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 were not 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, boa constrictors, zebras, and dozens of other species. It is located in Akumal, Quintana Roo, 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen and 20 minutes north of Tulum, making it a natural stop within any Riviera Maya itinerary.
The guided visit program lasts approximately two hours and includes education about each species, the context of their rescue, and the sanctuary's rehabilitation work. The facility is certified by ASP, INECOL, ALPZA and operates under direct PROFEPA supervision. It is the only sanctuary in Mexico authorized for this type of educational program with rescued primates.
The sanctuary won TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Award in 2026 and holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating based on nearly 2,000 reviews. Visitors consistently highlight the quality of the guides, the condition of the animals, and the focus on conservation over spectacle.
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
- Llegada
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 hora
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.
- Final
Closing and complimentary drink
The tour ends with a complimentary cold drink. The sanctuary's gift shop and café are available before your departure.
Meeting a rescued animal is not just seeing an animal. It is understanding what it takes to bring one back.