Monkey Mountain
Monkey Mountain
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
39 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
3
Terrible
1
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Christin V
19 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Such a fun and gorgeous hike. It was about 2.5miles up (5miles round trip) took us about 3 hours to complete. Tips:
•You’ll need to arrange for your driver to pick you up after. Our driver was great, we communicated through WhatsApp the entire time. We had great reception even at the top of the mountain.
•if you aren’t active and aren’t accustomed to hiking or strenuous activity…this trail is probably not for you.
•The start of the trail really looks like a continuation from the road you travelled to get there. The parking lot will be on your left…and you just start walking up from there.
•About 1/4 mile into the hike, you will enter an asphalt road. You’ll walk down just a couple hundred feet probably and then you’ll see a barbed wire fence with a trash can next to it. That is where you renter the trail. To the left of the fence, you’ll see a really strange looking walkthrough to get back in the path. I’ll attach a photo. We missed it and ended up back tracking a lot. If you make it to the Ponies place, you’ve gone too far.
•The trail is marked prettty well. I recall one area that had “No” really large on a sign. So be on the lookout to not go the way that says “no”. Haha.
•At the very top, you’ll be crossing over some massive boulders. So just be careful. It’s doable…but you need to watch your footing.
•going down was much quicker haha
•bring plenty of water and a snack
•We coupled this trip with a trip to Sayulita. We were dirty but it was fine. Our driver dropped us off and we messaged him a few hours later to pick us up after we were done touring the little area there.
•You’ll need to arrange for your driver to pick you up after. Our driver was great, we communicated through WhatsApp the entire time. We had great reception even at the top of the mountain.
•if you aren’t active and aren’t accustomed to hiking or strenuous activity…this trail is probably not for you.
•The start of the trail really looks like a continuation from the road you travelled to get there. The parking lot will be on your left…and you just start walking up from there.
•About 1/4 mile into the hike, you will enter an asphalt road. You’ll walk down just a couple hundred feet probably and then you’ll see a barbed wire fence with a trash can next to it. That is where you renter the trail. To the left of the fence, you’ll see a really strange looking walkthrough to get back in the path. I’ll attach a photo. We missed it and ended up back tracking a lot. If you make it to the Ponies place, you’ve gone too far.
•The trail is marked prettty well. I recall one area that had “No” really large on a sign. So be on the lookout to not go the way that says “no”. Haha.
•At the very top, you’ll be crossing over some massive boulders. So just be careful. It’s doable…but you need to watch your footing.
•going down was much quicker haha
•bring plenty of water and a snack
•We coupled this trip with a trip to Sayulita. We were dirty but it was fine. Our driver dropped us off and we messaged him a few hours later to pick us up after we were done touring the little area there.
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Y D
6 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Monkey mountain is a fun, NOT EASY hike with rewarding views of one side of the bay along the path and views of the entire bay at the top. We took my friends 80 year old mom with us after reading reviews that it was an easy hike? and we were not prepared for such a long uphill hike. . She turned back 2/3 of the way because it was more than she could handle. It is about 2-3 hrs round trip. You will walk at an incline the entire way up. The last section is walking on boulders, so you need to wear good tennis or hiking shoes. It is best to have a guide, because there are some forks on the path and it’s unclear which way to go. The views are absolutely beautiful and make the climb worth it. Just don’t expect it to be easy.
Take plenty of water, at least 2-3 bottles/pp and maybe a snack because of the length of the hike. And I think a picnic lunch would be fun on top of the mountain!
Take plenty of water, at least 2-3 bottles/pp and maybe a snack because of the length of the hike. And I think a picnic lunch would be fun on top of the mountain!
Written 30 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter Nilsson
Pitea, Sweden326 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
When we visited Sơn Trà Mountain, the rain poured down. Our driver did not give much hope to see the “red-shanked douc”. We did it! Even the bird life was rich despite the weather. We also visited Lady Buddha Da Nang statue which was impressive.
Unfortunately, large parts were granted to large hotels that did not allow access to the area.
Unfortunately, large parts were granted to large hotels that did not allow access to the area.
Automatically translated
Written 24 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler825730
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
Watch out for the 2 German Shepard dogs that definitely warn you to back off.
We turned back and had rocks in our hands ready, definitely don’t recommend - it’s not worth it. Continue to read reviews, the largest dogs bit someone!
We turned back and had rocks in our hands ready, definitely don’t recommend - it’s not worth it. Continue to read reviews, the largest dogs bit someone!
Written 26 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
girlbercu
Redondo Beach, CA24 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
To get to the trail follow the GPS directions into town but then keep going straight to the end of the road where the trail is straight ahead (almost like a continuation of the road) and a parking area to the left. You will see a river on the right of the road and a compound on the right which will mean you are going the right way.
The hike is marked with white paint on the trees and some areas with a x of where not to go. It is very easy to follow because of this. Near the top you will be climbing over steep rocks to get to the end of the hike but this work is paid off with beautiful views! If you are fit and enjoy hiking, I would highly recommend it. No guide needed.
The hike is marked with white paint on the trees and some areas with a x of where not to go. It is very easy to follow because of this. Near the top you will be climbing over steep rocks to get to the end of the hike but this work is paid off with beautiful views! If you are fit and enjoy hiking, I would highly recommend it. No guide needed.
Written 30 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal S
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
The hike is beautiful and pretty easy to follow (we walked there from Sayulita). There is a new person living along the way with German shepherds, though. The dogs were aggressive towards us on the way up but it seemed mostly bluff. On the way down, however, we were chased and my partner was bitten by the largest German shepherd. I’m writing this from the clinic in Sayulita now. Wonderful hike-but I wanted to share for others’ safety.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris W
17 contributions
Feb 2018 • Friends
All the guides and a bunch of other people said we had to have a guide to do this hike. But if your up for adventure you can totally do it on your own. It helps if you speak spanish but that's not necessary. Ask the taxi drivers if they know how to get to Cerro Del Mono ( monkey mountain ) they should say it cost between 150-250pesos.
The start of the trail is close to Hacienda Jacqueline's. The taxi can take a left there and then drive down another 10 minutes until you arrive at a closed gate, jump the fence and walk up hill for about 1 hr. There are a couple of paths that lead away but generally just keep heading straight and up on the most well defined path available. The summit coordinates are (20.8219440,-105.4652350)
The start of the trail is close to Hacienda Jacqueline's. The taxi can take a left there and then drive down another 10 minutes until you arrive at a closed gate, jump the fence and walk up hill for about 1 hr. There are a couple of paths that lead away but generally just keep heading straight and up on the most well defined path available. The summit coordinates are (20.8219440,-105.4652350)
Written 4 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chercher23
Oconomowoc, WI2 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
I did this hike with Versa because they lied about knowing where Mexi Treks was. The hike is challenging with some risky parts. The ropes are slippery and the knots are too small. Our guide was only 17 years old and completely inexperienced. The worst part: We told the driver, named Jonathan, that we wanted to have pizza at Rustico. He showed up there, and sat at our table and ordered himself a pizza. We never invited him or offered to pay for his food. He are his pizza and stuck us with the bill. So unprofessional. Neve use Versa Premium for this hike! January 2018.
Written 12 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveler2thebeach
Calgary, Canada75 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
As we are more adventurous vacationers who prefer to do our own independent sightseeing, we chose to do this hike on our own. We did encounter a couple of people along the way, Europeans, who had a guide along with them. Definitely not necessary to do with a guide, but just be sure to read my tip at the bottom of this review.
We took a taxi ($500pesos incl tip) from Nuevo Vallarta to Higuera Blanca, a small pueblo at the foot of the mountain.
Our taxi driver had to stop several times in the pueblo to ask for directions. This was a blessing, however, as we stopped at a tienda, where we purchased another 1L bottle of water. This came in very handy, as the heat of the day required more hydration. We had packed water, but we went through all of it by the end of our day.
It is a short walk (3 1/2 hrs total) easy for anyone in fairly good health. We are mid fifties and in good shape, hiking and cycling at home. The climb is not too steep, only a 400m increase in elevation. There was a bit of scrambling over rocks at the end, nothing really difficult, if you are wearing proper hiking shoes.
Also, some people mentioned a lack of signage. This was no problem at all, as we found the trail well marked, with signs along the way.
The views are spectacular, with the opportunity to see whales breaching out at sea...360% view of the BahĂa de Banderas.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no taxis back to Nuevo Vallarta or BucerĂas or anywhere for that matter. Knowing some Spanish is a real asset, as I asked a couple of locals, who told us to flag down a bus. This cost $31pesos each, taking us all the way back to Nuevo Vallarta. We got off the bus at the Chedraui on the highway to pick up a few things, then took an Uber back to our condo. The trip on the bus took over an hour, on the old winding highway.
