Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico City
Located within the initial segment of Chapultepec Park in Mexico City, the Chapultepec Zoo (Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec) spans an impressive 17 hectares. This renowned zoo holds the distinction of being the most frequented in Mexico, drawing more than 5 million visitors annually. The visionary behind its creation was none other than the esteemed Mexican biologist, Alfonso Luis Herrera.
Inspired by the Bioparco Roma Zoo in Italy, the design of the zoo took shape, with its foundations being laid back in 1923. Interestingly, the site had once served as the game reserve for the Aztec emperor Moctezuma. Before establishing this institution, Alfonso Luis Herrera embarked on a global expedition to study various zoological parks.
The zoo houses an impressive array of creatures, including captivating avian, mammalian, and reptilian species. Spanning 17 acres, the park is thoughtfully divided into separate sections that mimic distinct climatic conditions and vegetative environments. Notably, a butterfly park within its confines showcases more than 40 native butterfly species of Mexico.
In 1972, a significant addition was made to the zoo when the People's Republic of China generously gifted two giant pandas. Among the indigenous species, visitors can marvel at the elusive volcano rabbit, the majestic Mexican wolf, the spirited howler monkey, and the powerful Jaguar.
An essential facet of the Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec is its onsite laboratory for reproductive physiology, enabling the reproduction of non-native species in captivity through both natural and artificial means.
Why You Should Visit:
Lots of cool animals and the layout makes it easy to do sections or the whole zoo.
There are many trees and shady areas, so you won't feel beaten by the sun even on a warm day.
The zoo also has a food court with everything from McDonald's, Chinese, Mexican and Domino's Pizza.
Tip:
It is best to go in the morning when animals are most active and the heat is not an issue.
The butterfly enclosure is not free, but reasonably priced, and worth the walkthrough.
Spend a few extra pesos and take a paddleboat out on the lake, too!
Inspired by the Bioparco Roma Zoo in Italy, the design of the zoo took shape, with its foundations being laid back in 1923. Interestingly, the site had once served as the game reserve for the Aztec emperor Moctezuma. Before establishing this institution, Alfonso Luis Herrera embarked on a global expedition to study various zoological parks.
The zoo houses an impressive array of creatures, including captivating avian, mammalian, and reptilian species. Spanning 17 acres, the park is thoughtfully divided into separate sections that mimic distinct climatic conditions and vegetative environments. Notably, a butterfly park within its confines showcases more than 40 native butterfly species of Mexico.
In 1972, a significant addition was made to the zoo when the People's Republic of China generously gifted two giant pandas. Among the indigenous species, visitors can marvel at the elusive volcano rabbit, the majestic Mexican wolf, the spirited howler monkey, and the powerful Jaguar.
An essential facet of the Parque Zoologico de Chapultepec is its onsite laboratory for reproductive physiology, enabling the reproduction of non-native species in captivity through both natural and artificial means.
Why You Should Visit:
Lots of cool animals and the layout makes it easy to do sections or the whole zoo.
There are many trees and shady areas, so you won't feel beaten by the sun even on a warm day.
The zoo also has a food court with everything from McDonald's, Chinese, Mexican and Domino's Pizza.
Tip:
It is best to go in the morning when animals are most active and the heat is not an issue.
The butterfly enclosure is not free, but reasonably priced, and worth the walkthrough.
Spend a few extra pesos and take a paddleboat out on the lake, too!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mexico City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Chapultepec Zoo on Map
Sight Name: Chapultepec Zoo
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mexico City, Mexico (See walking tours in Mexico City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mexico City, Mexico
Create Your Own Walk in Mexico City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mexico City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chapultepec Park Walking Tour
Nicknamed "the Lungs of Mexico City", Chapultepec Park is a vast oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the Mexican capital, sprawling over 686 hectares of land, providing a vital source of oxygen for the city. Rich in natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, throughout centuries, this park has inspired various works of literature, poetry, and visual art, further... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historic Center Food Tour
A combination of history and tradition in Mexico City permeates all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, food and drink have been an inseparable part of the city's culture. Within Mexico City's bustling historic center, you can find a variety of culinary gems that offer a taste of what we call diverse Mexican cuisine.
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One of the must-visit spots here is the San Juan Market.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
Mexico City is the oldest capital in the Americas and is one of the two founded by indigenous people. Originally known as Mexico Tenochtitlan, the city was built by the Mexicas (aka Aztecs) in 1325. According to a legend, the Mexicas' principal god, Huitzilopochtli, pointed out the site of the future settlement with an image of a golden eagle perched on a prickly pear cactus, devouring a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Zona Rosa Walking Tour
Zona Rosa, or "Pink Zone" in English, is a vibrant neighborhood near the historic center of the Mexican capital which is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. The neighborhood's name comes from the pink-colored tiles abundantly used to pave the local streets.
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The area rose to prominence in the early 20th century as a residential district for the wealthy... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Coyoacan District Walking Tour
Translated from the Nahuatle language as 鈥淭he Land of Coyotes鈥�, Coyoac谩n is a relatively quiet neighborhood in the southern part of Mexico City. Formerly a rural village, over the years Coyoac谩n has become a rich pocket of art and history in the capital, closely associated with some iconic figures of the 20th century and the tumultuous times in which they lived.
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of its most famous... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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