Monkey Mountain
$75 ~ 4 hours in total
Intermediate/Advanced Hike
Begins in Sayulita with transporation included, 8am
Total distance: 5.5 miles | Elevation 1,095 ft
Description
Let’s take a hike up to the top of Monkey Mountain to enjoy the highest views in the Bay of Banderas. We’ll trek through the jungle and the mountains to observe plants and animals. This hike offers a unique, challenging experience with wonderous views and natural scenery.
This is a very challenging hike and attendees must be in good physical condition. The reward of getting to our overlook is an incredible view of the coastline and a unique experience to connect with the natural environment.
The meeting point will be a mutually convenient place. A car or, for bigger groups a latest generation passenger van, with air conditioning will be waiting for us to leave for the town of "Higuera Blanca" - the trip takes approximately 15 minutes.
Once we arrive at our destination, which is the base of Cerro del Mono (Monkey Mountain!), we will begin our ascent at a moderate pace along the paths through the jungle. Both the path of ascent and descent are the same trail and our experience is programmed so that we do them in a period of 2 hours in total, with the remaining time (1 hour) to enjoy the viewpoints that there are during the path, bird watching, identification of flora and fauna, to talk about the history and the context of the place and of course rest atop the viewpoint to take photographs and admire the beauty of the landscape.
It is important to highlight that in the last section of the path once we are close to the top the difficulty will gradually increase, therefore guests must be physically conditioned to reach the glory of enjoying a beautiful 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Bandera Bay, the magnitude of the blue sea Pacific, the lush jungle of the Sierra Vallejos, the famous Marietas Islands and the towns surroundings. It is necessary that participants are aware of the level of difficulty (intermediate/advanced) and who are in good physical condition.
Highlights of the Monkey Mountain Hike:
Rewarding views atop the Bay of Banderas from Punta Mita to Sayulita
Birdwatching & active fauna, higher probability of sightings
A strong and enjoyable challenge
Tour Includes:
Optical equipment: binoculars, spotting scope
Hiking poles (Must request in advance)
Child carrier hiking backpack (Must request in advance)
Professionally certified, bilingual guide equipped with first aid kit
What to bring:
Water (and extra water!)
Sunscreen & Sun Hat
Comfortable footwear
Snacks
Mosquito repellent
Request baby carrier or trekking poles
Meeting Spot
We will agree upon a mutually convenient meeting in Sayulita after your booking by email, phone or whatsapp. We will then take provided transportation to and from the trail head.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dogs are welcome always on the leash, provided they are friendly to the other guests and other potential pets on the tour. We can not allow dogs off leash as this can be a hazard to the ecosystem. Remember to bring poop bags.
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There are no waterfalls at Monkey Mountain. It’s also not a nesting area for sea turtles as this is not a beach destination. However, during whale season, the high vantage point of the view offers a possibility of viewing whales spouting in the sea.
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No, children must pay the full price to attend the hike.
While many services offer discounts for children when they require fewer resources (like eating less than adults do at a buffet), our nature hikes are a bit different.
At EcoHike Sayulita, we put EXTRA detail and care into ensuring your childrens’ safety and enjoyment. Our team even provides special carrier backpacks for the little ones (just request in advance!), ensuring they are comfortable and secure throughout the hike.
We often tailor the tours and consider our trail selection and pace for the entire group depending on the children who join and their ages.
Our guides will take extra effort to make the hikes safe and engaging for young minds.
We hope you understand that charging kids the same rates as adults is reflected in our desire to create a more enriching experience for your family.
Please consider tipping the guide for this extra attention.
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Sneakers or hiking shoes are best. We do not recommend sandals.
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Yes! In fact, it’s a great way for solo travelers to meet like-minded individuals and travel friends. Just contact us and we will arrange the booking to align with other travelers who are booked. We are unable to fulfill tours of only one person, so we will need to combine you with a group.
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This is a public tour and anyone can sign up. You can bring your whole group to join others on this tour.
Alternatively, you can arrange a private tour with us. A private tour will allow you an exclusive tour with full flexibility to customize the time and pace. This is a great option if you or your kids have special needs and require more time or attention. It can also be a great option if you just want to keep the experience exclusive to your group with no additional attendees.
We’ve even had bookings for a private tour to set up special romantic wedding proposals! Just ask and we’ll plan any custom trip you need!
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Closest to our meeting point is Don Bonito hotel, which has a small cafe and bathrooms. There you can use the bathroom (you may need to make a small purchase, such as a cookie or water to use the facilities). You can also purchase bottled water there.
Once we journey away from the meeting point, there will be no bathrooms or water available. Bring plenty of water and of course, when nature calls, you can always find a discreet spot to squat in the jungle! Just ask your guide before doing to be sure you are safe.
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Thankfully, most of the year in Sayulita offers perfect weather for tours. Sometimes during the rainy season Aug-Oct we will have rains. In the case the tour needs to be rescheduled we will reach out before the tour begins. In compliance with our terms and conditions a new convenient time will be offered.
We may still venture out if there is light refreshing rain, but we always keep your safety in mind.
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We ask that you declare to be in good physical condition. If you have an average fitness level and are active regularly you should be able to keep up. You should have some hiking experience and good shoes.
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Kids should have good motivation and be experienced in the wilderness. This is reflected in the parent’s hiking experience. Because we can offer the baby backpack carrier, our youngest hiker of Monkey Mountain was 6 months old! :)
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Tips are customary in Mexico. If you enjoyed your tour, please consider showing appreciation by tipping your guide.
More questions? Call or whatsapp us at +52 322 368 5021 or message contact.ecohike@gmail.com.
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