Nice diversion from sitting on a beach all day. For those seeking an alternative view of Puerto Vallarta.
Adventurous souls from Calgary, AB.
🇨🇦
We took a taxi ($500pesos incl tip) from Nuevo Vallarta to Higuera Blanca, a small pueblo at the foot of the mountain.
Our taxi driver had to stop several times in the pueblo to ask for directions. This was a blessing, however, as we stopped at a tienda, where we purchased another 1L bottle of water. This came in very handy, as the heat of the day required more hydration. We had packed water, but we went through all of it by the end of our day.
It is a short walk (3 1/2 hrs total) easy for anyone in fairly good health. We are mid fifties and in good shape, hiking and cycling at home. The climb is not too steep, only a 400m increase in elevation. There was a bit of scrambling over rocks at the end, nothing really difficult, if you are wearing proper hiking shoes.
Also, some people mentioned a lack of signage. This was no problem at all, as we found the trail well marked, with signs along the way.
The views are spectacular, with the opportunity to see whales breaching out at sea...360% view of the BahĂa de Banderas.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no taxis back to Nuevo Vallarta or BucerĂas or anywhere for that matter. Knowing some Spanish is a real asset, as I asked a couple of locals, who told us to flag down a bus. This cost $31pesos each, taking us all the way back to Nuevo Vallarta. We got off the bus at the Chedraui on the highway to pick up a few things, then took an Uber back to our condo. The trip on the bus took over an hour, on the old winding highway.
Nice diversion from sitting on a beach all day. For those seeking an alternative view of Puerto Vallarta.
Adventurous souls from Calgary, AB.
🇨🇦
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph N
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Nov 2019 • Couples
There are 2 ways to do this hike. You can do the north trail (head south) towards monkey MTN from Playa platzcuaro. There is a marker on Google maps where to start. This is definitely the more challenging way (but way more "wild" and rewarding).
The other (seems more popular and easier way) is from the south from Higuera Blanca town. Trails are more wide and obvious/simple.
We did both. We started from the north of the mountain and ended in Higuera Blanca. I recommend that way.
Tips:
- download a trail map app on your phone that shows the GPS trail and a gps tracker. I don't agree with the other reviewers that the trail is obvious, it's not, especially if you do the north side. South side is much more obvious.
- as soon as you start the north side, you are in a quiet little farm village with chickens. Follow the creek left until you see a path. Locals can point the way.
- when you follow the path all the way evertually you get to a "no pasar" gate and it seems like you took a wrong turn. We almost quit at this point. Thankfully a local took us through and told us there was a hidden path to the left of it that would have took us around.
- check and recheck the GPS that you are on the path. Sometimes there are tiny forks into more lush greenery that you should be taking.
- there's a point where things get sketchy and all things end. Look for paths going very vertically up. That is the way, and the path seems clear again.
- once you are at the end, you need to climb what's seems like a bunch of boulders to get to the summit . That is the way.
- recommend to go back on south trail since it's easier and you can rest. Theres stores in town as well as a cool bar/restaurant up on the main road.
The other (seems more popular and easier way) is from the south from Higuera Blanca town. Trails are more wide and obvious/simple.
We did both. We started from the north of the mountain and ended in Higuera Blanca. I recommend that way.
Tips:
- download a trail map app on your phone that shows the GPS trail and a gps tracker. I don't agree with the other reviewers that the trail is obvious, it's not, especially if you do the north side. South side is much more obvious.
- as soon as you start the north side, you are in a quiet little farm village with chickens. Follow the creek left until you see a path. Locals can point the way.
- when you follow the path all the way evertually you get to a "no pasar" gate and it seems like you took a wrong turn. We almost quit at this point. Thankfully a local took us through and told us there was a hidden path to the left of it that would have took us around.
- check and recheck the GPS that you are on the path. Sometimes there are tiny forks into more lush greenery that you should be taking.
- there's a point where things get sketchy and all things end. Look for paths going very vertically up. That is the way, and the path seems clear again.
- once you are at the end, you need to climb what's seems like a bunch of boulders to get to the summit . That is the way.
- recommend to go back on south trail since it's easier and you can rest. Theres stores in town as well as a cool bar/restaurant up on the main road.
Written 20 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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