Belize's Southern Coast: The Distance Between Belize City And Monkey River

Monkey River is a small village in Southern Belize, located about 210 km from Belize City. The village is situated on the Caribbean coast, where the Monkey River flows into the ocean, and is home to around 200 people. The river is one of Belize's major rivers, rising in the Maya Mountains and discharging into the Caribbean Sea near Monkey River Town. The village can be accessed by road or sea from destinations like Placencia and Punta Gorda Town, and it is known for its abundant wildlife, including howler monkeys, tropical birds, crocodiles, and iguanas.

The distance from Belize City to Monkey River Town is 210 km

The distance from Belize City to Monkey River Town is 210 kilometres, or 129.9 miles. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 41 minutes.

Monkey River is a small village in the Toledo District of southern Belize, with a population of around 200 people. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its pristine natural environment and abundant wildlife. The river itself is one of Belize's major rivers, rising in the Maya Mountains and flowing into the Caribbean Sea near Monkey River Town. The river is home to a diverse range of species, including ocelots, jaguars, crocodiles, manatees, and of course, the loud and lively howler monkeys that give the river its name.

The village of Monkey River is a unique and exotic experience. With sand streets, no cars, and a laid-back atmosphere, it is a world away from modern life. The people of Monkey River are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The village is accessible by road or sea from nearby towns such as Placencia and Punta Gorda.

A Monkey River tour typically involves exploring the river ecosystem and the surrounding broadleaf forest, as well as learning about the history of the village. Visitors can spot a variety of wildlife, including birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. Boat trips up the river are a popular way to experience the area's natural beauty and often include a stop in Monkey River Town for lunch and a chance to interact with the local community.

For those seeking an adventure off the beaten path, Monkey River offers a unique and memorable experience in the heart of Belize's stunning natural environment.

Monkey River Village is a small village with 200 residents

Monkey River Village is a small village with around 200 residents, nestled on the coast of Southern Belize in the Toledo District. This idyllic location is known for its lush flora and fauna, making it a popular ecotourism destination. The village is situated on the southern and northeastern bank of the mouth of the Monkey River, which flows into the Caribbean Sea.

The village is unique in that it has no cars and only two streets, making it a peaceful and tranquil place to explore. The residents of Monkey River Village are known for their friendliness, and the village has a strong sense of community. The village is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous howler monkeys, which can be heard and seen in families throughout the area. It is one of the last purely Creole settlements in Belize, with many traditional practices still being carried out, such as cooking over a "fyah haat" (fire hearth).

The history of Monkey River Village is closely tied to the banana industry, which was the main source of income in the 1800s. At that time, the population was around 2500 people. However, with the decline of the banana industry and the impact of hurricanes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the population decreased, and the village was reclassified as a village in 1981, although it retained the name "Town." Today, the village has rebounded, and its residents mainly make a living from fishing, lobster, or the thriving tourist trade.

The village is easily accessible by road or sea from nearby destinations such as Placencia and Punta Gorda Town. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including nature trails, manatee and bird watching, and hiking in the surrounding rainforest, where they may encounter tropical birds, deer, ocelots, and possibly even jaguars. The river banks are also ideal for birdwatching, offering a tranquil setting to observe the diverse avian species of the region.

In addition to its natural attractions, Monkey River Village has a community center, a school, two churches, two shops, three hotels, two resorts, and several restaurants and bars. The entire village has a laid-back atmosphere, with sandy streets and grassy paths, making it a relaxing and enjoyable place to visit.

The village can be accessed by road or sea from Placencia and Punta Gorda Town

The village of Monkey River in Belize is a unique and exotic experience. It is a quiet village with sand streets, no cars, and a population of about 200 people. It is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including howler monkeys, tropical birds, butterflies, crocodiles, and iguanas. The village can be accessed by road or sea from Placencia and Punta Gorda Town.

If you are travelling from Placencia, the Monkey River Tour is a popular option. This tour involves a 15-mile boat ride through a narrow mangrove path, with the trade winds blowing through your hair and sparkling waters all around. The tour is a great way to experience the rich jungle habitat and abundant sea life of the region. You can also opt for fishing trips, which are suitable for both expert and novice anglers.

Alternatively, you can travel to Monkey River by road from Placencia. However, it is important to note that the village lies beyond the electric grid and phone lines, so it is a truly off-the-grid destination.

For those travelling from Punta Gorda Town, there are two ways to get to Monkey River: by bus or by car. The bus journey takes about 1 hour and 39 minutes, while the drive is approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. The distance between the two locations is 131 kilometres, with a road distance of 109.7 kilometres.

The Monkey River Tour is one of the top-rated tours in Southern Belize

The tour begins with a 15-mile boat ride from Placencia to the mouth of the Monkey River. Along the way, passengers can enjoy the exotic scenery of mangrove swamps, wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife, including manatees, crocodiles, iguanas, and tropical birds. Once at the river mouth, a local guide will join the tour, and passengers will begin a cruise up the river.

The river cruise offers opportunities to spot a plethora of flora and fauna, including various bird species, crocodiles, iguanas, orchids, and, of course, the famous Howler Monkeys. The village gets its name from these loud primates, whose calls can be heard echoing through the rainforest. The guides are well-versed in the area's wildlife and landscape and will point out interesting features and answer any questions.

Passengers can also hike the forest trails along the river's edge to get a closer look at the monkeys and learn about the medicinal properties of the surrounding plants. A refreshing swim in the river is also an option. After the hike, the tour returns to the village for a delicious Creole lunch prepared by the locals. Before returning to Placencia, there is also time for a brief walk around the village to observe the local way of life.

The Monkey River Tour offers a fascinating and fun experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and wildlife of Southern Belize. With its friendly guides, exotic wildlife, and cultural insights, it's no wonder that the Monkey River Tour is one of the top-rated tours in the region.

The river is one of Belize's major rivers and is readily navigated using small boats

The Monkey River is one of Belize's major rivers, flowing from the Maya Mountains in Southern Belize to the Caribbean Sea near Monkey River Town. The river is navigable all year round using small boats, although the upper reaches can be challenging during the dry season due to reduced water depth.

The river is an essential part of the Maya Mountain Marine Area Transect, a 4,000-square-kilometre area that connects the Maya Mountains to the coastal waters of the Gulf of Honduras. The river supports diverse ecosystems, including montane broadleaf primary forests, estuarine and mangrove habitats, and coral reefs. These ecosystems provide habitats for a wide range of species, including jaguars, ocelots, manatees, and the famous Guatemalan black howler monkeys.

Boat trips along the Monkey River are a popular ecotourism activity, often originating from Placencia or Roberts Grove. These tours offer visitors a chance to experience the river's natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The river is also a popular destination for fishing and swimming, with its pristine waters supporting both freshwater and marine species.

The Monkey River Village, located along the river, is a small and secluded community with a population of around 200 people. Accessible by road or sea, the village offers a unique glimpse into traditional Creole culture and is known for its friendly residents. The village is also a great place to learn about medicinal plants and enjoy delicious Creole cuisine.

The Monkey River is a significant natural attraction in Belize, offering visitors a chance to explore the country's diverse wildlife, ecosystems, and cultural heritage. With its navigable waters, abundant wildlife, and scenic beauty, the river is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Belize.

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