Chapultepec Zoo Mexico City
A free, sprawling zoo in Mexico City's iconic park, home to pandas, diverse wildlife, and special exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Chapultepec Zoo Mexico City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, sprawling zoo in Mexico City's iconic park, home to pandas, diverse wildlife, and special exhibits.
"Free admission makes this zoo a fantastic, accessible experience for all ages, with pandas as a major highlight."
🎯 Free Entry, Smart Spending
Main zoo is free! Prioritize paid exhibits like the Butterfly Sanctuary or Reptile House.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key!
You'll walk miles exploring the zoo and park. Prioritize comfort for a great day out.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Xin Xin the Giant Panda
Panda Exhibit
Meet Xin Xin, the beloved legend and oldest giant panda living outside of China. A true icon!
Nocturnario (Nocturnal House)
Nocturnario Exhibit
Discover the fascinating world of nocturnal animals in this specially designed space.
Axolotl Exhibit
Axolotl Exhibit
See the unique and endemic axolotl, a fascinating amphibian native to Mexico.
Butterfly Sanctuary
Butterfly Sanctuary
Wander through a magical space filled with fluttering butterflies. A serene escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Extra Experiences
Wear Comfortable Shoes!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Smart Spending
Main zoo is free! Prioritize paid exhibits like the Butterfly Sanctuary or Reptile House.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key!
You'll walk miles exploring the zoo and park. Prioritize comfort for a great day out.
🐼 Panda Star Power
Don't miss Xin Xin, the famous panda! Arrive early for the best viewing opportunities. +1
🦋 Enchanting Butterfly House
The Butterfly Sanctuary is a magical experience, perfect for photos and wonder.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Smart Spending
Main zoo is free! Prioritize paid exhibits like the Butterfly Sanctuary or Reptile House.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key!
You'll walk miles exploring the zoo and park. Prioritize comfort for a great day out.
🐼 Panda Star Power
Don't miss Xin Xin, the famous panda! Arrive early for the best viewing opportunities. +1
🦋 Enchanting Butterfly House
The Butterfly Sanctuary is a magical experience, perfect for photos and wonder.
🗺️ Explore Chapultepec Park
The zoo is part of a larger park. Combine your visit with other attractions nearby!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chapultepec Zoo for its free admission and the opportunity to see a wide variety of animals, including the beloved panda. The beautiful park setting and friendly staff are often highlighted. Some exhibits could benefit from better maintenance and updated displays, and the value of certain paid attractions is debated.
"Way better than anticipated. We went for the axolotl exhibit but ended up walking most of the zoo. It is free which is amazing. The staff is helpful, they have tons of activities to keep kids and adults entertained and it is beautifully landscaped. The pandas are a must and the white tiger was so cool. We will be back other more time. I we missed the giraffes and my daughter wants to do the shark exhibit."
Tiffany Puentes
"We love this place! Workers are very friendly! The zoo is beautiful and clean. Animals are well taken cared of. And the food court is great. The special exhibits are interesting. We could only explore a part because the zoo is big! Need to go back. Oh, the street lined with vendors makes the place even more special not to mention the lake adventure!"
Nisi Arel
"While the main zoo is completely free, you can choose to add extra experiences: one for $79, two for $139, or all four for $199. Out of the four, only two are truly worth it—the Butterfly & Arachnid collections and the Reptile house are excellent. The Shark (Tiburón) and Dinosaur experiences, however, are not as impressive and don’t really justify the extra cost."
Stefan Bucur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chapultepec Zoo is easily accessible via Mexico City's public transport. The closest Metro stations are Chapultepec (Line 1) and Auditorio (Line 7). From the stations, it's a pleasant walk through Chapultepec Park to reach the zoo entrance. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, the Chapultepec Zoo is situated within the expansive second section of Chapultepec Park, one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere. +1
The zoo is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any seasonal changes or holiday hours.
While you can drive to Chapultepec Park, parking can be challenging and is often paid. Public transport or ride-sharing is generally recommended to avoid parking hassles.
