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Cali Zoo

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Animal habitat
—°12
Cali Zoo (Colombia)

Weather…

The Cali Zoo (Zoológico de Cali), founded in 1969, is widely regarded as one of the best zoos in Latin America and is a major center for environmental education in Colombia. Located along the banks of the Cali River, it covers about 10 hectares of lush tropical terrain. The zoo houses more than 2,500 animals representing around 230 different species, with a primary focus on Colombia's native wildlife. Notable residents include jaguars, Andean condors, giant anteaters, and a vast array of primates. Managed by a private non-profit foundation, the zoo is internationally recognized for its high standards of animal care and successful breeding programs for endangered species. Visitors follow well-designed paths through various ecosystems, ranging from humid rainforests to dry forest zones. The institution places a strong emphasis on the conservation of the spectacled bear and local amphibians. Combining scientific research with public recreation, the Cali Zoo plays a critical role in the national network of wildlife protection and biodiversity awareness.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161717171616161717161616
Rain mm5670961351105542385312615093

📋 Practical info

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Best season
A visit during the dry season from December to March is recommended. Temperatures are more pleasant then and animals are more active.
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Best time of day
Early morning is the best time because animals were active at night and are now being fed. Late morning also features good observation opportunities.
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Etiquette
Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden to protect their health. Please stay on the paths and do not throw trash into the enclosures.
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What to bring
Binoculars help to see animals even from a distance. Comfortable shoes are essential due to the long paths, as is a hat for sun protection.
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Getting there
Cali Zoo is located in the city of Cali and can be reached by taxi, bus, or private car. Parking is available nearby.
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What to expect
Some animals are shy and hide in their enclosures. Take your time and revisit quiet areas several times a day.

Geography

Coordinates
3.44780, -76.55670

Facts

  • Established in 1969 and managed by a private foundation.
  • Home to more than 2,500 individual animals of 230 species.
  • Covers an area of 10 hectares along the Cali River banks.
  • Member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
  • Known for having one of the most successful jaguar breeding programs.
  • Leading center for the research and conservation of Colombian amphibians.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cristo Rey Statue CaliCristo Rey Statue Cali<1 km · SExplore →
CaliCali3 km · NExplore →
Arroyohondo Industrial ZoneArroyohondo Industrial Zone4 km · NEExplore →
JamundíJamundí5 km · WExplore →
Farallones de CaliFarallones de Cali6 km · SWExplore →
YumboYumbo8 km · NEExplore →
Pacific Free Trade ZonePacific Free Trade Zone12 km · NExplore →
Lake CalimaLake Calima13 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cali Zoo (12)

Monumento a Sebastian de Belalcazar🏺 historical

Inaugurated in 1937, this hilltop bronze statue honors the city's founder and serves as Cali's most famous viewpoint.

Caliwood🏛 museum

As Colombia's first cinematography museum, it showcases a vast collection of vintage projectors and film memorabilia.

Flamencos📍 landmark

Located within the Cali Zoo, this exhibit features a colony of spirited pink flamingos in a tropical aquatic setting.

Danta📍 landmark

This zoo exhibit is home to the tapir, a unique snout-nosed mammal native to the South American rainforests.

Teatro Esquina Latina🎭 culture

A prestigious independent theatre venue recognized for its experimental productions and social cultural projects.

Aviario📍 landmark

A large walk-through aviary housing a diverse array of exotic birds from Colombia's varied climate zones.

Teatro al Aire Libre Los Cristales🎭 culture

An iconic open-air amphitheater positioned at the foot of a hill, hosting major concerts and cultural festivals.

Teatrino de la I.E. José Holguín Garcés🎭 culture

A small institutional theatre space used for community performances and local educational cultural events.

Casa Obeso Mejìa🏛 museum

Located on the banks of the Cali River, this cultural house hosts contemporary art exhibitions in a historic setting.

Museo La Tertulia🏛 museum

A premier modern art museum renowned for its vast collection of graphic arts and its striking riverside campus.

Parque Panamericano🏺 historical

Built for the 1971 Pan American Games, this landmark park is famous for its massive flag displays and public gatherings.

Gethsemane Adventist Church⛪ religious

A place of worship for the local Adventist congregation, offering a serene environment and choral music services.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is this zoo considered one of the best?
Yes, it is often considered the best zoo in Colombia and Latin America.
Where is the zoo located?
On the banks of the Cali River in a very lush, green part of the city.
Which animals are special?
The lemurs, tapirs, and the butterfly house are highlights.
Can you eat there?
Yes, there is a nice cafe and restaurant right by the river.
How long does the tour take?
About 2 to 3 hours for a leisurely walk.
Cali Zoo: where is it located?
Cali Zoo is located in Colombia.
Cali Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monumento a Sebastian de Belalcazar, Caliwood, Flamencos.
Cali Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Cali Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Cali Zoo (Zoológico de Cali), founded in 1969, is widely regarded as one of the best zoos in Latin America and is a major center for environmental education in Colombia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Cali — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Cali
The third largest city and the salsa capital of the world.
Palmira — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Palmira
Called the agricultural capital of Colombia due to its farming.
Buenaventura — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Buenaventura
Colombia's most important seaport on the Pacific Ocean.
Tuluá — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Tuluá
Centrally located city in Valle del Cauca, known as the heart of the valley.
Cartago — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Cartago
Known as the city of the sun with colonial architecture.
Buga — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Buga
One of the most important religious pilgrimage destinations in Colombia.
Yumbo — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Yumbo
The industrial heart of the Valle del Cauca department.
Jamundí — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Jamundí
City located south of Cali with strong growth.
Nuquí — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Nuquí
Nuquí is a wild and untamed spot on Colombia's Pacific coast, renowned for its incredible humpback whale watching and hot springs.

History & landmarks

Cristo Rey Statue Cali — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Cristo Rey Statue Cali
The Cristo Rey Statue on Cerro los Cristales is an iconic monument in Cali.
Cali Tower — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Cali Tower
Torre de Cali is the tallest building in Cali and a symbol of the city's modern development.
Solidarity Monument — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Solidarity Monument
The Solidarity Monument is an iconic sculpture in Cali representing collective cooperation and the drive for progress.
Tatacoa Desert — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Tatacoa Desert
A stunning arid landscape featuring striking red and gray rock formations and excellent stargazing.

Nature

Lake Calima — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Lake Calima
An artificial reservoir, famous for its strong winds and water sports activities.
Cauca River — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Cauca River
The second most important river in Colombia, located between the Western and Central ranges.

More places

Arroyohondo Industrial Zone — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Arroyohondo Industrial Zone
A major industrial corridor in Yumbo near Cali, considered the main production center in western Colombia.
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Argos Yumbo Cement Plant
A large cement and concrete factory belonging to the Colombian multinational Argos, important for the construction sector in the southwest.
Farallones de Cali — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Farallones de Cali
The Farallones de Cali are prominent rock peaks in the Western Cordillera, forming an impressive backdrop for the city of Cali.
Pacific Free Trade Zone — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Pacific Free Trade Zone
A strategically located economic zone in Palmira, focusing on logistics and foreign trade for the Pacific region.
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Providencia Sugar Mill
A major agro-industrial complex in Valle del Cauca, dedicated to sustainable sugar and energy production.
Cordillera Occidental (Colombia) — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Cordillera Occidental (Colombia)
The Cordillera Occidental is the westernmost branch of the Colombian Andes, stretching parallel to the Pacific coast.
Valle del Cauca Sugarcane Plantations — Cali Zoo (Colombia)
Valle del Cauca Sugarcane Plantations
The fertile Cauca Valley is Colombia's most important agricultural region for the large-scale cultivation of sugarcane.
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Manuelita Sugar Mill
One of Colombia's oldest and largest sugar producers, which also produces bioethanol and renewable energy.