Howler
monkeys (In Belize they call them baboons) galore on this jungle
river adventure. Picture yourself on a fast boat, wind in your
face, blue sky overhead, sun sparkling on clear water, winding
through narrow channels in the mangrove forest. Finally, you turn
into the mouth of a jungle river, and find yourself surrounded
by dense, unspoiled rainforest habitat, with its tall canopy reaching
up to the clear morning sky.
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The
Trip:
The
Monkey river trip leaves at 8 a.m. The entrance to the Monkey
River and Monkey River Town are located about 12 miles southwest
of Placenccia. It takes approximately 45 minutes by boat.
Most of this trip is in protected waters and will be relatively
smooth.
The
first part consist of a boat ride, natural history, Monkey
River history and bird-watching. Your native guide will
point out numerous iguanas, turtles and birds as you motor
slowly up river. Soon the jungle erupts with the bizarre
sounds of the Black Howler Monkey as the troupes communicate
with each other to declare their territory.
Normally after about 45 minutes you guide will pull the
boat up to the bank, where we disembarked to venture into
the jungle and see the howlers close up being guided through
the bush by someone who spent their childhood there.
Learn
about the different plants and trees nad maybe cut a new
trail and wander (sometimes through water) further from
the river. In less than ten minutes you may hear the first
troupe in the distance.
There
is swimming time after the natural history hike. After about
an hour and a half, it's a lunch time! Lunch can be arranged
for vegetarians. After lunch, head back to Pacencia and
on the way, some Manatee watching, which brings you back
to Placencia about 3 pm.
The lunch is prepared by a local of Monkey river, who is
certified by the Ministry of health located in Belize city.
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Tips:
Because you will spend as much time in the jungle as in the
boat, Wear or bring long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. This
will give you extra protection against the sun, spiny plants,
and insects. You'll want a hat, sturdy hiking shoes that can
get wet and insect repellent. |
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Monkey
River and MonkeyRiver Village
About
Monkey River and Monkey River Town:
At
the base of Richardson Peak, one of the highest mountains in Belize,
is the origin of the mighty Monkey River, which winds its way
southeast through dense jungle and empties into the Gulf of Honduras.
The area's only human population of about 500, lives at the mouth,
in Monkey River Village, and the surrounding undisturbed wilderness
is home to a multitude of wildlife.
Monkey
River Town is the northernmost village in the Toledo District.
This small, sleepy Creole village of 200 people, sits on the southern
bank of the mouth of the Monkey River. The village is only accessible
by boat from a landing across the river about 100 yards away.
Boats normally pick up anyone who signals to them from the landing.
The village
is as "real" as it gets-the houses are mainly wooden;
few are concrete. A police station, which is rarely used, is
on the east end. The entire village has one community center,
one school, one church, two shops, two hotels,and two restaurants
and bars. A small boardwalk borders the lagoon at the back where
fishermen dock their boats. A roving sand bar protects the river
mouth. Wide sandy beaches stretch out along the mouth of the
river and the east side of the village. Some of the beaches
along the southern edge of town are eroding - Hurricane Mitch
in 1998 took its toll.
While
a few families have generators, the village does not have electricity.
As a result, the villagers go to sleep at sunset and wake at
sunrise. The beachfront near the dock is a favorite gathering
spot for the villagers to hang out and discuss the days happenings
while the children spend time playing soccer and basketball.
Most of the young adults are off in neighboring towns pursuing
their highschool education.
History:
Born
with the banana industry, Monkey River was promoted to a town
in 1891. At that time, the population was about 2500 people, and
the main source of income was the banana industry, logging, and
export of rice. The demise of the banana industry forced the majority
of the people inland in search of other jobs. The town was downsized
to a village in 1981. In recent years, the village has come alive
again. Each family has a boat, and most villagers make a living
from fishing, lobster, hunting, or the tourist trade.
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