Ecoparque BA Buenos Aires
Former zoo transformed into an eco-park, focusing on biodiversity, conservation, and education with free entry.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Ecoparque BA Buenos Aires
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Former zoo transformed into an eco-park, focusing on biodiversity, conservation, and education with free entry.
"A fantastic, free family outing with diverse animals and unique historical touches."
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Entry is completely free! A great budget-friendly activity for everyone. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's vast grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Andean Condor Aviary
Aviary section
Get up close with majestic Andean condors in a surprisingly intimate setting. A truly awe-inspiring sight.
Free-Roaming Animals
Various paths
Experience the thrill of seeing animals like maras, geese, and peacocks wander freely through the park.
Former Fieras Pavilion Cafe
Fieras Pavilion
Enjoy a coffee or snack in a unique setting, inside the old big cat enclosures, offering a glimpse into the park's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Value
From Zoo to Eco-Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Entry is completely free! A great budget-friendly activity for everyone. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's vast grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Food trucks are available but water bottles are handy. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities with animals and unique architecture. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission Alert!
Entry is completely free! A great budget-friendly activity for everyone. :moneywithwings:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the park's vast grounds. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Stay hydrated, especially on warmer days. Food trucks are available but water bottles are handy. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo opportunities with animals and unique architecture. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Check Park Map
Some areas might be closed for maintenance or animal care. A map helps plan your route. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ecoparque BA is widely praised for its free admission and family-friendly atmosphere, offering a pleasant escape with diverse animals and green spaces. Visitors enjoy the unique experience of seeing animals roam freely and the novelty of the cafe in the former Fieras Pavilion. However, some reviews express concerns regarding the condition of certain enclosures and animal welfare, with a few noting instances of neglect.
"The park is a very family-friendly place, and the fact that it is free makes it a great spot for both locals and tourists. It is not a small park, and there are quite a few animals to see. One highlight was seeing the Andean condor up close, which was really amazing. Some people might say the aviary is a bit small for such large birds, but I have heard that they have had successful breeding programs there.
Besides the condors, the park has giraffes, hippopotamuses, beautiful flamingos, and other animals and birds. The layout is easy to walk around, making it good for everyone."
River - Glad or Mad Australia
"Very fun and exciting for all ages! I’ve been wanted to see condors up close for our entire trip and finally saw them. Loved that some harmless animals roam free, which adds to the excitement, but wished that more enclosures were open (about half were closed off)"
Aidan Smith
"i remember this place closed down years ago but reopened. how they treat the animals here is hell. look at the pictures below and you’ll see DIRTY waters, animals poorly taken care of, parts looking abandoned. down below you’ll see TWO dead turtles. turtles are supposed to sleep with their heads tucked in, they are seemingly not moving at all and don’t look like their sleeping. CLOSE this place down for these poor animals, it’s horrible."
Elena Vazzo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ecoparque BA is easily accessible by public transport. The most common way is by subway (Subte) Line D to Plaza Italia station, which is a short walk from one of the main entrances. Buses are also a great option, with many lines stopping nearby along Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida General Las Heras.
Yes, you can drive to Ecoparque BA. There are parking options nearby, though they may incur fees. It's often recommended to use public transport due to traffic and parking availability in Palermo.
Ecoparque BA has multiple entrances. Key ones include the one near Plaza Italia (Av. Santa Fe and Av. Gral. Las Heras), an entrance on Av. General Las Heras at 4100 for the Oceanic Station of Mundo Gea Marino, and another on Av. del Libertador and Av. Sarmiento which leads to the playground and carousel.
Absolutely! Ecoparque BA is completely free to enter, making it an excellent choice for budget travelers.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify are widely used in Buenos Aires and can drop you off at or near the Ecoparque entrances. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ecoparque BA offers free admission for all visitors, which is a major draw for locals and tourists alike.
Ecoparque BA is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11 AM to 6 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes or holiday hours.
Generally, Ecoparque BA is closed on Mondays for maintenance and animal care. It reopens from Tuesday through Sunday.
