ZOOMAT

Imagine walking through a real tropical forest, where amazing jungle inhabitants hide behind every turn. We are talking about the famous ZOOMAT Zoo, which officially bears the name of Miguel Álvarez del Toro. This unique attraction is located in the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez and is the pride of the state of Chiapas.

Unlike traditional zoos, ZOOMAT is part of the El Zapotal nature reserve. The special feature of this place is that Mexico is represented here exclusively by its local fauna. You won't find elephants or giraffes here, but you will be able to get to know the rarest animals that live only in this region and the neighboring states.

The park is recognized as one of the best in Latin America thanks to its approach to environmental conservation and education. It is not just a place for entertainment, but an important scientific center where they care for the preservation of endangered species and teach visitors to respect the fragile world of the tropics.

For more details before your visit or to contact the administration, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that the primary information is provided in Spanish.

The main pleasure at ZOOMAT is walking along the winding paths immersed in thick tropical greenery. This creates a complete sense of immersion in the wild. Along the route, you can see graceful jaguars, pumas, secretive ocelots, and rare Baird's tapirs. Watching spider monkeys skillfully move through the tree canopies invariably delights visitors of all ages.

For lovers of the exotic, separate pavilions are open—reptile and insect houses—where you can see crocodiles, turtles, and unusual inhabitants of the microworld in detail. But the true jewel of the collection is the bird aviaries. ZOOMAT is the only place in the world that successfully keeps and breeds quetzals in captivity—birds with incredible emerald plumage that were considered sacred by the ancient Maya.

In addition to animal watching, you can visit the media hall and library on the zoo grounds, which feature interesting facts about the nature of Chiapas. And when it's time to rest, stop by the local cafe or have a small break in the specially equipped picnic areas. It is the perfect place to spend a day with the whole family, enjoying the peace and fresh air.

Reaching this natural corner is easy. ZOOMAT Zoo is located on Calzada Cerro Hueco, in the Colonia Zapotal district, on the picturesque outskirts of the city. The fastest and most comfortable way is by taxi from the city center. The trip will take about 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.

For those who prefer budget options, local buses and minibuses (collectivos) heading towards El Zapotal are available. This is a great way to experience local flavor and save on travel. The route passes through the city's green zones, setting the mood for an encounter with nature.

There is an entrance fee, but the cost is quite symbolic: for foreign tourists, it is about 20 Mexican pesos. There is parking for private cars at the entrance, as well as comfortable rest areas where you can catch your breath after the journey.

The history of this place began in 1942, when it was founded as a modest city zoological park. However, true recognition came later when the institution was renamed in honor of Miguel Álvarez del Toro. This outstanding Mexican scientist dedicated his life to studying and protecting the unique ecosystem of the state of Chiapas, making the zoo a benchmark for conservation activities.

From its very beginning, ZOOMAT aimed not just to display animals, but to conduct deep scientific work. The zoo became an important educational center where entire generations of Mexicans learned to love and respect their native nature. Here, animals are not just kept; they are provided with conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.

One of the park's most brilliant achievements occurred in 2003. That year, the zoo staff succeeded for the first time in the world in breeding the legendary quetzal—the sacred bird of the Maya—in captivity. This event was a true breakthrough in ornithology, and today, some of the birds raised here are regularly released into the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve to restore the natural population.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the park's territory is quite extensive and invites leisurely walks. To fully explore all the enclosures, reptile houses, and rest in the shade of tropical trees, you will typically need 2 to 4 hours.

If you are a photography enthusiast or traveling with children, your stay may be longer. It is recommended to come in the first half of the day when the animals are most active and the heat is not yet too exhausting. Half a day is the ideal format for visiting ZOOMAT, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Mexico's wild nature without rushing.

When planning your visit to the zoo, it is important to remember that it is closed on Mondays for maintenance and animal rest. On other days, the park's doors are hospitably open from morning until mid-afternoon.

Opening hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 16:00

If you still have energy after walking the tropical trails of the zoo, exploring the surroundings of Tuxtla Gutiérrez will bring plenty of new impressions. The El Zapotal district and its adjacent neighborhoods offer several interesting locations for nature lovers and active family recreation.

In the immediate vicinity, you can find natural hills for hiking, as well as specialized aquariums or play parks that will complement your tourist itinerary through the capital of the state of Chiapas.