
Vallarta Zoo
An immersive, non-profit zoo in Mismaloya offering unparalleled up-close encounters and animal feeding experiences.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

Vallarta Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An immersive, non-profit zoo in Mismaloya offering unparalleled up-close encounters and animal feeding experiences.
"The most unique and interactive zoo I’ve ever visited, with unforgettable animal encounters!"

Bring Bug Spray! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:
The jungle setting is beautiful but means mosquitoes. Essential for comfort!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The zoo is steep and hilly. Hiking or walking shoes are a must for navigating the paths.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Enclosure
Get eye-level with these gentle giants and offer them a carrot for an unforgettable moment.

Cub Cuddles
Animal Handling Area
Experience the thrill of holding a lion or tiger cub under expert supervision.

Monkey Encounters
Monkey Habitats
Watch and interact with playful monkeys, known for their distinct personalities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Support a Non-Profit Gem
Interactive Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Bug Spray! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:
The jungle setting is beautiful but means mosquitoes. Essential for comfort!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The zoo is steep and hilly. Hiking or walking shoes are a must for navigating the paths.
Buy Food Bags :money_with_wings:
Feeding the animals is a highlight. Purchase extra bags for more interaction.
Hydrate! :water_wave:
It gets hot and humid. Bring your own water or buy it there to stay refreshed.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Bug Spray! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:
The jungle setting is beautiful but means mosquitoes. Essential for comfort!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The zoo is steep and hilly. Hiking or walking shoes are a must for navigating the paths.
Buy Food Bags :money_with_wings:
Feeding the animals is a highlight. Purchase extra bags for more interaction.
Hydrate! :water_wave:
It gets hot and humid. Bring your own water or buy it there to stay refreshed.
Consider a Taxi/Uber :taxi:
While some mention taxis can be critical, it's a convenient way to reach the zoo.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Vallarta Zoo's unique, up-close animal encounters, especially the feeding opportunities and cub handling. While some note the zoo's non-profit status means it's not as polished as larger institutions and can be physically demanding due to steep terrain, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended for animal lovers.
"This is a very unique zoo where you get to experience an up close encounter with the animals. It is fun to hand feed most. It is unfortunate that it is underfunded primarily due to lack of visitors. If you love animals, I would recommend a visit to this zoo to support the animal care. Bug spray is a must. I purchase 4 bags of food and don't have a problem getting it consumed, lol."
M Schofield
"This place was amazing while the vip pass may look daunting it was so worth the experience the interaction with animals was unparalleled and holding the lion cub was a once in a lifetime experience they treated the animals well and all the big cats immediately came to the bars to purr and say hi to all the workers clearly they are fond of each other. Feeding the monkeys and birds and the ostrich and emu and everything was so much fun the jungle it’s in was beautiful and the layout is so immersive. Shoutout to the reception guy I forgot his name but he was so funny remember they are a non profit so taxis and Ubers and vendors will say oh the zoo is (insert criticism) but that’s just because there’s no extra money or agreement for them because it’s a non profit please don’t let that deter you from this amazing experience never been too a zoo where you could hand feed almost all the animals if you give it a chance you won’t be disappointed oh and the guy who does the handling for the cubs seems like he cared so much and really loved animals it made me feel like they were aactually In caring hands"
Revilo Gaming
"Loved being able to feed all the animals ❤️ This zoo needs more funding! The feeding part was amazing, hand feeding an ostrich was terrifying but so cool. The spider monkeys have such personality, and we learned this zoo has the highest tiger reproduction rate out there. Highly recommend! The zoo is STEEP so wear comfortable shoes and clothing."
Brittany Henderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located in Mismaloya, about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. Taxis and Ubers are readily available and are a convenient option. Some visitors also rent cars for more flexibility.
Unfortunately, the zoo's steep and hilly terrain makes it challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. It's best to be prepared for uneven paths.
Yes, you can bring your own food and water, which can help save money. There are benches available to enjoy your meal.
The zoo is typically open daily, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Mismaloya is a popular tourist area and generally considered safe. As with any travel, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary for locals, national visitors, and international tourists. Expect to pay around $80 MXN for locals, $130 MXN for adults and $80 MXN for children (national), and $180 MXN for adults (international).
Yes, a VIP pass is available and highly recommended by visitors for an unparalleled animal interaction experience. It's considered well worth the cost.
While advance booking might not be strictly necessary, it's always a good idea to check their website or contact them directly, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
General admission usually grants access to the zoo grounds. However, the most unique experiences, like feeding animals and holding cubs, often require purchasing additional food bags or a VIP package.
Yes, Vallarta Zoo is a non-profit organization. Your visit and any purchases directly support their animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of local and exotic animals, including lions, tigers (including white tigers), monkeys, giraffes, flamingos, ostriches, emus, jaguars, and lynx.
Absolutely! Hand-feeding is a major highlight. You can purchase food bags to feed many of the animals, creating incredible close encounters.
The zoo is designed as a one-way path, making it easy to follow and ensuring you see all the animals. However, be prepared for steep inclines and declines.
While the zoo is largely self-guided, staff members are often present and helpful. Some visitors mention specific staff members like Alfredo who provided great assistance.
The zoo is committed to conservation, with many animals being rescued or rehabilitated. They also boast the highest tiger reproduction rate in the region.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you can get close to the animals! The giraffe feeding area, the cub handling sessions, and the various primate enclosures offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, you can take photos while feeding or interacting with the animals. Holding cubs also provides unique photo opportunities.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, especially with wild animals, as it can startle or distress them. Check for any specific signage at the zoo.
A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing animals from a distance, but for close-up interactions, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera will work well.
While not explicitly stated, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the animals' well-being.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the terrain can be steep, the one-way path makes it manageable. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and has plenty of water. The zoo's commitment to animal welfare also provides an educational element, teaching children about conservation in a fun and engaging way.
❤️ Couples and Animal Lovers
Animal lovers will be particularly drawn to the zoo's dedication to conservation and the opportunity for intimate encounters. It's a chance to connect with wildlife on a deeper level, far beyond what traditional zoos offer.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Interactive Experience
The zoo's layout is designed as a single, winding path through a lush jungle setting, ensuring visitors can easily navigate and encounter each habitat. This immersive environment, combined with the opportunity to feed animals, creates a unique and engaging visit that many reviewers describe as unparalleled.
While the interactive nature is a huge draw, it's important to remember that these are still wild animals. The staff are knowledgeable and guide interactions, ensuring both visitor safety and animal welfare. The zoo's commitment to rescue and rehabilitation further adds to the positive impact of your visit.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
This dedication to welfare is evident in the animals' apparent fondness for the staff and the zoo's impressive tiger reproduction rate, which is noted as the highest in the region. Visitors often comment on the care and affection shown by the handlers, particularly with the young cubs.
Despite its noble mission, the zoo faces funding challenges due to lower visitor numbers. Supporting Vallarta Zoo through your visit is a direct way to contribute to their ongoing conservation efforts and ensure the well-being of the animals in their care.
Navigating the Terrain and Practicalities
Given the tropical climate, staying hydrated and protected from insects is crucial. Bringing your own water and applying bug spray are highly recommended practical tips from those who have visited. The heat and humidity can be intense, so planning your visit for cooler parts of the day is also a good strategy.
While the zoo is a one-way path, making navigation straightforward, the physical demands of the terrain should not be underestimated. Planning for a visit of around two to three hours allows ample time to enjoy the experiences without rushing, especially if you plan to purchase multiple food bags for feeding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit