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Vallarta Zoo

4
·3k reviews·Mismaloya, Mexico

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

CrowdLow
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Friendly giraffe

Vallarta Zoo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more animal interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(3k reviews)

"The most unique and interactive zoo I’ve ever visited, with unforgettable animal encounters!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe Feeding

Giraffe Enclosure

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

Cub Cuddles

Cub Cuddles

Animal Handling Area

Experience the thrill of holding a lion or tiger cub under expert supervision.

Monkey Encounters

Monkey Encounters

Monkey Habitats

Watch and interact with playful monkeys, known for their distinct personalities.

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Planning Your Visit

Support a Non-Profit Gem

Vallarta Zoo is a non-profit dedicated to animal rescue and rehabilitation. Visitor numbers directly impact their funding, so your visit makes a real difference. Be prepared for steep paths and bring bug spray!

Interactive Animal Encounters

This zoo is renowned for its up-close experiences. You can hand-feed many animals, including giraffes and monkeys, and even hold cubs. It's an unforgettable way to connect with wildlife.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Animals are often more active
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Zoologico de puerto vallarta 🦒🦋🥕🐒🐛🌴. #fyp #puertovallarta #viaje #roadtrip #trendviral #undiaconmigo #playa #zoologicodevallarta #animales
@sandrapale_
36K likes • 550.6K views

Bring Bug Spray! :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

The jungle setting is beautiful but means mosquitoes. Essential for comfort! Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The zoo is steep and hilly. Hiking or walking shoes are a must for navigating the paths. Reddit

El zoológico de Vallarta está en pésimas condiciones y los animales están muy descuidados, fueron los comentarios que leímos en redes sociales y decidimos investigar el lugar @𝔱𝔞𝔭𝔦𝔱𝔞 y yo. #Zoologico #puertovallarta #zoologicopuertovallarta #animalestiktok #chismesito #bootcamp #bootcampsecreto #bootcampuntalfredo
@johana.salcidoc
18.2K likes • 244.6K views
📍Puerto Vallarta What an amazing zoo experience! This was probably the best zoo we have ever visited.When you enter you will get a bag with food and you are allowed to feed the animals. You will definitely have your close encounters. You will find out how tall the giraffe truly is, when offer her a carrot . Tigers are just a foot away from you. They have different rates for entry where at lower o...
nagyfamily_travels
11 likes • 318 views

Buy Food Bags :money_with_wings:

Feeding the animals is a highlight. Purchase extra bags for more interaction. Reddit

Hydrate! :water_wave:

It gets hot and humid. Bring your own water or buy it there to stay refreshed. Reddit

A wild day at the Puerto Vallarta Zoo—one of the most unique and interactive zoos I’ve ever visited!! Located in the lush Mismaloya jungle, this zoo not only allows you to get up close and feed the animals, but it’s also deeply committed to conservation. Many of the animals here have been rescued or rehabilitated, giving them a safe space to live and thrive. One of the most amazing moments was ...
itssteffaa
19 likes • 619 views

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! Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:

The zoo is steep and hilly. Hiking or walking shoes are a must for navigating the paths. Reddit

Buy Food Bags :money_with_wings:

Feeding the animals is a highlight. Purchase extra bags for more interaction. Reddit

Hydrate! :water_wave:

It gets hot and humid. Bring your own water or buy it there to stay refreshed. Reddit

Consider a Taxi/Uber :taxi:

While some mention taxis can be critical, it's a convenient way to reach the zoo. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(3k reviews)

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

Up-close animal encounters
Hand-feeding opportunities
Cub holding experiences

What People Dislike

Steep terrain
Funding challenges

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. TikTokReddit

Unfortunately, the zoo's steep and hilly terrain makes it challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. It's best to be prepared for uneven paths. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own food and water, which can help save money. There are benches available to enjoy your meal. Reddit

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. TikTok

Mismaloya is a popular tourist area and generally considered safe. As with any travel, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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). TikTok

Yes, a VIP pass is available and highly recommended by visitors for an unparalleled animal interaction experience. It's considered well worth the cost. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Yes, Vallarta Zoo is a non-profit organization. Your visit and any purchases directly support their animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Reddit

🎫 🦁 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. TikTokInstagramReddit

Absolutely! Hand-feeding is a major highlight. You can purchase food bags to feed many of the animals, creating incredible close encounters. InstagramReddit+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The zoo is committed to conservation, with many animals being rescued or rehabilitated. They also boast the highest tiger reproduction rate in the region. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos while feeding or interacting with the animals. Holding cubs also provides unique photo opportunities. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

While not explicitly stated, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the animals' well-being. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Vallarta Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, offering an unparalleled interactive experience that kids will adore. The opportunity to feed animals and get up close with creatures like monkeys and giraffes creates lasting memories. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

❤️ Couples and Animal Lovers

For couples seeking a unique and romantic adventure, Vallarta Zoo offers an unforgettable experience. The thrill of holding a lion cub or feeding a giraffe together creates special shared moments. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While some experiences like holding cubs might have associated costs, Vallarta Zoo can still be enjoyed on a budget. Bringing your own food and water can significantly reduce on-site expenses. Reddit The admission price itself is reasonable, especially for locals and national visitors. TikTok Focus on the general admission and the joy of observing and feeding many of the animals with just one or two food bags. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Interactive Experience

Vallarta Zoo stands out from traditional zoos due to its emphasis on direct interaction with the animals. Visitors are often given bags of food to hand-feed a wide variety of species, from giraffes and ostriches to monkeys and birds. This immersive approach allows for incredibly close encounters, making it a memorable experience for all ages. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

Conservation and Animal Welfare

Vallarta Zoo operates as a non-profit organization with a strong focus on animal rescue and rehabilitation. Many of the animals housed here have been saved from difficult situations, providing them with a safe and nurturing environment. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating the Terrain and Practicalities

The zoo's location within a jungle means the terrain is naturally steep and can be challenging. Visitors consistently advise wearing comfortable walking or hiking shoes as the paths involve significant inclines and declines. Strollers and wheelchairs can be difficult to manage on these routes. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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