Chilean National Zoo - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall
1 / 10

Chilean National Zoo

4.4
·19k reviews·Recoleta, Chile

Discover diverse wildlife and stunning Santiago views at the free Chilean National Zoo, perched atop San Cristóbal Hill.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Feeding times

See animals at their most active!

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Chilean National Zoo - a giraffe standing next to a stone wall

Chilean National Zoo

Best Time

Feeding times

See animals at their most active!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover diverse wildlife and stunning Santiago views at the free Chilean National Zoo, perched atop San Cristóbal Hill.

4.4
(19k reviews)

"Free, fun activities with lots of animals (including native and extinct) to see and city views!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online

Free entry, but booking online is essential! Don't miss out on your visit.

⏰ Catch the Feeding Frenzy

Check the schedule for feeding times – it's a highlight for amazing animal encounters!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 19,389 reviews

Type

Zoo

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chilean Native Species

Chilean Native Species

Various enclosures

Discover unique animals native to Chile, like the pudú deer and Andean condor. A true taste of local wildlife!

Flamingo Flock

Flamingo Flock

Flamingo enclosure

Marvel at the vibrant Chilean flamingos, often a highlight for visitors. Their unique behaviors are captivating.

Instagram+1
Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Upper areas of the zoo

Enjoy breathtaking views of Santiago from the zoo's elevated location on San Cristóbal Hill.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Admission & Online Tickets

The Chilean National Zoo offers free admission, a fantastic perk! However, you must reserve your tickets online in advance, even for free entry. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures a smooth entry process. Reddit

Best Viewing Times & Animal Activity

To maximize your experience, aim for feeding times! Many visitors rave about the incredible animal encounters during these scheduled events. Check the zoo's schedule upon arrival for the best chance to see active and engaged animals. Reddit

Best Times

When
Feeding times
Why
See animals at their most active!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

POV: Exploring Chile’s wildlife at the National Zoo in Santiago 🦁🇨🇱 Located on San Cristóbal Hill, the Chilean National Zoo is home to over 150 species, from native animals like the pudú deer and Andean condor to exotic favorites like lions and giraffes. With incredible views of Santiago and a strong focus on conservation, this is a must-visit spot for animal lovers! Ubicado en el Cerro San Cris...
restlessadventure
113 likes • 4.2K views

🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online

Free entry, but booking online is essential! Don't miss out on your visit. Reddit

⏰ Catch the Feeding Frenzy

Check the schedule for feeding times – it's a highlight for amazing animal encounters! Reddit

Exciting Zoo News: Chilean flamingos have joined our flock! 🦩 Earlier this summer, Saint Louis Zoo staff traveled to @zooatl to collect a group of Chilean flamingo eggs. These birds are the newest members of our Ambassador Animal Team for Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, a brand-new Zoo experience for children and families set to open in 2026. The chicks have already started to h...
stlzoo
709 likes • 16.8K views
It’s time for a flamingo roundup!🦩 Our lesser flamingo flock (of over 130 birds!) recently underwent their annual roundup and routine exams. The Zoo holds annual flamingo roundups for each of our 4 species – Chilean, Caribbean, lesser and greater flamingos. The roundups occur at different times throughout the year, just before breeding season for each species. During a roundup, each bird is car...
fortworthzoo
941 likes • 12K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo and enjoy the views. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning cityscapes and close-ups of the animals. Instagram

Did you know one of our oldest Zoo residents is one of our Chilean flamingos? Here’s Liz to introduce you to our senior flamingo, Red 11. He looks pretty good for his age! #sfzoo #flamingo
sanfranciscozoo
424 likes • 6.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Reserve Tickets Online

Free entry, but booking online is essential! Don't miss out on your visit. Reddit

⏰ Catch the Feeding Frenzy

Check the schedule for feeding times – it's a highlight for amazing animal encounters! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the zoo and enjoy the views. Instagram

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning cityscapes and close-ups of the animals. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(19k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Chilean National Zoo for its free admission and the opportunity to see a diverse range of animals, including native Chilean species. The feeding demonstrations are a major highlight, offering engaging encounters. The stunning city views from San Cristóbal Hill add to the overall positive experience. Some visitors noted that certain animals, like tigers, can be elusive.

"Was pleasantly surprised that the zoo was free🙂. You obtain a ticket at the entrance of the zoo to enter. It’s a beautiful with a variety of animals. Got to see feeding of
some of the animals, which was super cool.
Great place for families with children."

tash gov

"Free, fun activities with lots of animals (including native and extinct) to see and city views!!

Highly recommend! It took us about two hours to see everything. And luckily it was the time to feed many of the animals and we had some of the best zoo encounters in our lives! The zoo staff for instance, laid pieces of meat all over for Catacal to sniff and eat. It was super fun to see Catacal zooming around sniffing for food once it’s released from cage.

And there were the screaming Gibons, very cute… one of the giraffe was obsessed with the fence and kept munching on it … we saw lettuce eating Emus, and being petted like little dogs.

We couldn’t see the red panda (no longer there), and the tiger and Puma hid themselves the whole time."

Delilah Liu

"There are a lot of animals and birds you can see here. The entrance is free, and reserve your tickets online before visit
But I think animals are not happy!!!!"

Rojen Bajeryan

What People Like

Free admission
Animal feeding times
Native Chilean species

What People Dislike

Elusive animals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Chilean National Zoo is located on San Cristóbal Hill in Santiago. Many visitors take the funicular up the hill, which is conveniently located near the zoo entrance. Reddit Public transport options to the base of the hill are also available. Instagram

Information on specific parking availability can vary. It's often recommended to check the zoo's official website or local transport advisories closer to your visit. The funicular is a popular and scenic alternative. Reddit

Yes, ride-sharing services can drop you off at the base of San Cristóbal Hill, from where you can access the funicular or walk up to the zoo. Instagram

While the zoo is on a hill, efforts are made to ensure accessibility. The funicular can assist with elevation changes. Inquire directly with the zoo for specific accessibility details. Reddit

From downtown Santiago, you can take public transport or a taxi to the base of San Cristóbal Hill and then utilize the funicular for a scenic ascent to the zoo. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Chilean National Zoo offers free admission! However, it is mandatory to reserve your tickets online in advance, even for free entry. Reddit

Yes, absolutely. Online reservation of tickets is required for all visitors, regardless of admission being free. This helps manage visitor flow. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Chilean National Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit. Reddit

No, tickets must be reserved online in advance. You obtain your ticket at the entrance after booking online. Reddit

Admission is generally free, but online reservation is always required. Keep an eye on their official channels for any special announcements or events. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the native Chilean species like the pudú deer and Andean condor. The vibrant Chilean flamingos are also a major draw. Instagram+1 Many visitors also enjoy seeing the lions, tigers, and kangaroos. Reddit

Yes, feeding times are a highlight! Visitors highly recommend attending these to see animals at their most active and engaged. Check the schedule upon arrival. Reddit

Most visitors find that two hours is sufficient to see everything. However, you can easily spend longer if you wish to linger and enjoy the views. Reddit

The zoo offers free toilets and is conveniently located near the funicular. Food and drink options may be available, but it's always good to check beforehand. Reddit

During certain periods, parts of the zoo may be undergoing reconstruction. This has sometimes led to free entry as a gesture. It's advisable to check for any ongoing works before your visit. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The panoramic views of Santiago from the upper parts of the zoo offer fantastic photo opportunities. Instagram Close-ups of the animals, especially during feeding times, can also yield great shots. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the zoo for personal use. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restricted areas. Instagram

A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide cityscapes and animal details. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors. Instagram

Some animals, like tigers and pumas, are known to be elusive and may hide. Red pandas are no longer at the zoo. Reddit Patience and good timing are key!

Drone usage is typically prohibited in and around zoos and national parks due to wildlife disturbance and safety regulations. Always check specific park rules. Instagram

You may also like

Chilean National Zoo (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide