Parque Animaya
A vibrant zoo in Merida offering free admission, affordable safari rides, and a new felinario with rescued big cats.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Parque Animaya
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant zoo in Merida offering free admission, affordable safari rides, and a new felinario with rescued big cats.
"Free admission and super cheap activities make this a must-visit for families and budget travelers!"
🦟 Wear Long Pants!
Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in warmer months. Long pants are a must to avoid bites.
🎟️ Book Activity Tickets Early
Safari train & catamaran rides are cheap (5 pesos) but sell out. Buy tickets upon arrival for later slots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balam Balam Felinario
New Feline Enclosure
Marvel at rescued tigers, lions, jaguars, and a rare black panther in this stunning new habitat.
Capybara Encounters
Epiphyte Garden
Get up close with the famously chill capybaras, a visitor favorite.
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Safari Train Adventure
Zoo Grounds
Experience a budget-friendly safari ride, offering unique animal viewing opportunities.
+1
Mayan Stele Observation Tower
Main Entrance Area
Climb this iconic tower for panoramic views of the zoo and surrounding area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Activities & Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Wear Long Pants!
Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in warmer months. Long pants are a must to avoid bites.
🎟️ Book Activity Tickets Early
Safari train & catamaran rides are cheap (5 pesos) but sell out. Buy tickets upon arrival for later slots.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Shaded
Merida's heat is no joke. Carry water and utilize shaded benches and shelters.
☔ Prepare for Rain
During rainy season, head to the food hall or shelters if showers start. Rides may be canceled.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Wear Long Pants!
Mosquitoes are prevalent, especially in warmer months. Long pants are a must to avoid bites.
🎟️ Book Activity Tickets Early
Safari train & catamaran rides are cheap (5 pesos) but sell out. Buy tickets upon arrival for later slots.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Shaded
Merida's heat is no joke. Carry water and utilize shaded benches and shelters.
☔ Prepare for Rain
During rainy season, head to the food hall or shelters if showers start. Rides may be canceled.
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see all the animals and attractions.
♿ Wheelchair Access
Wheelchair rentals might be available near the entrance for those needing assistance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parque Animaya for its free admission and affordable activities, making it a great value. The zoo is noted for its well-kept animals and engaging exhibits, particularly the new felinario and the popular capybaras. While the heat and mosquitoes can be a concern, practical tips like wearing long pants and visiting during cooler hours help mitigate these issues.
"We visited with 2 adults, 1 senior, and 3 children (ages 7, 9, and 11), and it was enjoyable for all ages. My elderly father, who has some difficulty walking, was able to complete the entire loop even in the afternoon heat by taking breaks on the shaded benches along the way. I heard there may be free wheelchair rentals available near the front entrance, which could be a good option for those who need extra support.
A big tip: wear pants! We made the mistake of wearing shorts and got bitten a lot by mosquitoes, even after applying repellent.
When you enter through the main gate and walk toward the tall lookout tower, there’s a booth on the right where you can buy tickets for the train and catamaran. We arrived at 11am, but the earliest train tickets available were after 2:30pm, which is also the time it often rains in late September. Tickets are just 5 pesos per person, but I saw some guests trying unsuccessfully to get refunds when rides were canceled due to rain. The catamaran boat ride was not operating on the day we visited.
If you take the right-hand path from the entrance (facing the lookout tower), you’ll see the animal enclosures first. If you go left, you’ll reach the train station, water park, amusement rides, games, and food area. If you’re visiting during rainy season, it’s smart to head toward the large food hall at the sight of rain, which has plenty of covered seating and washrooms. Beyond that area, by the amusement rides, there’s also one larger shelter with benches. These covered spots are lifesavers for families with young kids or seniors who can’t dash quickly when the rain starts"
Maria Cheung
"It's always nice to visit Animaya, the trails are relaxing and seeing all the animals (very well kept) is always special. They recently finished the big cat area which is gorgeous, they did an awesome job creating the tree shades for all their resident felines."
