Good afternoon everyone. Earlier today, I wrote about our stay at the Courtyard Marriott Guatemala City and a nearby restaurant I loved. During our short stay in Guatemala City, we also walked to the 93 years young Guatemala City Zoo, which was a ~25 minute walk from our hotel. If you are not up for an adventurous walk across and along bustling city streets, you could take a 10-15 minute taxi ride to the zoo. Admission to the zoo is incredibly cheap and adults are 32 Guatemalan Quetzals (~$4.36) and kids under 12 years old are 15 Guatemalan Quetzals (~$2.04). As of January 23, 2018, $1.00 = 7.33 Guatemalan Quetzals. The zoo is closed on Mondays, but we went on Tuesday and there were no crowds. There were probably more animals than people in the zoo when we arrived. The zoo is pretty big and is divided into different regions. The main entrance is through the Africa region.
Here is a quick photo op with some of my very distant relatives.
There were probably 10 different species of apes in the zoo, but here is a short video I took of the monkeys running and playing. I loved watching the little baby monkey pull the tire swing with his tail. So cute.
Here are some of my favorite photos from the zoo. Look how big the hippo yawned – I don’t think I’ve ever yawned that big in my life. If you have a favorite animal, chances are that it will be at the zoo.
I felt bad that the zoo was so empty, so I bought this zebra magnet for 25 Guatemalan Quetzals (~$3.41) to support the zoo (and help feed the animals).
The zoo is a 5-10 minute drive from the airport, so if you have a long layover at the Guatemala City International Airport (GUA) or a few free hours during your time in Guatemala City, please stop by this amazing zoo and see the animals. If you have any questions about the zoo, please leave a comment below. Have a great day everyone!
P.S. If you are heading to the San Diego Zoo anytime soon, check out my post on how to maximize your fun at that zoo.
Here are all parts of my Central / South America trip:
- Adios Amigos! I’m Traveling Around Central / South America (LPB, UYU, GUA, SAL, MGA & LIR)
- PSA / Tip: Always Bring a Pen When You Travel
- Riding the Cable Cars (Mi Teleférico) Around La Paz, Bolivia for Under $3
- Salar de Uyuni: Bolivia’s Magical, Mirror-like Salt Flat Oasis (2018 Dakar Rally & Crazy Photos)
- PSA: Check Existing Airline Confirmations for Cancelled Flights a Few Days Before Travel
- Hotel Review: Courtyard Marriott Guatemala City & Amazing Guatemalan Restaurant Nearby (Casa Chapina)
- Visit the Amazing (93 Years Young) Guatemala City Zoo for $5
- Hotel Review: Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel (Great Location, Lounge & Breakfast)
- Day Trip: San Salvador Volcano & Restaurant La Pupusa Loka
- PSA: Get Yellow Fever Vaccine Before Visiting Nicaragua (& Some Other Central / South American Countries)
- My Incredible 14 Seat Cessna Flight from San Jose (SJO) to Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR)
- Andaz Papagayo Resort Part 1: The Resort is Beautiful
- Andaz Papagayo Resort Part 2: The Room was Great
- Andaz Papagayo Resort Part 3: The Food is Expensive, but Delicious
It’s probably the best zoo in Central America. The penguins are relatively new. When I was there three or four years ago, that exhibit had just opened, and the Guatemalan kids I had with me were so excited to see them.
Guatemala City usually gets a bad rap, and most tourists head immediately out to Antigua or Lake Atitlan, but the zoo, the relief map, the presidential palace, and some of the museums (Popul Vuh is not huge, but is very nice) are very much worth one’s time. Uber has made the city much easier to get around in.
I’m glad at least 1 other person enjoyed going to the Guatemala City Zoo. The penguins were fun to watch :)
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