number of animals changes as new rescue cases arrive throughout the year.
How does my visit help the rescue effort?
The sanctuary runs the only program authorized in Mexico for educational interaction with rescued primates, certified by ASP, INECOL, and ALPZA. The cost of the visit supports the animals' rehabilitation and day-to-day care. Without that income, feeding and providing veterinary care for 200 animals would be far harder to sustain.
How do I get there without booking the transfer?
You can get there on your own by colectivo from Playa del Carmen or Tulum to Camino a Uxuxubi in Akumal, where the sanctuary is located, without needing to book the optional transfer the operator offers. The colectivo costs considerably less than the private transfer the operator offers.
How long does the visit last?
The guided visit runs about two hours, and includes a complimentary cold drink at the end, with access to the sanctuary's gift shop and café before you leave. That's enough time to go through every enclosure without feeling like the guide is rushing the pace.
Meeting a rescued animal is not just seeing an animal. It is understanding what it takes to bring one back.