Alfonso Medellin
"It is a really amazing zoo with a lot of beautiful animals with exhibits that let you get very close up to some of the large cats."
Michael J. Zimprich
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parque Animaya is located in Ciudad Caucel, west of downtown Merida. You can take a local bus or a taxi/ride-sharing service. The journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Parque Animaya, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, local buses serve the area around Parque Animaya. Check with local transport authorities for the most current routes and schedules.
The park is generally accessible, with paved paths. Some areas might be more challenging for those with mobility issues, but there are shaded benches for resting.
For visiting multiple parks like Animaya, Centenario, and Parque Extremo, the 'Circuito Aventura' offers a free route on Saturdays and Sundays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Parque Animaya is free! However, specific activities like the safari train and catamaran rides have a small fee, typically around 5 pesos per person.
The safari train and catamaran rides are very affordable, usually costing around 5 pesos per person. It's recommended to purchase these tickets upon arrival as they can sell out. +1
The park is generally open daily, but specific attraction hours can vary. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date operating times, especially for the safari train and catamaran.
Refund policies can be strict. Some visitors have reported difficulty getting refunds for canceled rides due to rain. It's advisable to check the policy when purchasing tickets.
While admission is free, specific activities have a small fee. The 'Circuito Aventura' offers free transport between parks on weekends.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the new Balam Balam felinario with lions and tigers, the popular capybaras, and various other mammals and reptiles. The safari offers a great way to see many animals.
Besides animal exhibits, you can enjoy a safari train ride, a catamaran boat ride on the lake, a water park, amusement rides, and games.
Absolutely! Families love Animaya. The zoo is engaging for kids, and activities like the safari train and water park are big hits.
To fully explore the park and enjoy the activities, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you want a more leisurely visit, a full day is recommended.
Yes, there are numerous shaded benches throughout the park, and larger covered shelters are available, especially useful during rainy weather.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are food stands offering snacks like tacos and ice cream, as well as a larger food hall with covered seating.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally permissible to bring your own snacks and water, which can be a budget-friendly option.
You can find typical park fare like tacos, ice cream, and other quick snacks.
There is a large food hall with plenty of covered seating, which is also a good spot to take shelter during rain.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but taco stands often offer vegetable-based fillings. It's best to inquire directly at the food stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The new felinario offers incredible opportunities to photograph big cats. The capybara enclosures and the observation tower also provide great photo ops.
Many exhibits are designed for close viewing, especially the big cats in the felinario. The safari train also allows for unique perspectives.
A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing details of animals from a distance. Some visitors have had success with lenses like Canon's 800mm F/11 for close-up shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Be mindful of flash photography, as it can disturb the animals.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and often more active animals, making for better photographic conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
) are particular highlights for younger visitors. Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider the mosquito repellent and long pants tip to ensure a comfortable experience. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The safari train provides unique angles for wildlife photography, and the observation tower offers panoramic views. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The New Balam Balam Felinario
The design of the felinario focuses on creating naturalistic habitats, providing ample shade and enrichment for the animals. Visitors can get remarkably close to these magnificent creatures, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate their beauty and power. The investment in this new attraction highlights the zoo's commitment to conservation and providing a high-quality environment for its residents. It's quickly become a major draw for visitors, offering a thrilling and educational experience that emphasizes the importance of protecting these endangered species.
Budget-Friendly Adventures: Safari & Catamaran
Complementing the safari train is the catamaran boat ride on the park's lake, which also costs around 5 pesos. This offers a different perspective of the zoo, with opportunities to see animals from the water.
Capybara Charm and Other Animal Encounters
+1 While they might be found in the epiphyte garden, it's worth asking staff for their exact location as they can be elusive. Beyond the capybaras, the zoo houses a diverse range of animals. You can observe various mammals, reptiles, and birds in well-maintained exhibits.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit