Hiking Monkey Mountain

Monkey Mountain is one of the local guide's favorite hikes, and you can climb it from either side: from Punta de Mita or from the Sayulita side. The outing lasts about two hours and rewards you at the top with a 360-degree view.

There are two ways up. The first starts at Higuera Blanca, near Punta de Mita, and is described as much easier. The second goes by Patzcuaro, on the Sayulita side, and is the hard option. Either way, the guide is clear that this is not an easy hike: it is demanding, though it tends to leave you smiling at the end, if not at the beginning.

Timing matters. The hike can be done in the morning or at sunset, and in summer you need to start as early as possible or wait for sunset, because the humidity makes the climb harder. As the operator puts it, if the weather is good, the hike goes ahead.

The activity works both as a workout and as an outing for families, but it is best suited to people with a high level of physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Service animals are allowed.

Light refreshments, snacks and bottled water are included. Other drinks and hotel pickup and drop-off are not, so plan your own way to the start. The meeting point is Mita Aventuras, at Anclote Ave # 9, Dorado Beach in Punta de Mita, next to Blue Shrimp. Public transportation is available nearby.