Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden - a gazebo in a park surrounded by trees and rocks
1 / 10

Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden

4.1
·20k reviews·, Brazil

An affordable Belo Horizonte attraction featuring a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, offering great value despite mixed upkeep.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, animals more active

CrowdLow
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Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden - a gazebo in a park surrounded by trees and rocks

Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, animals more active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An affordable Belo Horizonte attraction featuring a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, offering great value despite mixed upkeep.

4.1
(20k reviews)

"You pay for 3 for the price of 1! Just the garden I was impressed with."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The premises are very big, be prepared to walk a lot!

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

While entry is cheap, food options might be limited or overpriced.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aquarium Wonders

Aquarium Wonders

Aquarium

A surprisingly high-quality aquarium with a great variety of marine life, often cited as a standout feature.

Majestic Lions

Majestic Lions

Lion Enclosure

The resident lions are a major draw, known for their vocal nature and impressive presence.

Serpentine Spectacle

Serpentine Spectacle

Reptile House

Discover a great variety of snakes, many of impressive size and in well-maintained enclosures.

Japanese Water Gardens

Japanese Water Gardens

Japanese Garden

Though sometimes described as neglected, these gardens offer a unique, tranquil escape with beautiful landscaping.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Animals and Gardens

While the zoo offers a budget-friendly experience, many animals are shy and prefer privacy, making them hard to spot. Visiting during cooler parts of the day might increase sightings. The botanical gardens, though beautiful, can appear neglected, so manage expectations.

Value and Expectations

For a very low entrance fee, you get access to a zoo, botanical garden, and aquarium. While some areas are well-maintained and animals are in good condition, others, particularly the botanical gardens, may seem unkempt. The aquarium and lion enclosure are often highlighted as worth the visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Cheaper entry, good for families
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Como é o jardim botânico de BH?

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The premises are very big, be prepared to walk a lot! Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

While entry is cheap, food options might be limited or overpriced. Reddit

reddit.com

Zoológico de Belo Horizonte MG

reddit.com

O zoológico de BH ainda é um rolê legal?

📸 Focus on the Aquarium

It's often the most impressive part, with great photo opportunities. Reddit

🧐 Manage Garden Expectations

The botanical gardens can be neglected; focus on the zoo's better-kept areas. Reddit

reddit.com

"PBH vai conceder zoológico, jardim botânico, aquário e parque da Pampulha." Essa reportagem passou batida, o q vcs acham?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The premises are very big, be prepared to walk a lot! Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

While entry is cheap, food options might be limited or overpriced. Reddit

📸 Focus on the Aquarium

It's often the most impressive part, with great photo opportunities. Reddit

🧐 Manage Garden Expectations

The botanical gardens can be neglected; focus on the zoo's better-kept areas. Reddit

🦁 Don't Miss the Lions

They are a highlight and known for being quite vocal. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(20k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden to be an incredibly affordable attraction, offering a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden for a very low price. While the aquarium and lion exhibits are often praised, some areas, particularly the botanical gardens, are noted for appearing neglected. Animal sightings can be hit-or-miss due to their preference for privacy.

"I'm not sure why it has a very low rating! It is a botanical garden, zoo and acquarius place! You pay for 3 for the price of 1! Just the garden I was impressed with. I went to many gardens, and this is one of my top 10! The trees and flowers were combined so well! I paid only 2$ to enter (9 reais). This is impressive! Yes, it is true that we can not see many animals, but I believe it is because they have more hidden spaces (more privacy) than most open zoo! For me, this is a good thing! I posted mostly the garden pics to show you how worth it this place is. The zoo is a bonus!"

Antoine Assaad

"Overall I was pretty disappointed with this zoo. There are some parts that look nice but some parts are clearly not well kept.

The botanical garden looks pretty much abandoned.

Most of the animals are hiding, I could even see the gorillas.

The bathrooms are disgusting.

I will admit that the price to enter is insanely cheap though."

Robert B

"Premises look very unkept, although there was so many staff members as well as security and even army people present. Zoo animals are in very good condition. Botanical is non existing and embarrassing as so many gardeners around and it was dry and terribly neglected. The lion alone is worth a visit he loves to chat. Snakes are amazing in size and great variety of snakes, also well kept. Entrance of Zoo from the road is enough to scare you away! The premises are very big be prepared to walk a lot."

