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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active
Belo Horizonte Zoo and Botanic Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, animals more active

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An affordable Belo Horizonte attraction featuring a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden, offering great value despite mixed upkeep.
"You pay for 3 for the price of 1! Just the garden I was impressed with."
👟 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

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

Japanese Water Gardens
Japanese Garden
Though sometimes described as neglected, these gardens offer a unique, tranquil escape with beautiful landscaping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animals and Gardens
Value and Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Como é o jardim botânico de BH?
👟 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.
Zoológico de Belo Horizonte MG
O zoológico de BH ainda é um rolê legal?
📸 Focus on the Aquarium
It's often the most impressive part, with great photo opportunities.
🧐 Manage Garden Expectations
The botanical gardens can be neglected; focus on the zoo's better-kept areas.
"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!
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
While entry is cheap, food options might be limited or overpriced.
📸 Focus on the Aquarium
It's often the most impressive part, with great photo opportunities.
🧐 Manage Garden Expectations
The botanical gardens can be neglected; focus on the zoo's better-kept areas.
🦁 Don't Miss the Lions
They are a highlight and known for being quite vocal.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
Wear comfortable shoes as the premises are extensive. Consider planning your route beforehand to cover the areas you're most interested in.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is remarkably low, often cited as around $2 USD (9 Brazilian Reais), making it a very budget-friendly option.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's best to plan on purchasing tickets at the entrance.
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.
Given the already low admission price, specific discounts might not be heavily advertised, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket counter.
The single admission fee typically covers access to the zoo, the botanical garden, and the aquarium, offering great value.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
Information on guided tours is not readily available. It's best to explore independently or inquire upon arrival.
Restrooms are available, though some reviews mention they can be in poor condition. Be prepared to walk extensively.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options may be limited and potentially overpriced. Bringing your own snacks and water is a common recommendation.
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks, which is a good strategy given the limited on-site options.
The surrounding area of Belo Horizonte offers numerous dining options. It might be more convenient to eat before or after your visit.
If available, expect typical park fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly simple meals.
With your own food, it can be a great spot for a picnic, especially in the more open areas of the grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The aquarium offers excellent opportunities for vibrant underwater shots. The Japanese gardens can also provide picturesque scenes, despite their condition.
It can be challenging as many animals are hidden or prefer privacy. Patience and good timing are key, especially for elusive species.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions.
Outdoor areas have natural light, which can be strong. Indoor exhibits like the aquarium may have artificial lighting, so be prepared for varying conditions.
A zoom lens can be very helpful given that animals are often at a distance or partially obscured.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Grounds and Animal Sightings
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. These specific exhibits often make the visit worthwhile for many attendees.
The Botanical Garden Experience
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. 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
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit