One of Brazil's largest zoos, set within a preserved stretch of Atlantic Forest in the south of the city, home to more than 3,000 animals including jaguars, Bengal tigers and native Brazilian species across wooded, naturalistic enclosures.
The Zoológico de São Paulo sits in the Água Funda district in the south of the city, occupying roughly 824,000 square meters of preserved Mata Atlântica (Atlantic Forest), Brazil's most endangered biome, making the setting itself as much a draw as the animals. Winding forest paths connect naturalistic enclosures housing more than 3,000 animals from around 300 species, including jaguars, Bengal tigers, Sumatran orangutans, Brazilian tapirs, giant otters and a large collection of native birds; a walk-through aviary and a reptile house are among the most visited sections. The zoo's lake area, crossed by wooden bridges, is a good vantage point for photographing free-ranging capybaras and waterfowl that share the grounds with the enclosed exhibits. A full visit takes three to four hours on foot given the size of the property and the amount of shaded walking between exhibit clusters; a mini-train and golf-cart style transport are available for an extra fee for visitors who want to cover ground faster. Feeding times for big cats and primates, posted at the entrance, draw the largest crowds and are worth timing a visit around. Weekday mornings soon after the 9AM opening are markedly quieter and cooler than weekend afternoons, when the zoo is a popular family outing for São Paulo residents and queues can build at the ticket gates and popular enclosures.
| Admission | Adult R$62 (approx $12.09) · Child R$31 ages 4-12 (approx $6.04), free under 4 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 9AM-5PM |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Weekday mornings for cooler weather and smaller crowds |
| Getting there | Metro Line 1 (Blue) Jabaquara, then a bus toward Av. Miguel Estéfano |
| Address | Av. Miguel Estéfano, 4241 - Água Funda, São Paulo - SP, 04301-905, Brazil |
Location
Av. Miguel Estéfano, 4241 - Água Funda, São Paulo - SP, 04301-905, Brazil
-23.6529, -46.6219 View on map
Highlights
- Jaguar and Bengal tiger enclosures set within native Atlantic Forest
- Walk-through aviary with native Brazilian bird species
- Free-ranging capybaras and waterfowl around the central lake
- Reptile house and primate island exhibits
- Scheduled big-cat and primate feeding sessions
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets online in advance to skip the entrance queue on weekends
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the paths cover several kilometers of forested terrain
- Check the posted feeding-time schedule at the entrance and plan a route around it
- Consider the mini-train or cart transport for visitors with limited mobility or young children
- Combine a visit with the adjacent Jardim Botânico de São Paulo, reachable by a short walk or shuttle
When to visit
Weekday mornings shortly after the 9AM opening offer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds than weekend afternoons.
Accessibility
Main paths are paved and wheelchair-accessible, though some forested side trails have uneven surfaces; wheelchairs can be rented at the entrance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Most visitors need three to four hours to see the main exhibits, given the size of the forested grounds.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the zoo is a popular family destination with wide paths, a mini-train option, and scheduled animal feedings that appeal to children.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is permitted throughout the grounds, including near the enclosures and the central lake.