This animal park has been a part of Buenos Aires since 1888. Today it offers a modern zoo experience focusing on conservation.

Buenos Aires Zoo is home to over 2,500 animals set over 45 acres (18 hectares) in the city’s famous Palermo neighborhood. When it was first opened, the zoo’s goal was to bring as many exotic animals to the people of Argentina as possible.

Now, with its goals refocused for the 21st century, it aims to be a world leader in conservation and animal protection. The enclosures have been expanded and modernized from their original form in accordance with the new goals of the zoo, allowing animals to live in enclosures more closely aligned to their natural habitats.

The zoo hosts more than 3 million people a year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Argentina.

There are two main entrances to the zoo. Coming from the Plaza Italia entrance, head to the right and visit the reptile house and aquarium, where you’ll find species from across the globe. Next door are the spectacled bears, which are the only bears native to South America. Wander across to the big cats and elephants for a look at some of Africa’s largest animals.

Lakes and small islands are dotted throughout the zoo and are home to monkeys and birds that roam freely. There are also feeding stations at some of the enclosures where you can hand feed the animals for a small fee. Kids will love feeding the camels and zebras, so be sure to pick up some food.

Some of the more exotic animals include kangaroos, and the common and pygmy varieties of African hippos. Towards the far end of the zoo, the rain forest exhibition has waterfalls and a large elevated bridge that takes you up into the trees. Here you will see some of the largest birds from the Amazon, and some of its strangest and smallest mammals.

Buenos Aires Zoo is best reached by public transport, and is open every day except Mondays. There is an admission fee and some of the larger exhibitions attract a small additional fee.