Guadalajara’s Zoo has undergone several transformations since opening back in the late 1980s.
The population of the zoo has grown steadily and now totals 3,885 animals from 392 species.
In addition, attractions have been added over time and visitors can pick and choose what they want to see according to their budgets.
The basic cost of the zoo is 80 pesos for adults and 47 pesos for children. This permits access to the mutliple open-air animal exhibits (tigers, polar bears, hippos, giraffes, elephants, buffalo, etcetera), as well as the aviary, Australian Villa (kangaroos), the reptile house, Amazonia, Tropical Jungle, Veterinarian Ranch and Monkeyland.
A series of extras can be added on when purchasing tickets at the entrance through various “paquetes” (packages) or directly at the attractions themselves.
For example, the full Diamond package costing 265 pesos (185 for children) includes access to everything in the basic package, as well as a ride on the “SkyZoo” (the ski lift running the length of the zoo), unlimited rides on the ground-level panoramic train, and visits to the Safari Masai Mara park, the aquarium and the new penguin attraction. The Premier package includes all the above without the SkyZoo and costs 220 pesos for adults and 142 pesos for children.
Cheaper packages that include just one of the extras can also be purchased at the entrance. The basic package plus the SkyZoo costs 120/90 pesos; aquarium (120/68 pesos), panoramic train (110/80 pesos); Safari park (110/68 pesos) and penguins (115/70 pesos).
Purchased individually within the zoo itself, the attractions cost as follows: SkyZoo (47 pesos per person); Safari park (47/32 pesos), aquarium (53/32 pesos), penguins (45/28 pesos).
All-day parking in the zoo’s official car park costs 53 pesos, although some visitors take a risk and pay less by leaving their vehicles on the street outside the facility in the care of “franaleros.”
Visitors should be warned that the zoo is large and involves a good deal of walking in the sun. For this reason, many younger and older visitors prefer to buy tickets for the panoramic train, which has several stations in different sections of the zoo. Wheelchair rental is 120 pesos per day and infant carriages are 70 pesos (deposits are required).
The zoo also offers access to the adjoining Selva Magica amusement park, with its variety of mechanical rides and other attractions. See selvamagica.com.mx for prices.
Outside public and school holidays, the zoo is open Wednesday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The zoo is located at Paseo del Zoológico 600, one block north of Calzada Independencia from the Guadalajara Periferico in Colonia Huentitán el Alto.
For more information, see zooguadalajara.com.mx or call (33) 3674-4488.