The Guadalajara Zoo, Zoológico Guadalajara, is a large, hilly park beside the Huentitán canyon on the northern edge of the city. The tourism board says it holds more than 2,000 animals from about 360 species, including giraffes, tigers, lions, penguins, sharks and exotic birds. It is far more than a row of cages. The Sky Zoo is a canopied chairlift that carries you over the treetops, Monkeyland brings together primates from the Americas and Africa, the Herpetario is a big reptile and amphibian house and the Selva Tropical recreates a rainforest. A train loop of about forty-five minutes circles the grounds, Rancho Veterinario has a petting zoo, the Antártida exhibit shows penguins, Villa Australiana has kangaroos and wallabies and the Aquarius aquarium, with about 95 species, includes an acrylic capsule that lets you look up at sharks. The Safari Masai Mara is a jeep tour among African animals. Together these features make the zoo a day-long outing rather than a quick stop.
Planning the day. The tourism board suggests allowing around four hours, and it is easy to spend longer. The grounds are on a slope, so expect hills and bring comfortable shoes, water, a hat and sunscreen. The park has several optional rides, including the safari, the train and the Sky Zoo, and the board mentions a combined package of the three.
Decide at the gate which extras you want, since queues for popular rides can build up on weekends and school holidays. Animals are most active in the morning, so arriving at opening time gives the best sightings and the coolest temperatures.
Practical notes. Opening hours vary between sources: the tourism board gives Wednesday to Sunday, from ten in the morning to six in the evening, and says it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while another national tourism itinerary shows a different pattern. Confirm the current days and times with the zoo before you set out, particularly if you are travelling on a Monday or Tuesday.
Admission has different rates for adults and children, and the rides cost extra, so check the current prices on the day. The zoo is a taxi or ride-service trip from the centre, and the canyon-side location means returning rides are easy to find at the entrance. Food stalls and cafés inside serve simple meals and snacks.
Who it suits. Families with children of any age, wildlife lovers and anyone who enjoys a big, outdoors-focused day. Toddlers will enjoy the petting zoo and the train, older children the Sky Zoo and the safari, and adults the views across the canyon from the lift. It is less suited to travellers with limited mobility because of the slopes, although the train helps.
Pair it with the Michin Aquarium or Bosque Los Colomos on another day, rather than the same one, because the zoo alone fills most of a day. In the heat of the dry season, bring plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
Getting the most from it. Start with the animals that are most active in the morning, such as the big cats and primates, and keep the rides for later when children need a break from walking. The viewing platforms along the canyon edge give good photographs, and the aquarium is a welcome cool spot in the middle of the day. Pack a refillable water bottle, a hat and a small towel for splashes, and agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided day at a large zoo, with optional rides including a chairlift, a safari jeep and a train.
Best time
Opening time on a weekday, when the animals are active and the park is quiet and cool.
How long
Around four hours, and easily a full day with the rides.
Tips
Confirm days and hours before you go, wear good shoes for the slopes, bring water and sun protection and choose your paid rides early.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and wildlife fans who want a full day outdoors.
- Families
- The best family day out in the city, with a petting zoo, a train and a chairlift.
- Couples
- Less of a couples' stop, though the canyon views from the Sky Zoo are good.
- Pair with
- The Michin Aquarium and Bosque Los Colomos, ideally on separate days.
- Time needed
- Plan on four to six hours.
Good questions
What are the opening days and hours?+
The tourism board gives Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00, and says the zoo is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Another source shows a different pattern, so confirm before you travel.
How many animals are there?+
More than 2,000 animals from about 360 species, according to the tourism board.
What is the Sky Zoo?+
A canopied chairlift that carries visitors over the treetops, giving views of the grounds and the canyon.
How long should I plan?+
About four hours, longer if you add the safari jeep, the train and the aquarium.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Yes. There is a petting zoo, a train and many easy exhibits, although the park is hilly, so a stroller can be hard work.
