Many of us, if not all, have gone to zoos in different parts of the world, maybe you are lucky enough to have one in your city, we all know the “DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS!!” signs peppered generously within them. Few of us have gone to a zoo where you can feed some of the animals, I would bet none of you have ever gone to one where they actually want you to feed them!
Vallarta Zoo AC allows you to do that, but, of course, from a bag that you receive when you pay your entrance. Don’t start feeding them Doritos or chocolate! In some cases, you’ll be able to approach and caress the animals, although you should only do so when accompanied by trained personnel.
The giraffe at Vallarta Zoo wants to receive carrots from your goody bag
Another cool aspect of Puerto Vallarta Zoo is the fact that it’s in the middle of the jungle and mountains of Mismaloya, follow the paved but colorful trails, they guide you up the hill and between the areas destined to the different species of animals, birds, reptiles, and others. The shade the vegetation provides is welcome, especially in the hot season and after midday.
Where is the Zoo?
Entrance to Vallarta Zoo
Vallarta Zoo is in the valley of the town of Mismaloya surrounded by an exotic and lush tropical jungle. The town itself is located between the Mismaloya River and the mountains, a perfect backdrop for a fun, entertaining and educational family outing.
Located 25 minutes south of the romantic zone of Puerto Vallarta, about 8 miles following the federal highway 200 towards Barra de Navidad. Once you arrive at the Barceló Hotel, that’ll be on your right, there is a road that starts off on the other side of the street that goes into the town, following this main road and keeping the river on your right, there is no way to get lost and you will arrive at the zoo.
How to get to the zoo
Buses to Mismaloya and Vallarta Zoo
Car or taxi: Take the coastal highway (Carretera Federal 200) towards Barra de Navidad, once you reach the Barceló Resort, there is a speed stop, then take the road to the left and follow along keeping the river to your right, advance 800 yards and you arrive at the zoo. This would be the same route if you go in a taxi.
Public buses: The buses leave from downtown Puerto Vallarta towards Mismaloya, they start off at the intersection of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in the Romantic Zone (Old Vallarta), the orange and white buses have a sign that says Mismaloya and Boca.
At the entrance of the Barceló Resort there is a stop, there you get off the bus, that will be the place to cross the street, take the road on the other side, keep the river on your right side, pass the Tequila factory, after about 800 yards you will reach the entrance of the Zoo.
What to do and enjoy at the Zoo
Spider Monkeys at Vallarta Zoo
As we discussed, one of the main attractions of the zoo is the option to feed the species that are in it. Many times one misbehaves and throws a piece of bread or a peanut at the animals of the other zoos of the world and you feel a bit guilty, not here!
You receive small bags with a variety of healthy animal treats: carrots, corn, wheat, animal biscuits, etc. and each animal you visit has a sign that explains what they’d like to eat. I recommend feeding each animal a little bit/bite because I ran out of food quickly along the way and had to buy more (in any case they are reasonably priced).
Vallarta Zoo Antelope
Take many photos, take advantage of getting up close to the animals if there is staff offering these encounters with animals, it is not common to have that opportunity anywhere, so it’s well worth it.
Canteen at the zoo
The zoo also has a small canteen with lots of space to eat, tables and seats (inside and outside too), you can get some basic food if you are hungry. The menu includes sandwiches, tacos, burritos, burgers, nuggets, chicken wings and meats, coffee, beer and soft drinks.
Tips and useful information
Flamingos PV Zoological Garden
You have to walk quite a lot uphill and between the various animal enclosures, so put on some very comfortable shoes and take plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. There is a well-stocked store at the entrance of the zoo where you can buy what you need, the prices are very reasonable. You can also buy beverages at the canteen.
Mountain Goat Puerto Vallarta
I think it’s advisable to bring insect repellent along, though in my case I did not use it and I did not have any issues with bugs, but it will depend on the time of year you visit.
Bring sunscreen along and do not forget to reapply after a few hours or sooner if you sweat a lot, this is especially true in the dry season when the shade of the trees is less.
A trip to the zoo can be combined with a walk to Mismaloya beach, there you will also find good restaurants to eat fish and other fresh sea dishes.
Schedule and prices
Vallarta Zoo
Zoo Schedule: 9 AM and 5 PM every day of the year.
Admission for visitors over 2 years is $12 US dollars (2021: $200 pesos), kids younger than 2 years are free.
Phone: (322) 228-0501, (322) 228-0955 y (322) 228-0957
Address: Camino a El Edén 700, Mismaloya, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico C.P. 48294
More information about the zoo: www.zoologicodevallarta.com
Last Updated on 22/10/2021 by Puerto Vallarta Net
Vallarta Zoo was the 63rd Zoo that we have visited. We enjoyed it!! The walkway and continual colorful wall make for a great stroll past each exhibit. The animals were active and looked well cared for. We recommend getting the food bag! Thank you for a great time! – Richard and Marcia
Last week was the 3rd time my husband and I visitd this zoo. We love that we can get really close to some of the animals, especially some of the tigers. You are only about 9 inches face to face with some of the tigers (protected of course by 2 thick wired fences). No other zoo I’ve been to have let you get that close to a live tiger so this is great. I always buy the bags to feed the animals. You can also hold a live baby jaguar or tiger in your lap for about 15 minutes for an additional $80 USD or so which I’ve done twice.
The only other comment I’ve like to add is that they should advertise this zoo more by having more billboards plastered around town especially near the cruise ship terminals and buses since the zoo is located in a remote area of town and not many people know about it. I only found out about this zoo from a small sign near the cruise terminal 4 years ago, otherwise would never have known about this place.
Glad you enjoyed your trip, you are completely right about the promotional part being an issue. That’s why I created this section in the site years ago, trying to help them for free (of course). Greetings and thanks for your comments and time.
hola..
i sponsor a couple kids with the not for profit vallarta abuelos. i want to bring the kids to the tilt museum today and maybe a bigger group on saturday. do you offer any discounts for today or this weekend.. The museum looks really cool… gracias. Cayenne
You’ll need to contact the Zoo directly. Use the contact info on their website.
Greetings
PVNet Webmaster
Holaaa… I’ve been to your wonderful zoo many, many times. It’s been a good while I haven’t been in Mexico & I think about Boris a lot these pasts week. I would like to know if he is still there and feeling happy. Kind thank you – I spent a lot of time with him & miss him dearly. Gracia ✨️🙏🦒✨️
Is the Zoo wheelchair accessible. I understand inclines exist.