Paula de Sousa

What People Like

Incredibly low admission price
High-quality aquarium
Impressive lions

What People Dislike

Neglected botanical gardens
Animals often hidden
Some areas unkempt

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is accessible by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, though parking availability can vary. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes. Reddit

Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive. Reddit

Wear comfortable shoes as the premises are extensive. Consider planning your route beforehand to cover the areas you're most interested in. Reddit

While the zoo itself is a full-day experience for some, its location in Belo Horizonte means other city attractions are accessible via public transport or a short drive. Reddit

Some areas may be challenging due to the terrain and size of the grounds. It's advisable to check with the zoo directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is remarkably low, often cited as around $2 USD (9 Brazilian Reais), making it a very budget-friendly option. Reddit

Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's best to plan on purchasing tickets at the entrance. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or local listings before your visit. Generally, it's open during daylight hours. Reddit

Given the already low admission price, specific discounts might not be heavily advertised, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter. Reddit

The single admission fee typically covers access to the zoo, the botanical garden, and the aquarium, offering great value. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals, including lions, snakes, and potentially gorillas, though many animals are kept in more private enclosures and may be difficult to spot. The aquarium is a definite highlight. Reddit

Reviews are mixed. Some enclosures, like the aquarium and reptile house, are praised for being well-kept, while others might appear less so. Animals are generally reported to be in good condition. Reddit

The botanical garden receives mixed reviews. Some find it beautiful and well-landscaped, while others describe it as neglected and dry, despite the presence of gardeners. Reddit

Information on guided tours is not readily available. It's best to explore independently or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

Restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they can be in poor condition. Be prepared to walk extensively. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options may be limited and potentially overpriced. Bringing your own snacks and water is a common recommendation. Reddit

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks, which is a good strategy given the limited on-site options. Reddit

The surrounding area of Belo Horizonte offers numerous dining options. It might be more convenient to eat before or after your visit. Reddit

If available, expect typical park fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly simple meals. Reddit

With your own food, it can be a great spot for a picnic, especially in the more open areas of the grounds. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The aquarium offers excellent opportunities for vibrant underwater shots. The Japanese gardens can also provide picturesque scenes, despite their condition. Reddit

It can be challenging as many animals are hidden or prefer privacy. Patience and good timing are key, especially for elusive species. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions. Reddit

Outdoor areas have natural light, which can be strong. Indoor exhibits like the aquarium may have artificial lighting, so be prepared for varying conditions. Reddit

A zoom lens can be very helpful given that animals are often at a distance or partially obscured. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

This zoo offers a budget-friendly outing for families, with a very low entrance fee. Reddit While many animals might be hidden, the aquarium and lion enclosure are usually big hits with children. The large grounds mean kids can burn off energy, but be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as on-site options might be limited or pricey. Reddit Consider focusing on the more engaging exhibits to keep younger ones entertained.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden is a fantastic option for budget travelers, offering a multi-faceted experience for a minimal cost. Reddit The low admission price is a major draw, allowing you to see animals, explore gardens, and visit an aquarium without breaking the bank. Reddit Pack your own food and drinks to maximize savings and enjoy a full day of exploration.

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts

For nature lovers, the zoo presents a dual experience. While the botanical gardens offer a chance to appreciate flora, be prepared for potential areas that appear unkempt. Reddit The zoo itself provides opportunities to observe various species, with the aquarium and reptile house being particularly noteworthy for their diversity. Reddit It's a place to appreciate nature's offerings, even if some aspects require a forgiving eye.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Grounds and Animal Sightings

The Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden is a sprawling complex, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking involved. Reddit While the entrance fee is very affordable, managing expectations regarding animal sightings is crucial. Many animals are kept in more private, naturalistic enclosures, meaning they might be hidden or simply not visible during your visit. This approach prioritizes animal welfare, offering them more privacy than traditional open-concept zoos. Reddit

Despite the potential for elusive animals, specific areas are consistently praised. The aquarium is frequently highlighted as a surprisingly high-quality exhibit, offering a vibrant display of marine life. Similarly, the lion enclosure is a major draw, with the lions often being vocal and impressive. The reptile house also stands out for its variety and size of snakes. Reddit These specific exhibits often make the visit worthwhile for many attendees.

The Botanical Garden Experience

The botanical garden section of the attraction is a mixed bag according to visitor feedback. While it features Japanese water gardens and a variety of flora, its upkeep is a common point of discussion. Some visitors find the gardens beautiful and appreciate the landscaping, noting the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

However, a recurring theme in reviews is that the gardens can appear neglected or unkempt. Despite the presence of gardeners, the dry conditions and lack of vibrant plant life in certain areas lead to disappointment for some. Reddit If you're visiting primarily for the botanical aspects, it's advisable to temper your expectations and focus on the zoo's more consistently well-maintained areas, like the aquarium and specific animal exhibits.

Value for Money and Visitor Feedback

One of the most consistently praised aspects of the Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden is its incredibly low admission price. For a single, inexpensive ticket, visitors gain access to a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanical garden, representing significant value. Reddit This affordability makes it an attractive option for families and budget travelers. Reddit

However, the overall visitor experience is nuanced. While the low cost is a major plus, the condition of certain areas, particularly the botanical gardens, can detract from the visit. Some visitors report disappointment with the lack of visible animals and the general state of upkeep in some sections. Conversely, others are impressed by the quality of specific exhibits like the aquarium and the lions, and find the overall experience to be very positive, especially considering the price. Reddit

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