Description
Parque Ecológico Zacango (often called Zacango Zoo) is located in Calimaya, State of Mexico, about 10 km from Toluca and roughly 90 minutes by car from Mexico City, depending on traffic. It’s built on the historic grounds of the old Hacienda de Zacango and spans around 159 hectares, with about 32 hectares developed as zoological space. Opened in 1980 and declared a Protected Natural Area in 1981, the park offers a unique combination of wildlife, conservation education, and historic architecture.
The zoo is home to over 700 animals representing global biodiversity, organized across themed zones. These include areas for primates (like orangutans and lemurs), large carnivores (such as lions, tigers, and jaguars), birds, herbivores, reptiles, and an African savannah section. There's also a petting farm for children, a natural history museum, educational centres, playgrounds, a small lake, and scenic walking paths. A visitor train, food courts, and souvenir stands round out the experience, making it ideal for families and school groups.
Parque Zacango is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last ticket sold at 4:00 PM. General admission costs around MXN 100 for adults and MXN 50 for children, with free entry for kids under 1 meter tall and seniors with ID. Special animal interaction experiences (like feeding giraffes or elephants) are available for an extra fee. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers due to changing mountain weather, and consider arriving early to make the most of the day. There is parking available on-site and facilities like restrooms and food stands throughout the park.