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Best zoo destinations in South America

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Rio de Janeiro
The heartbeat of Brazil's coast
8.1
Lear's macaw, harpy eagle, maned wolf and king vulture are among the rare animals at RioZoo. It holds over 1,300 animals from 350 species. The zoo moved to Quinta da Boa Vista in the São Cristóvão district on 18 March 1945. Its grounds cover about 14 acres.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic sands of Copacabana Beach
  • ✝️ Stand before Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain
  • 🚠 Take the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking views
Lima
Historic Charm Meets Coastal Vibes
7.3
Felipe Benavides Barreda founded Parque de las Leyendas in 1964 in the San Miguel District. The grounds cover about 240 acres. Visitors can see roughly 2,071 animals from 215 species. The park also features archaeological museums, which add a historical stop to the animal viewing.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Stroll the scenic Malecón along the Pacific coast
  • 🎨 Visit the Museo Larco for ancient Peruvian art
  • 🏛️ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and Cathedral
São Paulo
A vibrant mix of culture and cuisine
8.0
Inaugurated on 16 March 1958 with 445 animals, the zoo now holds more than 3,200 animals from 444 species. Guinness has recognised it as the largest zoo in Brazil since 1994. The park stands on former Atlantic Forest and contains the spring of the Ipiranga Brook.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Admire street art at colorful Beco do Batman
  • 🌳 Relax in vast green Ibirapuera Park with museums
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk vibrant Paulista Avenue, heart of São Paulo
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
7.4
A funicular from 1925 climbs a 45 degree incline from Barrio Bellavista with a stop at the National Zoo. The zoo lies inside the 1,780 acre Metropolitan Park on San Cristóbal Hill. Its animals represent 158 species. The summit with the Virgin Mary statue lies further up.
Highlights:
  • 🎨 Stroll through the colorful alleys of Barrio Bellavista and enjoy local art
  • ⛪ Explore the historic Plaza de Armas and its stunning cathedral
  • 🚠 Ride the cable car up Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping city views
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
8.1
A zoo founded in 1888 in Palermo became an ecopark in 2018. The city closed the zoo in 2016 and relocated most animals to nature reserves. More than 40 heritage buildings were refurbished, including the Casa de los Osos and the Pabellón de la Jirafa. The site covers about 44 acres.
Highlights:
  • 🎭 Tour the grand Teatro Colón and admire its opulence
  • 🎨 Stroll through colorful Caminito Street in La Boca
  • 💃 Watch a passionate tango performance in San Telmo
Bogotá
Vibrant Culture in the Andean Highlands
7.1
No zoo lies inside the urban perimeter, so animal outings head out of town. Santa Cruz Zoo in San Antonio del Tequendama is about 45 minutes away. Jaime Duque Park lies at kilometre 34 of the Autopista Norte. Its zoo has about 200 species and houses rescued wildlife.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Stroll through historic La Candelaria neighborhood
  • 🏛️ Explore the Museo del Oro with pre-Hispanic gold
  • ⛰️ Take in panoramic city views from Mount Monserrate
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