
Bosque Guarani Zoo
A free, tree-filled zoo with lakes, featuring a variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles in a light jungle setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Cooler temperatures

Bosque Guarani Zoo
Best Time
Cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, tree-filled zoo with lakes, featuring a variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles in a light jungle setting.
"It's amazing zoo, highly recommend it."

🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
The zoo is set in a lovely, tree-filled area. Enjoy the natural surroundings as much as the animals!
🐢 Observe Closely
Some animals, like the alligator, are masters of camouflage and stillness. Patience is key!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Avian Paradise
Bird enclosures
A vibrant collection of birds, from colorful parrots to majestic raptors, offering a feast for the eyes.
Reptile Haven
Reptile house
Observe a variety of turtles and the famously still 'water tiger' (alligator) in their habitats.

Jungle Walkways
Zoo grounds
Stroll through lush, tree-filled paths and enjoy the natural ambiance surrounding the animal exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free Entry
Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
My logistical tips for Iguazu - what I wish I knew!
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
The zoo is set in a lovely, tree-filled area. Enjoy the natural surroundings as much as the animals!
🐢 Observe Closely
Some animals, like the alligator, are masters of camouflage and stillness. Patience is key!
Iguazu Falls
Iguaçu Falls accommodation and tips
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be walking through a light jungle environment.
🤔 Consider Enclosures
Be aware that some visitors have concerns about enclosure sizes.
Tem algo econômico para se fazer em Foz do Iguaçu?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Enjoy the Walk
The zoo is set in a lovely, tree-filled area. Enjoy the natural surroundings as much as the animals!
🐢 Observe Closely
Some animals, like the alligator, are masters of camouflage and stillness. Patience is key!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be walking through a light jungle environment.
🤔 Consider Enclosures
Be aware that some visitors have concerns about enclosure sizes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bosque Guarani Zoo is praised for its free admission and pleasant, tree-filled grounds, offering a relaxed walk through a light jungle environment. However, a significant number of visitors express concerns about the size of animal enclosures, with opinions divided on the overall welfare of the animals. While some find it a worthwhile visit for the variety of birds and reptiles, others are critical of the living conditions.
"It's free, which is nice, but I'd much prefer they charge an entry fee and use the money to increase the size of the enclosures.
Some of them seem adequate, but some are horribly small. It's heartbreaking to see such majestic animals in nothing short of cages.
All the enclosures are clean and look well maintained, but the animals must be miserable in such tiny spaces."
Adam Fraiel
"Pretty cool place and totally FREE! A nice walk in a light jungle to cool off and check out the animals. The zoo is actually really well taken care of. When I was told it was an old “abandoned zoo” I was hoping to walk in and see a bunch of free roaming animals but it’s basically a small zoo that is just open to the public. A few big cats, some monkeys, and lots of birds!"
Richard V. Gilbert
"This was a very lovely free zoo! Yes, there are a couple of empty cages, but there are also cages with animals and they don’t look sad! The only thing that kinda made me laugh was the “water tiger” that was an alligator and it did not even move! It was almost like it was fake...but at least there were lots and lots of turtles!"
Soledad Anglada
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is accessible by local bus routes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in the city and can take you directly to the entrance.
Yes, there is parking available at the zoo, though it can get busy during peak times.
The zoo features pleasant walking paths through a tree-filled area, making it a good option for a leisurely stroll.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Bosque Guarani Zoo offers free admission, making it a very accessible attraction for all visitors.
The zoo is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check the most current operating hours before your visit, as they can vary.
No, advance booking is not required as the zoo has free entry. You can simply arrive during opening hours.
There are no specific age restrictions for entry to Bosque Guarani Zoo. It's a family-friendly destination.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of animals including big cats, monkeys, numerous bird species, and reptiles like alligators and turtles.
Visitor opinions vary; some find the enclosures adequate and well-maintained, while others express concern about their size for certain animals.
It's considered a smaller zoo, offering a pleasant walk through a light jungle environment rather than an extensive zoological park.
Basic facilities are available, including restrooms. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks as dining options may be limited.
The natural setting and diverse birdlife offer good opportunities for photography, especially during the golden hour.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options within the zoo are typically limited. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during your visit.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy within the zoo grounds.
The surrounding city offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, from local eateries to international cuisine, a short drive or bus ride away.
📸 📸 Photography
The bird enclosures, the lush jungle paths, and the reptiles offer great photo opportunities. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
While some animals are active, others can be quite still (like the alligator). Patience and a good zoom lens can be helpful for capturing clear shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, which is generally better for photography and can also be when animals are more active.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Visitor Experience
However, the visitor experience is often colored by discussions surrounding the size of the animal enclosures. While some reviews mention that the enclosures are clean and well-maintained, a recurring theme is the concern that some spaces are too small for the animals housed within them. This has led to a division in opinions, with some visitors finding it heartbreaking and a form of animal cruelty, while others acknowledge the maintenance but still express reservations. It's important for potential visitors to be aware of these differing perspectives when planning their visit.
Despite the enclosure concerns, many still find value in the zoo. The variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles (including a notable alligator and numerous turtles) provides enough interest for a casual visit. The zoo is essentially a small, open-to-the-public park with animal exhibits, rather than a large, modern zoological institution. This distinction is key to managing expectations and appreciating what Bosque Guarani Zoo offers: a free, accessible, and nature-filled outing with a chance to observe wildlife.
Navigating Animal Welfare Concerns
Conversely, other visitors have a more nuanced view. They acknowledge the existence of empty cages but also point out that the animals present do not appear sad. The 'water tiger' (alligator) is often mentioned as an example of an animal that seemed almost 'fake' due to its stillness, which some interpret as a sign of lethargy or disinterest stemming from its environment. While appreciating the free entry and the pleasant walk, these visitors also note the enclosure issue, suggesting a compromise between the cost and the quality of the animal habitats.
Ultimately, visitors should approach Bosque Guarani Zoo with an awareness of these contrasting viewpoints. It's a place where the free access is a major draw, but the ethical considerations of animal housing are a significant point of contention. Understanding these aspects beforehand can help visitors form their own informed opinions and decide if the experience aligns with their expectations and values.
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