The zoo is generally accessible, with paved paths throughout most of the park and exhibits. However, some areas might have inclines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The main entrance to the Chapultepec Zoo is free! This makes it a very accessible attraction for everyone. +2
Yes, while general admission is free, special exhibits like the Nocturnario, Herpetario (Reptile House), Butterfly Sanctuary, and Shark exhibit have an additional fee. You can buy tickets for individual exhibits or a combo pass. +1
A combo ticket for all four special exhibits typically costs around $199 MXN, offering a discount compared to purchasing individual tickets. Individual tickets are around $99 MXN each.
Information on online ticket purchasing for special exhibits can vary. It's best to check the official Chapultepec Zoo website or inquire at the ticket booths upon arrival.
Many visitors purchase tickets for special exhibits on-site at the zoo. If you plan to visit during peak times, arriving earlier might help avoid longer queues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is undoubtedly Xin Xin, the giant panda. Other popular animals include the white tiger, lions, giraffes, and the unique axolotl. The Nocturnario also offers a chance to see fascinating nocturnal creatures. +2
The zoo is quite large. To see most of the main exhibits without rushing, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you intend to visit the special exhibits, add an extra 1-2 hours.
Yes, there are food courts and vendors within the zoo offering various snacks and meals. You can find options like popcorn, Dorilocos, and more.
The Butterfly Sanctuary and the Reptile House (Herpetario) are often highlighted as particularly impressive. The Nocturnario is also a unique experience.
Feeding the animals is generally not permitted to ensure their health and well-being. However, some wild squirrels in the park might approach you for food if you have any.
📸 📸 Photography
The panda enclosure, the Butterfly Sanctuary, and the diverse animal habitats offer great photo opportunities. The white tiger and lions are also popular subjects.
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor exhibits. For indoor exhibits like the Nocturnario or Butterfly Sanctuary, check for any specific signage regarding flash photography.
Drone usage is typically prohibited in most public parks and zoos to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors and animals. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing animals from a distance. For the Butterfly Sanctuary, a macro lens can be great for close-ups. A wide-angle lens is good for capturing the expansive habitats.
Always be respectful of other visitors' privacy. If you wish to photograph staff members, it's polite to ask for their permission first.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the zoo is large, and consider bringing snacks or utilizing the food court. Many reviewers mention the zoo is beautifully landscaped and offers activities for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own water and snacks to save money, though food options are available if needed.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your telephoto lens for capturing animals in their habitats and consider a macro lens for detailed shots in the Butterfly Sanctuary or Herpetario. The Nocturnario provides a unique challenge for low-light photography. Be mindful of lighting conditions, especially in outdoor exhibits, and check for any flash restrictions in indoor areas.
The diverse species and beautifully designed enclosures provide ample subjects for both candid shots and more composed portraits. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Xin Xin: Mexico's Panda Ambassador
At 35 years old, Xin Xin is the oldest giant panda living outside of China, a remarkable feat that highlights the dedicated care she receives.
While China now leases pandas to zoos worldwide, Xin Xin represents a special era of panda diplomacy. Her continued presence is a testament to the zoo's conservation efforts and the deep affection Mexicans have for their panda ambassador.
Exploring Chapultepec Park: More Than Just a Zoo
Key attractions near the zoo include the iconic Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec), offering stunning city views and historical exhibits, and the National Museum of Anthropology (Museo Nacional de Antropología), one of the most important museums of its kind in the world.
For those looking for more cultural experiences, the park also houses various art galleries, auditoriums, and historical monuments. The sheer size and diversity of Chapultepec Park mean you could easily spend multiple days exploring its offerings, with the zoo being just one of its many treasures.
Special Exhibits: Worth the Extra Cost?
The Herpetario (Reptile House) showcases a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the fascinating axolotl, a species native to Mexico.
Deciding which exhibits to visit depends on your interests and budget. The Butterfly Sanctuary and Herpetario are frequently recommended for their immersive and educational experiences.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit