Vivarium Quito
Discover Ecuador's native reptiles and amphibians in naturalistic habitats, with expert guides enhancing your educational and family-friendly visit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Vivarium Quito
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ecuador's native reptiles and amphibians in naturalistic habitats, with expert guides enhancing your educational and family-friendly visit.
"A small but interesting display, great for families and learning about native Ecuadorian wildlife."
🎯 Be Patient for Sightings
Animals can be well-camouflaged. Guides are experts at spotting them!
🚫 No Flash Photography
Protect the animals' eyes. Enjoy capturing memories without it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ecuador's Native Reptiles
Various enclosures
Discover a diverse collection of snakes, turtles, and frogs native to Ecuador, many of which are endangered.
Interactive Guide Experience
Throughout the Vivarium
Engaging guides share fascinating facts about the animals, making the visit educational and enjoyable for all ages.
Giant Snake Sculpture
Exterior of the building
An iconic outdoor sculpture that serves as a memorable landmark and photo opportunity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Wildlife Spotting
Photography Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Be Patient for Sightings
Animals can be well-camouflaged. Guides are experts at spotting them!
🚫 No Flash Photography
Protect the animals' eyes. Enjoy capturing memories without it.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Short tours (under 45 min) keep kids engaged and satisfied.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking is located just behind the building.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Be Patient for Sightings
Animals can be well-camouflaged. Guides are experts at spotting them!
🚫 No Flash Photography
Protect the animals' eyes. Enjoy capturing memories without it.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Short tours (under 45 min) keep kids engaged and satisfied.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking is located just behind the building.
💡 Learn About Local Wildlife
Gain insights into Ecuador's native reptiles and amphibians.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Vivarium Quito is a compact yet informative attraction, praised for its educational value and engaging guides who help visitors spot native reptiles and amphibians. While some find the price a bit high for the size, many feel it's worthwhile for conservation and a satisfying family experience. Photography limitations are noted, but the exterior sculpture offers a good photo op.
"Like most reptile houses this one is also like playing Where's Waldo, trying to find the snakes, turtles, and frogs in each enclosure. They do have some nice specimens though."
Robert Adams
"Really nice place to spend with your family and kids, is like a little zoo with a few snakes, turtles and frogs. A guide is assigned to you and they explain very nice some interesting facts about. The small tour take 45 min at much and the kids are very satisfied because is not so long for them. Pictures are not allowed due the flash into the animals. Parking lot is available just behind the building and is free of charge. Have fun!!"
Carlos R
"small but interesting displays, is about a 20minute leisurely stroll through. was overpriced (4$ per adult) for the experience, but if the money is going to help preserve endangered reptiles etc it was worth it. there is parking inside the park nearby, in front of the other museos"
ការីន៚
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Vivarium Quito is located in the financial downtown area, making it easily accessible. Free parking is available just behind the building, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in reviews, its downtown location suggests it's likely accessible via local bus lines. It's recommended to check local transit apps for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a free parking lot available directly behind the building, which is a significant convenience for visitors.
The Vivarium is situated in the financial downtown area and is also marked by a distinctive giant snake sculpture on the outside, making it relatively easy to locate.
Given its downtown location, it's possible to walk from nearby museums or attractions, especially if you're exploring the financial district.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reviews indicate a price of around $4 per adult. While some found it a bit pricey for the experience, others felt it was worth it if the funds support conservation efforts.
While specific discount information isn't readily available in the provided reviews, family visits are highlighted as being very satisfying for children.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance. Given the relatively short tour time and the nature of the attraction, walk-in visits are likely the norm.
Specific opening hours are not detailed in the reviews, but it's generally described as a place for family visits and short tours, suggesting typical daytime operating hours.
Yes, it's described as a great place for families and kids, with short tours that keep younger visitors engaged.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of native Ecuadorian reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, turtles, and frogs. Many are endangered species. +1
A leisurely stroll through the displays takes about 20 minutes, and a guided tour is usually around 45 minutes, making it a concise visit. +1
No, pictures are not allowed inside the enclosures due to the flash potentially harming the animals' eyes.
Yes, a guide is typically assigned to visitors, who explain interesting facts about the animals and help you spot them.
Crowd levels can vary, but weekday mornings are generally less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the Vivarium to protect the animals. Visitors are encouraged to take photos without flash.
It can be challenging as many animals are shy and well-camouflaged, similar to playing 'Where's Waldo.' Guides can help point them out.
Yes, the giant snake sculpture on the exterior of the building is a popular and memorable photo opportunity.
Since flash is not allowed, consider using a camera with good low-light performance or a lens with a wide aperture. Increasing ISO and using a steady hand or tripod (if permitted) can also help.
Yes, phone cameras are generally allowed, but remember to disable the flash to comply with the rules and protect the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that flash photography is not allowed, so be prepared to capture memories without it. The free parking is a convenient bonus for families traveling by car. It's a great way to introduce children to Ecuador's unique native reptiles and amphibians in a safe and educational environment.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Guides can be helpful in spotting animals, but be prepared for a 'Where's Waldo?' challenge. The experience is more about appreciating the animals in their naturalistic habitats and learning about them, rather than getting perfect, close-up shots. Patience and a good eye will be your best tools.
🌿 Nature and Wildlife Lovers
While the displays are compact, the informative guides significantly enhance the experience, revealing details about animal behavior and habitats that might otherwise go unnoticed. It's a chance to connect with local wildlife and understand the importance of preserving these unique species and their environments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Vivariums and Their Purpose
Many TikTok videos highlight the creation and maintenance of bioactive vivariums, which are self-sustaining ecosystems with live plants, beneficial insects (like springtails), and microfauna. These setups aim to mimic natural processes, reducing the need for manual cleaning and providing a richer environment for the animals. While Vivarium Quito may not be a fully bioactive setup in the hobbyist sense, its focus on naturalistic enclosures and educating visitors about these complex environments is key.
The educational aspect is crucial, as emphasized by visitors who appreciate learning about local wildlife. Guides play a vital role in this, sharing insights that might otherwise be missed, especially given how well some animals blend into their surroundings. This approach aligns with the broader mission of wildlife conservation and raising awareness about the importance of protecting these species and their habitats.
The Role of Guides and Education
For families, these guides are particularly valuable. The tours are designed to be concise, typically lasting no more than 45 minutes, which is ideal for keeping children's attention spans engaged. The guides' ability to help visitors spot the often well-camouflaged creatures is a key part of the experience, turning the visit into a fun game of 'Where's Waldo?' for the animals.
Beyond just identifying species, the guides contribute to a broader understanding of Ecuador's biodiversity and the importance of conservation. By highlighting native species and their ecological roles, the Vivarium aims to foster a greater appreciation for these often-misunderstood creatures and the need to protect their natural habitats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit