Petencito Zoo

An immersion into the world of wildlife in the Petén region begins at an amazing place known as Petencito Zoo. Located near the colorful city of Flores, this site is not just an animal park, but a full-fledged Environmental and Wildlife Education Center. Here, in the heart of Guatemala, conditions have been created to closely resemble the natural habitat of local species.

The park serves as an important sanctuary for the exotic inhabitants of Central America. While walking through its territory, you can encounter majestic jaguars, pumas, playful monkeys, as well as rare ocelots and raccoons. The variety of birds is particularly striking: from bright parrots to exotic species whose calls fill the tropical forest with unique sounds.

A special feature of Petencito is its landscape, which includes a botanical garden and the picturesque Lake of the Guitar. Many animals ended up here after being rescued from poachers, so a visit to the zoo is not only entertainment but also supports biodiversity conservation programs in the region. Giant slides leading directly into the waters of Lake Petén Itzá complete the park's appeal, making it a popular spot for families with children.

For more details about visiting or organizing group tours, you can use the following contact information:

The main reason to visit the park is to observe wild animals in conditions that mimic their native jungle. You can see the graceful behavior of jaguars, watch the amusing antics of monkeys, and examine exotic reptiles and turtles in detail. The first stop is usually at the "Island of Hidden Paradise," home to squirrels and vibrant parrots.

For active travelers, there are nature trails through the botanical garden. Walking along them, you can study the flora of the Petén region and reach observation decks that offer panoramic views of "Lake of the Guitar." If you want to cool off, be sure to try descending the giant water slides directly into the refreshing waters of Lake Petén Itzá—it is one of the park's most exciting activities.

The zoo is perfect for a quiet family getaway. There are picnic areas where you can rest in the shade of the trees. When heading here, don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, as the terrain is quite hilly, and be sure to bring drinking water and sunscreen for walks in open areas.

The attraction is located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center at W4HJ+9QG, Carr. a San Miguel, Flores. If you prefer walking, the journey from the central park will take quite some time: you need to head northwest, cross the bridge to the mainland, and follow the road to San Miguel, following the signs.

A more comfortable way is to take a taxi; the ride from the center takes about 10–15 minutes. You can also get there by public transport: buses or pickups head toward San Miguel from the bus terminal near the bridge. Ask the driver to stop at the turn-off for the zoo, from where it is just a short walk.

One of the most scenic ways to reach the site is by boat. Small motorboats (lanchas) depart directly from the island's waterfront and will take you to the shore near the park, allowing you to enjoy the views of Lake Petén Itzá from the water along the way.

The history of this place began in 1979, when the FYDEP organization established the park to house wild animals confiscated from poachers or rescued within the region. Originally, the project was conceived as a way to protect Petén's unique fauna and showcase it to the country's residents and guests.

A significant milestone in the park's development occurred in 1992, when management was transferred to the University of San Carlos de Guatemala. This allowed the transformation of a simple zoo into a serious educational and research center, where the emphasis is placed on studying ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.

Today, Petencito Zoo is not just a tourist attraction, but an important rehabilitation center. Most of its inhabitants arrived here after being rescued from captivity or as a result of injuries sustained in the wild, finding a safe haven here under the supervision of specialists.

For a quick tour of the main enclosures and a walk along the primary paths, 1–2 hours might be enough. However, to leisurely enjoy the tropical forest atmosphere and see all the inhabitants, it is better to set aside half a day (about 3–4 hours) for your visit.

You should allow extra time if you plan to have a picnic in the designated areas or decide to try the water slides. Given the hilly terrain and humid climate, such a relaxed pace will make your visit much more enjoyable.

The zoo welcomes guests daily, although the schedule varies slightly depending on the day of the week. Please note that on Mondays and Sundays, the doors open a bit later:

• Tuesday – Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00
• Monday and Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with exploring other interesting spots around the Tayasal Peninsula. Exploring these locations will help you learn more about ancient Mayan history and enjoy the region's natural landscapes.