The Zoológico Municipal de Fauna Sudamericana Noel Kempff Mercado is a municipal zoo in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, with animal areas that include an Amazon aviary, aquarium and serpentarium.
- Location: Avenida Noel Kempff Mercado, between the second and third ring roads.
- Visiting pattern: Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Guided visits: Bs 20 per guide for groups of up to 30; allow 2–3 hours.
What to expect at the municipal zoo
The zoo combines South American wildlife areas with attractions including an aviary, aquarium, farm, Monkey Island, wetland area and serpentarium. Its guided-visit circuits cover endemic and endangered birds; the Amazon aviary and aquarium; jaguars and other animals; and diverse fauna with the serpentarium.
Among the animals named by the zoo are the Andean condor, harpy eagle and pejichi, or giant armadillo, as well as owls, smaller felines, foxes, reptiles and exotic birds. A food court and gift shop are also visitor services. The zoo holds workshops, talks and educational events on conservation, biodiversity and sustainability throughout the year.
The zoo opened on 19 August 1979 under Municipal Ordinance No. 007/73. If you’re adding another nature stop to your plans, the Santa Cruz Botanical Garden visitor guide covers a separate outing.
How do you get to the zoo?
The zoo is on Avenida Noel Kempff Mercado, between Santa Cruz’s second and third ring roads.
A third-party transit listing identifies bus lines 21, 38, 40, 41 and 42 as passing near the zoo, with line 21 stopping about a 2-minute walk from Avenida Noel Kempff Mercado. Transit routes can change; this guide to getting around Santa Cruz de la Sierra covers broader route planning around the city.
Opening hours, tickets and visitor rules
Admission for children is Bs 5; the pages give the adult rate as Bs 15, with the guided-visits information specifying Bs 5 for ages 3–10 and Bs 15 for visitors aged 11 and older.
Foreign visitors pay Bs 25, while older adults and people with disabilities enter free. Check the official site before you go, especially to confirm admission details.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00–17:30
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Guided visits cost Bs 20 per guide for groups of up to 30 people and last 2–3 hours. The zoo requests reservations 48 hours in advance. For questions, contact the administrative office at zoodir_administrativa@gmsantacruz.gob.bo.
Do not bring food or pets, touch or feed animals, or damage signs and green areas. Visitors must stay off the green areas, and flash photography is prohibited in the aquarium, serpentarium and nocturnal-bird areas.
Planning a visit with children
For a family visit, consider choosing a guided circuit that matches the animals and areas your group wants to see. The zoo recommends bringing insect repellent, a hat and water; remember that visitors cannot bring food inside.
Guided visits provide a defined 2–3-hour plan, but you’ll need to arrange a reservation 48 hours ahead. The child admission rate applies to ages 3–10; visitors aged 11 and older pay the adult rate.
For a zoo visit, guest rooms at Buganvillas Hotel Suites & Spa offer a place to stay about 16 minutes by car from the zoo.
FAQs
Where is the Noel Kempff Mercado zoo?
It is on Avenida Noel Kempff Mercado, between the second and third ring roads, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
What days is the zoo open?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday.
Can you book a guided visit?
Yes. Guided visits cost Bs 20 per guide for groups of up to 30, last 2–3 hours and require reservations requested 48 hours ahead.
What should visitors avoid doing?
Do not feed or touch animals, bring food or pets, damage signs or green areas, or use flash in the aquarium, serpentarium or nocturnal-bird areas.