Located in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Parque Zoológico La Aurora offers you a chance to explore one of the largest urban green spaces in the entire city. When you visit this expansive zoological park, you will discover three distinct geographic zones featuring animals from Asia, the Americas, and Africa. It provides an inviting green escape right in the urban center, making it a memorable stop during your journey through the region.
Founded in 1924 in the southern part of Guatemala City, the zoo originally formed part of a massive entertainment zone called Parque Reforma, which once included several parks, museums, and a historic hippodrome. Over time, as a nearby airfield expanded into La Aurora International Airport, the park's overall footprint was significantly reduced, leading to the demolition of the hippodrome in 2007. Despite these changes over the decades, the surrounding area still holds fascinating historical elements for observant travelers, including the remains of an ancient viaduct located right in the park's vicinity.
Whether you are interested in observing wildlife from three different continents or simply appreciating the unique historical evolution of this historic green space, a stroll through La Aurora Zoo connects you with both nature and local Guatemalan history.
What to see at La Aurora Zoo
- Explore one of Guatemala City's largest urban green spaces.
- Observe diverse animals across three areas representing Asia, the Americas, and Africa.
- Discover a site with rich history dating back to its founding in 1924.
- Look for the remains of an ancient viaduct located in the park's vicinity.
Visiting tips
Keep an eye out for the nearby remains of an ancient viaduct while visiting the park grounds.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
La Aurora Zoo is easy to reach on Guatemala City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kaminaljuyu and Da'wah Mosque of Guatemala. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Guatemala City travel guide.
See the full Guatemala City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.