Have you ever seen the look on a child’s face when a small monkey sits on their shoulder for the first time? It’s a mix of amazement, laughter, and pure magic. In the heart of the Caribbean, every little explorer dreams of meeting exotic animals in their natural habitat, and Monkeyland Punta Cana has become one of the must-visit stops to live out this fantasy.

In this guide, we’ll tell you what to expect from interacting with squirrel monkeys and why, if you’re looking to maximize family fun, you should consider plans that turn your children into true “jungle explorers” of the Dominican Republic.

The Monkeyland Punta Cana experience

Monkeyland Punta Cana is a sanctuary dedicated to friendly squirrel monkeys. This excursion is ideal for those looking to interact with monkeys in Punta Cana in a safe and controlled environment.

What does it involve? You’ll walk through a beautiful botanical garden while these small primates come down from the trees to interact with you. They are extremely sociable: they’ll climb onto your shoulders and eat directly from your hands.

What kids learn: Beyond the photos, guides share fascinating facts about the monkeys’ diet, behavior, and the importance of protecting their ecosystem.

Practical tips for parents:

• Avoid using sunscreen or perfumes with very sweet scents, as they may attract the monkeys too much or make them uncomfortable.
• Do not wear dangling jewelry or loose glasses; monkeys love to “collect” shiny objects.

Beyond Monkeyland Punta Cana: the Dominican safari

Although the monkeys are adorable, the wildlife of the Dominican Republic is much broader. If you’re wondering what to do in Punta Cana with kids so they can truly discover the island, a family safari is the answer.

A safari allows children to observe tropical birds in freedom and learn about local livestock. It’s an immersion into rural culture where they understand that nature and countryside life go hand in hand.

La Hacienda Park: a complete nature adventure

While parks like Monkeyland are charming for a quick visit, many families prefer to optimize their budget by choosing animal excursions in Punta Cana that offer “a lot in one day.” This is where La Hacienda Park positions itself as the winning option for planning parents.

The Safari and contact with rural life

At La Hacienda, kids don’t just see animals — they experience the environment. Our Safari takes them through coffee and cacao plantations, where they can observe farm animals in a natural setting and learn authentically how life in the Dominican countryside works.

Horseback riding: connection and tranquility

Unlike single-species theme parks, here we offer horseback rides designed for the entire family. It’s a gentle ride along the river and through the jungle, ideal for children to connect with animals in a calm and respectful way.

The Big Differentiator

While other places limit the experience to observation, at La Hacienda, after greeting the animals, the family can ride the only Chairlift in the area or fly on Ziplines. It’s about going from the tenderness of wildlife to the adrenaline of the jungle in a matter of minutes.

Tips for families visiting nature parks

To ensure the experience is both perfect and educational, keep these recommendations for the best nature parks in the Dominican Republic in mind:

Respect above all: Teach your children not to shout and to move slowly. Animals feel more comfortable in a calm environment.

Hygiene: Always wash hands before and after interacting with any species.

Responsible photography: Flash photography is usually prohibited because it can scare animals or damage their eyesight. The best photos are taken with natural light.

Monkeyland Punta Cana and La Hacienda Park

Punta Cana is an open classroom. Monkeyland is a sweet and specific experience that your children will always remember. However, if you’re looking for a full adventure day — where they can see animals, ride horses, swim in a river, and fly through the air — a multi-adventure park like La Hacienda Park offers unbeatable added value.

Do you want your children to experience the most complete jungle adventure? Book your ticket to La Hacienda Park and enjoy safari, horseback riding, and plenty of adrenaline all in one place.