Bosque Guarani Zoo
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Bosque Guarani Zoo

3.9
·4k reviews·, Brazil

A free, tree-filled zoo with lakes, featuring a variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles in a light jungle setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
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Bosque Guarani Zoo

Bosque Guarani Zoo

Best Time

Morning

Cooler temperatures

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, tree-filled zoo with lakes, featuring a variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles in a light jungle setting.

3.9
(4k reviews)

"It's amazing zoo, highly recommend it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

The zoo is set in a lovely, tree-filled area. Enjoy the natural surroundings as much as the animals!

🐢 Observe Closely

Some animals, like the alligator, are masters of camouflage and stillness. Patience is key!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Avian Paradise

Avian Paradise

Bird enclosures

A vibrant collection of birds, from colorful parrots to majestic raptors, offering a feast for the eyes.

Reptile Haven

Reptile Haven

Reptile house

Observe a variety of turtles and the famously still 'water tiger' (alligator) in their habitats.

Jungle Walkways

Jungle Walkways

Zoo grounds

Stroll through lush, tree-filled paths and enjoy the natural ambiance surrounding the animal exhibits.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Free Entry

Bosque Guarani Zoo offers free admission, a major draw for budget travelers. However, be prepared for mixed reviews regarding enclosure sizes. Consider it a pleasant walk through a light jungle to see animals, rather than a large-scale zoological park.

Manage Expectations

While free, some visitors find the enclosures small, leading to concerns about animal welfare. Others appreciate the well-maintained grounds and variety of birds, monkeys, and big cats. It's best viewed as a relaxed, accessible wildlife encounter.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

My logistical tips for Iguazu - what I wish I knew!

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

The zoo is set in a lovely, tree-filled area. Enjoy the natural surroundings as much as the animals! Reddit

🐢 Observe Closely

Some animals, like the alligator, are masters of camouflage and stillness. Patience is key! Reddit

reddit.com

Iguazu Falls

reddit.com

Iguaçu Falls accommodation and tips

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be walking through a light jungle environment. Reddit

🤔 Consider Enclosures

Be aware that some visitors have concerns about enclosure sizes. Reddit

reddit.com

Tem algo econômico para se fazer em Foz do Iguaçu?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Enjoy the Walk

The zoo is set in a lovely, tree-filled area. Enjoy the natural surroundings as much as the animals! Reddit

🐢 Observe Closely

Some animals, like the alligator, are masters of camouflage and stillness. Patience is key! Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Bring water, especially on warmer days, as you'll be walking through a light jungle environment. Reddit

🤔 Consider Enclosures

Be aware that some visitors have concerns about enclosure sizes. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Bosque Guarani Zoo is praised for its free admission and pleasant, tree-filled grounds, offering a relaxed walk through a light jungle environment. However, a significant number of visitors express concerns about the size of animal enclosures, with opinions divided on the overall welfare of the animals. While some find it a worthwhile visit for the variety of birds and reptiles, others are critical of the living conditions. Reddit

"It's free, which is nice, but I'd much prefer they charge an entry fee and use the money to increase the size of the enclosures.

Some of them seem adequate, but some are horribly small. It's heartbreaking to see such majestic animals in nothing short of cages.

All the enclosures are clean and look well maintained, but the animals must be miserable in such tiny spaces."

Adam Fraiel

"Pretty cool place and totally FREE! A nice walk in a light jungle to cool off and check out the animals. The zoo is actually really well taken care of. When I was told it was an old “abandoned zoo” I was hoping to walk in and see a bunch of free roaming animals but it’s basically a small zoo that is just open to the public. A few big cats, some monkeys, and lots of birds!"

Richard V. Gilbert

"This was a very lovely free zoo! Yes, there are a couple of empty cages, but there are also cages with animals and they don’t look sad! The only thing that kinda made me laugh was the “water tiger” that was an alligator and it did not even move! It was almost like it was fake...but at least there were lots and lots of turtles!"

Soledad Anglada

What People Like

Free admission
Pleasant jungle paths
Variety of birds

What People Dislike

Small enclosures
Animal welfare concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The zoo is accessible by local bus routes. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available in the city and can take you directly to the entrance. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the zoo, though it can get busy during peak times. Reddit

The zoo features pleasant walking paths through a tree-filled area, making it a good option for a leisurely stroll. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Bosque Guarani Zoo offers free admission, making it a very accessible attraction for all visitors. Reddit

The zoo is generally open daily, but it's always a good idea to check the most current operating hours before your visit, as they can vary. Reddit

No, advance booking is not required as the zoo has free entry. You can simply arrive during opening hours. Reddit

There are no specific age restrictions for entry to Bosque Guarani Zoo. It's a family-friendly destination. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of animals including big cats, monkeys, numerous bird species, and reptiles like alligators and turtles. Reddit

Visitor opinions vary; some find the enclosures adequate and well-maintained, while others express concern about their size for certain animals. Reddit

It's considered a smaller zoo, offering a pleasant walk through a light jungle environment rather than an extensive zoological park. Reddit

Basic facilities are available, including restrooms. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks as dining options may be limited. Reddit

The natural setting and diverse birdlife offer good opportunities for photography, especially during the golden hour. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options within the zoo are typically limited. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy during your visit. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and beverages to enjoy within the zoo grounds. Reddit

The surrounding city offers a wide range of restaurants and cafes, from local eateries to international cuisine, a short drive or bus ride away. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The bird enclosures, the lush jungle paths, and the reptiles offer great photo opportunities. The late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful. Reddit

While some animals are active, others can be quite still (like the alligator). Patience and a good zoom lens can be helpful for capturing clear shots. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, which is generally better for photography and can also be when animals are more active. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bosque Guarani Zoo is a budget-friendly outing for families, offering free admission and a chance for kids to see various animals. The jungle-like paths provide an engaging environment for little ones to explore. However, parents should be prepared for discussions about enclosure sizes, as some may find them small. It's a good idea to bring snacks and drinks, as on-site food options are limited. The zoo is best suited for a shorter visit, focusing on the variety of birds and smaller animals. Reddit+1

💰 Budget Travelers

This zoo is a fantastic option for budget travelers as it's completely free to enter. You can enjoy a pleasant walk and see a range of animals without spending a dime. It's a great way to experience a bit of local nature and wildlife without a significant financial commitment. Just remember to pack your own water and snacks to keep costs down even further. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Visitor Experience

Bosque Guarani Zoo is a unique attraction primarily because of its free admission. This makes it an incredibly accessible option for locals and tourists alike, offering a chance to see a variety of animals without any cost. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to take a relaxing walk through the zoo's tree-filled grounds, describing it as a pleasant experience akin to a stroll in a light jungle. The presence of lakes adds to the natural ambiance, providing a tranquil setting for a casual outing. Reddit

However, the visitor experience is often colored by discussions surrounding the size of the animal enclosures. While some reviews mention that the enclosures are clean and well-maintained, a recurring theme is the concern that some spaces are too small for the animals housed within them. This has led to a division in opinions, with some visitors finding it heartbreaking and a form of animal cruelty, while others acknowledge the maintenance but still express reservations. It's important for potential visitors to be aware of these differing perspectives when planning their visit. Reddit

Despite the enclosure concerns, many still find value in the zoo. The variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles (including a notable alligator and numerous turtles) provides enough interest for a casual visit. The zoo is essentially a small, open-to-the-public park with animal exhibits, rather than a large, modern zoological institution. This distinction is key to managing expectations and appreciating what Bosque Guarani Zoo offers: a free, accessible, and nature-filled outing with a chance to observe wildlife.

Navigating Animal Welfare Concerns

The most significant point of discussion surrounding Bosque Guarani Zoo revolves around animal welfare, specifically the perceived inadequacy of enclosure sizes. Some visitors have strongly voiced their opinions, labeling the zoo as 'terrible' and an example of 'animal cruelty,' suggesting that anyone giving it more than one star lacks love for nature. These reviews highlight a deep concern for the well-being of the animals, emphasizing that even clean and maintained enclosures can be problematic if they are too small to allow natural behaviors. Reddit

Conversely, other visitors have a more nuanced view. They acknowledge the existence of empty cages but also point out that the animals present do not appear sad. The 'water tiger' (alligator) is often mentioned as an example of an animal that seemed almost 'fake' due to its stillness, which some interpret as a sign of lethargy or disinterest stemming from its environment. While appreciating the free entry and the pleasant walk, these visitors also note the enclosure issue, suggesting a compromise between the cost and the quality of the animal habitats. Reddit

Ultimately, visitors should approach Bosque Guarani Zoo with an awareness of these contrasting viewpoints. It's a place where the free access is a major draw, but the ethical considerations of animal housing are a significant point of contention. Understanding these aspects beforehand can help visitors form their own informed opinions and decide if the experience aligns with their expectations and values.

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