Monkey River Village
Monkey River Village, which was known as (Monkey River Town), is the northernmost village in
the Toledo District. This small community has a
population of 217 people; it sits on the southern
and northeastern bank of the mouth of Monkey
River. The village is as "real" as it gets. The
houses are mainly wooden with a few
concrete structures. The entire village has one
community center, one school, two churches,
two shops, three hotels, two resorts on the north
side and three restaurants and bars. Small boardwalk borders the lagoon at the
back where fishermen dock their boats.
A roving sandbar protects the river mouth.
Wide sandy beaches stretch out along the mouth
of the river and on the east side of the village. Some of the beaches along the southern
edge of the town were eroded during Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and Iris in 2001.
H I S T O R Y
Born with the banana industry, Monkey River was promoted
to a town in 1891. At that time, the population was over 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, or
the tourist trade.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Monkey River is small and easy to get around. There are only
two main streets. There are no cars, or trucks in the community.
The sandy, grassy paths are short and comfortable for walking
throughout the entire village.
LIFESTYLE
Monkey River now has 24 hours electricity and living conditions
for our small population have improved immensely.
The beachfront near the dock is a favorite gathering spot for the
villagers to hang out and discuss the events of the day
while the children spend time playing soccer and basketball.
During school days the young adults are off in the neighboring
village of Independence pursuing their high school education
and return to town from their long day via bus and boat.
THINGS TO DO
The village is bordered on the west by riverine forests. It is a great place for experiencing
the Belizean Jungle. The Monkey River Tours are led by most of the tour guides in the
village. Enjoy your upriver ride, casting your eyes on the beautiful flora, fauna and broadleaf
subtropical rainforest, in the comfort of a skiff. As you glide by,
iguanas dive into the water, troops of howler monkeys race
through the trees; birds dart from tree to tree; and crocodiles
bask along the banks of the river. Camera is a must.
Stop for a hike through the jungle. Your guide will point out
herbal medicines, tarantulas, crocodiles, snakes, howler
monkeys, and various birds including toucans and
oropendulas. If lucky, you may spot a deer, tapir, or even a
jaguar. Several mangrove cayes lie off the rivermouth.
One island is a bird sanctuary for many wading birds such as egrets and herons. The birds
congregate in huge numbers to roost for the night.
