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Guadalajara Zoo

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Guadalajara Zoo is widely considered one of the finest and most innovative zoological parks in Mexico, offering a diverse range of experiences that go beyond simple animal viewing. Situated on the edge of the panoramic Huentitán Canyon, the zoo uses its dramatic topography to create unique exhibits like the 'Monkeyland' and a cable car system that provides memorable aerial views of the animals and the gorge. It features a world-class aquarium, a specialized safari area where visitors can see African wildlife from a secure vehicle, and an Antarctic exhibit with penguins. The zoo is a leader in animal welfare and conservation education in western Mexico, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its commitment to creating immersive environments allows guests to feel as though they have traveled to different continents without leaving the city. The integration of technology and nature makes it a standout destination for both locals and international tourists.

Location: Mexico
Top sights: Selva Magica · Centro Cultural Constitución · Zoológico Guadalajara
Nearby: Zapopan (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	16	18	20	23	24	23	21	21	20	19	18	16
Rain mm	12	17	6	1	20	150	229	197	173	64	16	8

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Guadalajara Zoo is one of the most modern zoos in Latin America, spectacularly located on the edge of the Huentitán Canyon in Jalisco. The zoo can be visited year-round.

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Typical hours

The zoo is typically open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last entry usually at 5:00 p.m. On holidays, hours may be extended.

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Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the zoo, but without flash for sensitive animals. The viewpoints over the canyon offer great photo opportunities.

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Time needed

Allow a half day to enjoy all enclosures and the cable car to the canyon. Those wanting to see all shows and feedings need a full day.

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Combine with

Combine the zoo visit with a trip to nearby Old Town Guadalajara or Barranca de Huentitán Park. Selva Mágica amusement park is also within walking distance.

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Getting there

The zoo is easily reachable by bus or taxi from downtown Guadalajara. The cable car (Teleférico) ride from the zoo into the canyon is a special attraction.

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Insider tip

Arrive early on a weekday to see the animals active and avoid crowds. Don't forget to enjoy the panoramic view of the canyon from the cable car.

Geography

Coordinates

20.74200, -103.31500

Facts

The zoo was inaugurated on March 25, 1988, by the President of Mexico.
Its 'SkyZoo' cable car travels at a height of 15 meters, spanning 3.5 kilometers over the exhibits.
The zoo's aquarium holds over 1.2 million liters of water and features a shark tunnel.
It covers 50 hectares of land and houses more than 3,800 animals of 390 different species.
The Safari Masai Mara offers an immersive 20-minute journey through an 8-hectare African savanna exhibit.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tlaquepaque3 km · EExplore →

Hospicio Cabañas3 km · SEExplore →

Expiatory Temple of Guadalajara5 km · SExplore →

Zapopan9 km · SExplore →

Ajijic12 km · NEExplore →

Chapala18 km · NEExplore →

Mazamitla39 km · NEExplore →

Sierra de Zacatecas50 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Guadalajara Zoo (13)

Selva Magica 🎡 recreation

Selva Mágica is a popular amusement park in Guadalajara with rides and attractions.

🌐 selvamagica.com.mx

Centro Cultural Constitución 🎭 culture

Centro Cultural Constitución is a cultural center on the zoo grounds in Guadalajara.

Zoológico Guadalajara 🎡 recreation

Guadalajara Zoo is a major zoo housing diverse animal species.

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Museo de Ciencias Ambientales 🏛 museum

Environmental Sciences Museum in Guadalajara focusing on ecology and nature.

Torre Eiffel -Escala-🏺 historical

Torre Eiffel -Escala- is a scale replica of the Eiffel Tower in the Zoo.

Ruinas del Planetario del Municipio de Guadalajara Severo Díaz Galindo 🏺 historical

Ruinas del Planetario del Municipio de Guadalajara Severo Díaz Galindo are the ruins of a planetarium in the Zoo.

Foro Ichitan Río Verde 🎭 culture

Foro Ichitan Río Verde is an event venue in the Zoo, named after Ichitan and the Río Verde.

Anfiteatro Independencia 🎭 culture

Anfiteatro Independencia is an amphitheater in the Zoo.

Centro Holístico Macuilli Tepec 📍 landmark

Centro Holístico Macuilli Tepec is a holistic center in the Zoo.

Mirador Del Cañon Escarpado 🌿 nature

Mirador Del Cañon Escarpado is a viewpoint over a steep canyon in the Zoo.

Parque Mirador Dr. Atl 🌿 nature

Parque Mirador Dr. Atl is a viewpoint park named after artist Dr. Atl in the Zoo.

Mirador "Las Cañadas"🌿 nature

Mirador "Las Cañadas" is a viewpoint over the canyons in the Zoo.

Mundo Marino Guadalajara 🎡 recreation

Mundo Marino Guadalajara is a marine park in the Guadalajara Zoo.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight of the Guadalajara Zoo?

The 'safari panorama' and the large aquarium are very impressive.

How long does a visit here take?

Plan for a full day to see everything.

Is the zoo family-friendly?

Yes, there are playgrounds and interactive zones for children.

Is there protection from the sun?

Yes, but headwear and sunscreen are still essential.

Are pets allowed?

No, unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the zoo.

Guadalajara Zoo: where is it located?

Guadalajara Zoo is located in Mexico.

Guadalajara Zoo: what is there to see?

Highlights include Selva Magica, Centro Cultural Constitución, Zoológico Guadalajara.

Guadalajara Zoo: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.

Guadalajara Zoo: why is it worth visiting?

The Guadalajara Zoo is widely considered one of the finest and most innovative zoological parks in Mexico, offering a diverse range of experiences that go beyond simple animal viewing.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →