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Quito Zoo

4.5
·10k reviews·Quito, Ecuador

Discover Ecuador's native wildlife at the Quito Zoo, a rescue center offering impressive views and a chance to support conservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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Jaguar, Panthera onca. El mimado del Zoológico

Quito Zoo

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Ecuador's native wildlife at the Quito Zoo, a rescue center offering impressive views and a chance to support conservation.

4.5
(10k reviews)

"A very good zoo, clean, with healthy animals and many indigenous species."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Allow 2-3 Hours

The zoo is bigger than it looks! Give yourself ample time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the views.

💰 Affordable Entry

Entrance is around $5, offering great value for a well-maintained zoo with many native species.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 9,803 reviews

Type

Zoo

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Native Ecuadorian Wildlife

Native Ecuadorian Wildlife

Throughout the zoo

Discover a rich variety of indigenous species, from playful otters to majestic Andean bears and giant tortoises.

Impressive Scenic Views

Impressive Scenic Views

Various viewpoints

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape as you wander through the zoo grounds.

Rescued Animal Stories

Rescued Animal Stories

Animal enclosures

Learn about the inspiring rescue and rehabilitation journeys of animals like Sisa, the Andean bear.

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Planning Your Visit

Allocate Enough Time

Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to explore the Quito Zoo. It's larger than it appears, and you'll want ample time to see the diverse native species and enjoy the impressive views without rushing. Arriving early can help beat the crowds, especially on weekends.

Embrace the Rescue Mission

The Quito Zoo is a dedicated rescue center focused on rehabilitating and reintroducing endangered species. Understanding this mission enhances the visitor experience, knowing your visit supports vital conservation efforts for animals like the rescued Sisa the Andean bear.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer families
Crowd
Low
When
During holidays
Why
Special events
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La nutria bebé llegó hace 3 meses al QuitoZoo y crece muy rápido ¿Qué más te gustaría saber sobre ella? 🦦 #quitozoo #Nutria #rescuecenter #animales #otter
@quitozoo
13.8K likes • 189.4K views

🎯 Allow 2-3 Hours

The zoo is bigger than it looks! Give yourself ample time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the views. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Entrance is around $5, offering great value for a well-maintained zoo with many native species. Reddit

ZOO DE QUITO LISTO PARA ESTE FERIADO DE CARNAVAL Recorridos guiados y espacios de diversión ofrece el santuario de protección de fauna silvestre ubicado en la parroquia de #Guayllabamba. @quito_zoo
periodismo.publico.ecuador
9 likes • 482 views
¡Un día en el Zoo! 🐒 A 45 minutos de Quito, en Guayllabamba, @quito_zoo es un refugio de animales silvestres y centro de rescate dedicado a la rehabilitación y reinserción de especies en peligro. 💚 Conocer la historia de estos animales y los ecosistemas que habitan, inspirará en ti el deseo de apoyar la conservación de nuestra gran diversidad de especies. 🙌 ¿Conoces el zoo? ¿Te animas a visitar...
thisisecuadorguide
249 likes • 6.8K views

🚗 Uber from Quito

An Uber ride from Quito centro can cost around $15, making it a convenient way to reach the zoo. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Weather

The weather at the zoo is often better than in Quito city, making it a pleasant outdoor experience. Reddit

🎥✨ ¡El Zoológico de Quito le da una nueva oportunidad a Sisa! 🐻‍❄️🌿 En el corazón de Guayllabamba, hemos comenzado la construcción de un nuevo hogar para Sisa, una pequeña osa andina que fue rescatada en condiciones críticas. Con el respaldo del Ministerio de Ambiente y gracias al compromiso del @quito_zoo , hoy damos el primer paso en un proyecto único: un hábitat de 3.000 m² especialmente diseñ...
contigofmradio
228 likes • 3.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Allow 2-3 Hours

The zoo is bigger than it looks! Give yourself ample time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the views. Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Entrance is around $5, offering great value for a well-maintained zoo with many native species. Reddit

🚗 Uber from Quito

An Uber ride from Quito centro can cost around $15, making it a convenient way to reach the zoo. Reddit

☀️ Enjoy the Weather

The weather at the zoo is often better than in Quito city, making it a pleasant outdoor experience. Reddit

🍽️ On-site Dining

There's a food area near the goats where you can order typical food and ice cream. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(10k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the Quito Zoo to be a clean and well-maintained facility with a good variety of animals, particularly native species. Many appreciate its role as a rescue center and the impressive scenic views. However, some feel the zoo could benefit from more animals and interactive activities.

"I didn’t realize how big the zoo is! Like others have recommended, I would agree to giving yourself 2-2.5 hours to walk and see everything. If you want to have lunch in the zoo, there is a large area near the goats where you can order typical food and enjoy ice cream. You can feel good knowing that you’re visiting a rescue zoo."

Reema Azar

"I was surprised to find this was a very good Zoo. It was clean. The animals looked healthy and well fed. They had a good variety of animals, many indigenous animals. If you enjoy visiting zoos I would definitely recommend this. Plus the weather is better there than is in Quito City usually."

Louis Samford

"The zoo didn't have many animals. They need more interactive activities. However, where you can see the views were very impressive."

Johnson Family

What People Like

Clean and well-maintained
Variety of native animals
Impressive scenic views

What People Dislike

Could have more animals
Needs more interactive activities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Quito Zoo is located in Guayllabamba, about a 45-minute drive from Quito. Many visitors opt for an Uber, which typically costs around $15 from Quito centro. Public transportation options might be available but are less direct. InstagramReddit

The zoo is situated in the parish of Guayllabamba, a bit outside of Quito city. While accessible by car or ride-sharing services, it's not directly within the city center. InstagramReddit

Expect the journey to take approximately 45 minutes from Quito, depending on traffic conditions. Instagram

Yes, the zoo provides parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Taxis are a viable option to reach the zoo, similar to ride-sharing services like Uber. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for the Quito Zoo is very affordable, around $5 per person, making it a great value for visitors. Reddit

While advance booking might not be strictly necessary, arriving early is recommended to avoid crowds, especially during busy periods like holidays. Reddit

The zoo is generally open to visitors, with specific hours often extended during holiday periods like Carnival. It's advisable to check their official channels for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Information on specific discounts is not widely available, but the general admission price is considered very reasonable. Reddit

The zoo is well-laid out with good facilities, suggesting it is generally stroller-friendly for families. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors recommend allocating 2 to 2.5 hours, or even up to 3 hours, to fully explore the zoo and appreciate its exhibits and views. Reddit+1

The zoo features a variety of species, with a strong focus on native Ecuadorian animals, including monkeys, tapirs, turtles, and rescued animals like Andean bears. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, guided tours are offered, especially during holiday periods like Carnival, providing a more in-depth experience of the zoo. Instagram

While the zoo has impressive views, some visitors have noted a desire for more interactive activities. However, the natural setting and diverse animals offer good photographic opportunities. Reddit

The zoo offers good facilities, including shaded areas and a food court, making it a comfortable place to spend a few hours. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a food area located near the goat enclosure where you can order typical Ecuadorian dishes and enjoy ice cream. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's common for zoos to allow visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks. However, the on-site options are available for a full meal. Reddit

The zoo offers typical Ecuadorian food and ice cream, providing a convenient option for lunch or snacks during your visit. Reddit

Specific menu details are not provided, but typical Ecuadorian cuisine often includes vegetarian dishes. It's best to inquire on-site. Reddit

The zoo is known for its affordability, and the food options are generally considered reasonably priced for a tourist attraction. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for areas with good natural light and clear views of the animals. The scenic viewpoints also offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Reddit

While you can photograph the animals from designated viewing areas, remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them. TikTok

It's generally advisable to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle or distress animals. Always check for specific zoo regulations. TikTok

A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance. A smartphone with a decent camera will also suffice for general photos. Instagram

No specific restrictions are widely mentioned, but always be mindful of the animals' well-being and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

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