Zoo Payo Obispo

Payo Obispo Zoo is more than just a place for a stroll; it’s a true nature reserve in the heart of Chetumal. As one of the oldest zoological parks Mexico has to offer, it is fully dedicated to preserving the unique wildlife of the Yucatan Peninsula. This cozy space features regional animal species living in spacious enclosures amidst lush tropical vegetation.

One of the park's main highlights is its educational mission. It regularly hosts interactive workshops and presentations that help visitors better understand the fragile biodiversity of the state of Quintana Roo. For tourists, this is a wonderful opportunity to see local birds and animals in an environment that closely resembles their home.

The atmosphere here is perfect for a leisurely family holiday. A special train runs through the grounds, allowing you to comfortably explore every corner of the park and observe the animals from different perspectives. It’s the ideal combination of educational tourism and outdoor relaxation.

For more information about your visit or to organize group tours, you can use the contact details provided below:

An encounter with the amazing inhabitants of the Mexican jungle and exotic lands awaits you at this zoo. Be sure to stop by and see the Bengal tiger named Simba and meet the gentle hippo, Mai. Among the dense greenery, you can spot graceful jaguars, playful spider monkeys, and vibrant Yucatan parrots, which are the pride of the collection.

Beyond animal watching, the park offers a wealth of other activities. You can visit the greenhouse with exotic plants, take a romantic boat ride, or go horseback riding. Children will be delighted to feed the fish in special fountains. Nature lovers will appreciate the region's unique flora: the park is home to majestic ceiba trees, chechen, and precious mahogany.

If you get hungry, convenient paths throughout the park lead to cozy relaxation areas. Many visitors prefer to have a small picnic in the shade of tropical trees, enjoying the peace and birdsong between visits to the enclosures.

The zoological park is located at Avenida Insurgentes, 17 de Octubre. Since the site is situated directly within the city limits of Chetumal, getting there is easy by both private car and public transport.

The most convenient and fastest way for tourists is a taxi from the city center. The trip will only take a few minutes. If you prefer to travel independently, use these GPS coordinates: 18.52144, -88.30321. Parking spaces are usually available near the entrance.

For those looking for a more local experience, you can use city buses or minibuses heading toward the 17 de Octubre neighborhood. However, keep in mind that the zoo's territory is quite extensive, so it is most comfortable to arrive directly at the main gate by car.

Payo Obispo Zoo began its history in 1980. Over more than 40 years of existence, it has transformed from a modest municipal park into a significant center for the conservation of Quintana Roo's biodiversity. The creation of this site was driven by the authorities' desire to protect the region's unique flora and fauna and make it accessible for study by local residents.

Over the decades, the zoo has evolved, implementing modern standards for animal welfare. One of the institution's key tasks has always been environmental education. Thanks to the work of qualified specialists—biologists and veterinarians—the park has become an important base for scientific research and wildlife rehabilitation.

Today, the park is considered a true source of pride for the city, reflecting the region's commitment to environmental protection. Here, animals are not just on display; they are provided with conditions that closely mimic their natural habitat, making it one of the most respected zoological institutions in this part of the country.

To see all the enclosures without rushing, walk through the shady alleys, and enjoy the attractions, it is recommended to set aside 2 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time for a leisurely introduction to the park's inhabitants and a short break in the picnic areas.

If you plan to visit the zoo with children, the time may increase due to the train ride, boat trips, or participation in interactive workshops. For a family visit, it's best to plan for half a day to fully enjoy the atmosphere of this green oasis.

When planning your visit, please note that the zoo is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. On these days, the park's doors are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Monday and Tuesday are officially days off, when technical staff maintain the grounds and care for the animals.

The highest influx of tourists is observed in the morning hours, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, so if you want to enjoy a peaceful walk, it's worth arriving closer to lunch. Remember that the entrance closes at 4:00 PM, so try to arrive in advance.

A visit to the zoo can easily be combined with a walk to other interesting places in the city, as many leisure and educational locations are concentrated in this area.