Yes, you are generally allowed to bring your own food and drinks into Ecoparque BA. There are also food trucks and a cafe within the park if you prefer to purchase items there.
The park often hosts educational programs and interactive experiences, especially for families. Keep an eye on their official announcements for any special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ecoparque BA houses a variety of animals, including giraffes, hippos, flamingos, and birds like Andean condors. Some animals, such as maras, geese, and peacocks, roam freely within the park.+1
Yes, Ecoparque BA is very family-friendly. It offers interactive experiences, open spaces, and animals that children will love.
Visitor feedback on animal welfare is mixed. While some reviews mention animals looking happy and well-cared for, others express concerns about the state of enclosures and animal conditions, citing specific examples.
+1
Yes, the park features animatronics that function throughout the day and are free to enjoy. There are also interactive exhibits and themed areas, like the Oceanic Station and the former Fieras Pavilion which now houses a cafe.
Ecoparque BA is a substantial park, requiring a good few hours to explore thoroughly. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking quite a bit to see all the different areas and animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ecoparque BA has food trucks and a cafe located in the former Fieras Pavilion, offering a unique dining experience. You can enjoy snacks and meals while surrounded by the park's atmosphere.
Picnicking is generally permitted, and there are plenty of benches and open spaces where you can relax and enjoy your own food.
The cafe in the Fieras Pavilion offers items like crepes and other snacks. It's a great spot to take a break and soak in the ambiance.
Prices at the food trucks and cafe are generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction. Bringing your own snacks can further reduce costs.
While specific menus can vary, food trucks often offer diverse options. It's advisable to check with the vendors directly upon arrival for current offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers numerous picturesque spots, from the free-roaming animals and diverse flora to the unique architecture of the old zoo buildings, especially the Fieras Pavilion.
Yes, photography of the animals is permitted. However, always be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Professional or commercial photography might require special permits, so it's best to inquire with park management if you plan extensive shoots.
Mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. The 'golden hour' before sunset can be particularly magical.
The contrast between the park's natural elements and the remnants of its zoo past, like the cafe in the Fieras Pavilion, provides unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Kids will be thrilled to see animals like giraffes and hippos, and the sight of free-roaming peacocks and geese adds an element of surprise and wonder.To make the most of your family visit, arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and ensure the children have plenty of energy to explore. Pack snacks and drinks, though food options are available. Consider focusing on the areas with free-roaming animals first, as these often capture children's imaginations the most. The playground and carousel also offer great diversions.
🚶 Budget Travelers
+1 This makes it an ideal activity for backpackers or anyone looking to save money while still enjoying a rich cultural and natural experience.Beyond the free entry, you can further minimize expenses by bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic. The park's size means you can easily spend several hours here, making it a full-day activity that costs nothing for admission. It's a perfect example of how to explore Buenos Aires affordably, offering a chance to see diverse wildlife and enjoy green spaces without a hefty price tag.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation: From Zoo to Ecoparque
However, this transition has not been without its challenges and criticisms. Some visitors and former workers have raised concerns about the ongoing conditions of certain animals and enclosures, suggesting that the park still struggles with the legacy of its past and the complexities of managing rescued animals.
Visitors can still experience the unique atmosphere of the former zoo, with some original structures repurposed. For instance, the Fieras Pavilion, once home to big cats, now houses a cafe, offering a poignant reminder of the park's history while providing a modern amenity.
This blend of past and present creates a thought-provoking experience for those who visit.Navigating Ecoparque BA: Tips for a Smooth Visit
To enjoy a more peaceful experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning. Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is quite expansive and you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its various sections.Bring your own water bottle, as staying hydrated is important, particularly during warmer months. While there are food trucks and a cafe on-site,
having your own refreshments can be convenient and cost-effective. It's also wise to check the park's map upon arrival, as some enclosures or areas might be temporarily closed for maintenance or animal care.For photography enthusiasts, Ecoparque BA offers many opportunities. The interplay of nature, animals, and the historic architecture provides a unique backdrop. The best times for photography are typically in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash, which can startle them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit