Follow Calzada Independencia north and Guadalajara eventually runs out of street and drops into a canyon. Right at that edge, above the Barranca de Huentitán, is the Guadalajara Zoo, where weekend mornings mean strollers, picnic coolers and kids torn between penguins and giraffes. Here’s how to plan a family day at this zoo in Guadalajara, Mexico, like a local.
Why the Guadalajara Zoo Is Worth a Day of Your Trip
Locals just call it the Zoológico Guadalajara, and it has been part of family weekends here since March 1988. It spreads over 50 developed hectares on the canyon rim, so the day feels like a long walk through a park full of animals.
It has a few firsts, too: the first aquarium in a city with no sea and the first cable car in a Mexican zoo. That’s a lot of ground for small legs, so arrive early.
The Areas and Experiences Not to Miss
Start with the moments kids talk about on the ride home. Giraffes stretch down for snacks at the Mirador Barranca feeding point, lories flutter in for nectar at Villa Australiana, and Adelie penguins waddle around Antártida, next to the Acuario Guadalajara.
Safari Masai Mara: an Africa-themed ride among the herds.
SkyZoo: a 1,688-meter cable car gliding over Monkeyland, gorillas, wolves, bison and lions in about 30 minutes.
Tren Panorámico: a scenic train with half and full routes.
A free macaw show at 11 am on the Monkeyland esplanade.
Where to Buy Tickets and What’s Included
Buying Zoológico Guadalajara tickets is easy; the real choice is how many rides you want. Prices are in Mexican pesos (MXN), as listed in November 2026. Kids 3 to 11 pay the child rate and younger children enter free.
You can buy Guadalajara Zoo tickets at the gate or online, where they stay valid for 30 days.
General admission: MXN $135 adults, $95 kids. Includes the bird show, Villa Australiana, the reptile house and Monkeyland.
Mid package: MXN $390 adults, $270 kids. Adds the aquarium, safari, train and Antártida.
Full package: MXN $455 adults, $350 kids. Everything above plus SkyZoo.
Animal encounters cost extra; feeding the giraffes is MXN $50.
Getting There from Downtown Guadalajara
The zoo sits in Huentitán, where Calzada Independencia crosses Periférico Norte. From downtown or Chapultepec, a rideshare or taxi can drop you at either entrance. Drivers should use the main gate at Paseo del Zoológico 600, where parking is MXN $110 for the day.
By transit, ride the Mi Macro Calzada line toward Mirador to Zoológico station, beside the pedestrian entrance at Calzada Independencia 4510. The Mi Macro Periférico line also has a Zoológico stop, about 900 meters from the main gate.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Pack a picnic. Outside food and water are welcome and there are picnic areas, but no grills, and sodas, boxed juices, glass and alcohol stay outside.
Strollers are allowed, and rentals by the souvenir shop take a refundable deposit.
SkyZoo riders must be at least 1.10 meters tall (about 3 ft 7 in).
Leave balls, scooters and pets at home.
Kids 6 to 12 can join the Veterinario por un día workshop at Rancho Veterinario.
Some animals nap out of sight, so give each habitat a minute.
Making a Day of It Around Huentitán
Save a little energy for the canyon itself. At the end of Calzada Independencia, Parque Mirador Independencia looks straight into the Barranca de Huentitán, the gorge carved by the Río Santiago. Heading back south you’ll pass Estadio Jalisco, and the new Arena Guadalajara rises on Periférico Norte.
One heads-up: Selva Mágica, the amusement park next door, closed for good in 2026, while the zoo keeps its usual hours. For the rest of your trip, here are more things to do in Guadalajara.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Guadalajara Zoo
Is the Guadalajara Zoo worth it?
For families, yes. It covers 50 developed hectares on the edge of the Barranca de Huentitán, with a safari ride, an aquarium, penguins and the first cable car built in a Mexican zoo. Adult admission starts at MXN $135.
How much does the Guadalajara Zoo cost?
General admission is MXN $135 for adults and $95 for kids 3 to 11. Packages that add the safari, train, aquarium and SkyZoo go up to MXN $455 for adults and $350 for kids.
What are the Guadalajara Zoo hours?
During the school year the zoo opens Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and weekends from 9 am to 6 pm. During school vacations it opens daily. Ticket booths close at 5 pm.
How do I get to the Guadalajara Zoo?
Take a rideshare or taxi to the main entrance at Paseo del Zoológico 600, or ride the Mi Macro Calzada line toward Mirador and get off at Zoológico station, next to the pedestrian entrance.
Can you bring food to the Guadalajara Zoo?
Yes. Outside food and water are allowed, and there are picnic areas to enjoy them. Sodas, packaged juices, alcohol and glass containers are not permitted, and there are no grills or microwaves.
A Day Out the Whole Family Will Remember
By closing time the kids will be tired, a little sticky and already planning their next SkyZoo ride. That’s a good day at the Guadalajara Zoo, up where the city meets the canyon. Staying longer? See where to stay in Guadalajara, plan a full day of fun with kids in Guadalajara, or browse our complete guide to Guadalajara.
