Benito Juarez Zoo - Park

🦁 A Jungle in the Heart of Morelia 🦒

If you're traveling with children (or if you have a child inside you), this is the ultimate stop. Located south of the city, the Benito Juarez Zoo - Park It is not just a place to see animals; it is an institution with history and one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in all of Latin America.

Fundado el September 30, 1970, this place was born from a curious dream: its precursor, Jesús Guzmán Villicaña, was inspired after working on Disneyland and proposed creating an amusement park in Morelia. The project evolved, and thanks to Governor Carlos Rodríguez Betancourt, the old and traditional “Parque Juárez” was transformed into a home for thousands of species.

🏆 Why is it so important?

This is not local exaggeration. The figures for this zoo are impressive on a continental level:

• Variety: Alberga más de 3,800 specimens of 440 different species.

• Record in Birds: It boasts the largest bird collection in all of Latin America. If you love birdwatching, this is your paradise.

• Primates and Felines: Its collection of 23 species of monkeys and 10 of big cats stands out (including 6 species that inhabit Mexico, such as the jaguar).

🗺️ Much more than cages: The Experiences

The zoo is huge and designed for spending the whole day there. Here's what you shouldn't miss:

1. The Aquarium and Herpetarium: An underwater world with 160 species of fish and a reptile zone that fascinates (and scares a little) the brave.
2. The Mexican Jungle: One of the newest and most beautiful areas, dedicated to national flora and fauna.
3. The Lake: The park has a natural lake where you can rent pedal boats to cruise peacefully while watching ducks and geese.
4. The Little Train: An absolute classic. There are two options: the overland train (on wheels) and the elevated train (on rails) that circles the park. It's the best way to get your bearings when you arrive!

🐒 For Little Explorers

Besides seeing the elephants and giraffes (everyone's favorites!), the park has interactive areas:

• Ranchito (Children's Zoo): Where children can get up close and touch farm animals like baby goats and piglets.

• The Haunted Cabin: A crooked house where gravity doesn't seem to work (laughter guaranteed).

• Games and Walks: From pony rides to children's play areas and the classic photo in the carts pulled by goats (a Morelia tradition of decades).

📍 Why visit it from Pátzcuaro?

It's the perfect family outing. It's only 45-50 minutes from Pátzcuaro and offers full amenities (restaurants, restrooms, picnic areas). Tip from Visit Pátzcuaro: The zoo is large and involves a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. If you're going on a weekend, arrive early (it opens at 10:00 am) to see the animals at their most active and avoid the midday heat.